High desert destination & StayBoutique member, Cuyama Buckhorn, adds expansive heated pool, jacuzzi, outdoor dining spaces, marketplace, new lobby, and more, offering over 80% of all experiences out-of-doors
Cuyama Buckhorn, the iconic roadside motel, built in 1952 and located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s high desert, is taking the next step in its development and revitalization as it evolves into a true destination resort retreat. This month, the nearly 2-acre property reveals a host of new outdoor spaces, including a glistening heated pool, a spacious jacuzzi, a barrel sauna with sunset views, outdoor fire pits and games, an outdoor cooking class area, and outdoor dining spaces including a deck with mountain views and a garden featuring a greenhouse for intimate dining experiences. With these additions, Cuyama Buckhorn is poised to be one of the best new getaways in California and one of the most authentically true to the region.
When Ferial Sadeghian and Jeff Vance, Los Angeles-based designers and the owners of iDGroup purchased this iconic roadside motel 3 years ago, they immediately saw the possibilities the 1952 gem had to offer. “From the beginning we have wanted to breathe new life into this space, while staying true to the property and area’s history,” says Sadeghian. “We could see this both as an oasis for locals who have always known the property, and for new guests discovering the ‘Hidden Valley of Enchantment’ for the first time.”
The newest developments of the property now add the next layer to this richly textured project, building on the experiences guests can have while visiting.
Property updates and recent instillations include:
Heated 60’ x 20’ pool with fountains, a large jacuzzi, 24 modern-meets-rustic lounge chairs and umbrellas to complete the new pool deck area
Professional-level bocce ball court
Revived outdoor lounge space with a vintage midcentury fireplace, sofa, and Adirondack chairs
Outdoor pool table
Open-air cocktail bar and 40’ long dining table
Outdoor theater and screening area with large lawn (15’ x 30’) and outdoor projector screen
Outdoor barrel-styled sauna with scenic mountain views
Additional outdoor dining area deemed The Caliente Deck, which overlooks the Caliente Mountain range
The Garden, an outdoor dining space featuring a greenhouse for intimate dining experiences, a garden shop, sculptures, picnic tables, and raised planter beds with herbs and vegetables for the resort’s restaurant
Lamar’s Lobby, the inn’s restored lobby with vintage furniture, a restored historic original fireplace, and a library wall of books and games
The Buckhorn Market featuring locally produced and house-made products like pickles, jams, sauces, spreads, honey, local produce, local wine, fresh-baked bread, and olive oil
As the hub of New Cuyama, the quaint and historic California town with a population of just over 500, located two hours northeast of Santa Barbara proper, Cuyama Buckhorn is committed to featuring locally produced products and supporting the local community, through employment opportunities, food and beverage offerings, and on-property experiences. This has been Vance and Sadeghian’s top priority since purchasing the property and beginning renovations in March of 2018. All events, programming, and gatherings are centered around showcasing the talent and stories of local farmers, ranchers, makers, and like-minded organizations. As part of the property’s first Artist-in-Residence program the team worked with artist and designer, Kim Sutherland, to create a book profiling prominent residents of the Valley that was published in the fall of 2020.
