SLO couple transformed a horse ranch into a bed and breakfast. See all the romantic touches

Thirty years ago, the San Luis Obispo ranch owned by Alan and Rebecca Vander Horst was home to prized Arabian horses. Now it’s brides, not bridles, that grace its guest quarters.

The couple purchased La Lomita Ranch in 2011 and moved into a home located on the property the following year.

They owned 160 acres at the time which, with an additional land purchase, is now 240 acres. On it sit multiple structures, a large pond, 5.4 acres of grape vines and Islay Hill in its entirety.

The show barn and horse stalls had been used for storage for many years and were in disrepair. Unlike the main house, which was Scandinavian in style, the equestrian structures had white stucco and red tile roofs — features that Rebecca Vander Horst found inspiring.

“I looked past its disrepair and saw it had potential,” she said. “You stand out in the courtyard where it’s so beautiful and quiet — it seemed like California romantica epitomized.”

What is California romantica?

California romantica, as explained in a book of the same name written by film star Diane Keaton, is a style that combines California mission and Spanish colonial architecture. Its hallmarks are traditional Spanish materials, minimal color and contrasting dark and light materials.

Vander Horst formulated a plan to transform the barn and horse stalls into a Spanish-style bed and breakfast with space for weddings and special events.

She used architect Warren Hamrick of Pismo Beach, builder The Main Company of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo landscape architect Terry Lee to execute her vision. Karen Armitage of San Luis Obispo created concept drawings.

The team reworked the barn and stalls, both inside and out. They installed completely new landscaping and hardscape, including a courtyard fountain.

The horse stalls were modified to create a bridal suite, six guest suites and a lounge with kitchen. The barn became a three-bedroom vacation rental.

SLO bed and breakfast is ‘romantic but not busy’

The dark-and-light contrast that is key to California romantica comes from white walls set against red tile roofs, Saltillo tile floors, dark woods and wrought iron.

Vander Horst commissioned custom wrought iron railings and had furniture in dark-stained mesquite custom built in Mexico.

The guest suites are not conventionally romantic; there is no lace or fluff.

Window coverings are simple wood blinds with sheer curtains from Anthropologie. Accessories are minimal and artwork understated.

Vander Horst relied on subtle color and texture to make the space restful and “romantic but not busy,” she said.

Furniture has a European influence with elegant lines and hand-carved details.

Handpainted Talavera tiles grace the backsplashes, bathrooms, stairs and courtyard fountain. Wool rugs warm the tile floors.

The high-end Italian bed linens are simple but luxurious. Cedar tongue and groove planks, scorched with a blow torch then whitewashed, add rustic texture to accent walls.

La Lomita Ranch has nods to horse farm past

A dim barn isn’t exactly welcoming, so the inn has plenty of bright, modern touches.

Windows were enlarged to let in more light and ceilings were raised in several rooms, including the luxurious bridal suite.

Countertops are made of sleek and durable manufactured quartz – black in the kitchen and white in the bathrooms.

Vander Horst said she didn’t want the bed and breakfast to be too “western,” but she included a few elements that are a nod to its equestrian past.

Light fixtures in the lounge area are refurbished iron barn fixtures. Old iron hay racks, original to the ranch, serve as wall decorations in each room.

The team even rebuilt the original sliding stall doors to bring them up to code for use on guest room entrances.

Plans for expansion include event venue, winery

The bed and breakfast, which began construction in January 2018, was completed in April 2019.

A new structure, a pavilion for receptions and other events, will be open next month. The couple also has plans to open a winery.

So far, the ranch has hosted numerous guests and several weddings.

The Vander Horsts, who also own the town of Harmony, know a thing or two about what makes a place romantic.

It’s not just roses and fountains, Rebecca Vander Horst said.

“It’s how quiet and private the space is, how beautiful and peaceful,” she explained, noting that the most romantic sound may not be violins, but rather the “chorus of frogs, owls and hawks” that nightly serenade the guests of La Lomita Ranch.

Tips for creating a romantic space

Appeal to the senses. You don’t need frills to create a romantic space. Keep it simple and layer in texture, including luxurious bedding, warm wood furniture, and natural fiber rugs and throws.

Contrast is the key to California romantica style. Keep walls white and add in dark woods, dark tile and wrought iron.

Splurge on sheets. Every night can be like staying at a fancy bed and breakfast when you sleep in luxurious bed linens. La Lomita Ranch’s splurge-worthy sheets are 100% Egyptian cotton from Italian company Rivolta Carmignani.

This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "SLO couple transformed a horse ranch into a bed and breakfast. See all the romantic touches."