Wellspring Ranch

A PRIVATE RETREAT AND SANCTUARY FOR SMALL GROUPS

Privacy and tranquility are our most distinguishing features and not to be found anywhere else on the Central Coast. Wellspring Ranch is governed by the rhythm of its guests and surrounding nature.

Soak in mineral-rich Wellspring water in cedar hot tub under ancient oaks.

Shower outdoors (privately) in nature.

Meditate in the gardens by the lily pond, or in the woods.

Sunbathe at the amazing spring-fed pond.

Stretch in the yoga yurt surrounded by trees and chattering animal friends.

Run/hike/bike on the ranch, without ever getting in your car.

Browse and graze the demonstration gardens- herbs, fruits, veggies.

Bird watch. Identify and listen to our local feathered friends as they serenade you throughout the day and night. Birders have identified as many as ten unique owl species during the first night of their stay.

Other common wildlife to track: deer, turkeys, bobcats, red foxes, butterflies and more.

Read in the gardens, on a hammock, or in the Accueil. Books are everywhere.

Write letter, journal, or start your first novel!

Night time affairs include: Bonfire at the pond- star gaze, Hot tub under the moon with owls cooing, Board games and fire in the Accueil, Large campfire nightly, s’mores.

Endless novelty begins here.

A project of The Branes Foundation, the founders are former urbanites, husband and wife partners, from New York City and Los Angeles. They made their transition to living in this rural setting on the California Coast in 1997. The retreat center was built with the objective of encouraging others to experience (and perhaps fall in love as they did) living where birdsong is the wakeup call, the stillness of stars overhead the marker for sleep, and all the time in between unmeasured, and at times, unnoticed too. Time feels different here, continuous and gentle, not unlike the sweet sea breeze that seems to come through this canyon perpetually.

THE RANCH

Wellspring Ranch is 160 acres of the sort of rugged pastoral beauty that California is known for. Once part of a Spanish land grant, and before that home to the Chumash Indians, this land is historic. Yet for as long as humans have tread through this oak and grass valley, it remains surprisingly untouched. We have trees over 400 years old — we have stillness, we have darkness, we have time here.

Wellspring Ranch was re-conceived in 2012 as a refined sort of eco-glamping experience where the founders aims could be realized: transmitting to fellow urbanites the informative power of nature in the raw. As the world has become more infused with the power of scientific knowledge and the reach of technology, the authentic experience of “county life” at Wellspring Ranch has only become more rare and hence its preservation more important. Technology doesn’t have to disassociate us humans from our origins. Wellspring Ranch remains a living example of the possibility for those city dwellers who dream of changing their venue from city to country, even if not permanently, can do so. Harmony with nature can be lived, not just imagined.

Wellspring Ranch continues to evolve over time. By 2023 the project began hosting intimate group retreats. Guest participants have immediate access to miles of casual, as well as more challenging, hiking and biking trails; appointed gardens and ponds providing numerous rest, reading, and picnic spots; indoor yoga facilities; hot tub; and demonstration vegetable gardens and fruit orchards replete with foraging chickens. Outdoor areas are thoughtfully furnished with areas for teaching or just gathering.

Operating 100 % off grid: solar power is plentiful, propane gas is used sparingly. Water for domestic and farm use comes from several wells, an all-new filtration system installed 2022. The large garden lily pond is filled with spring water, gravity fed. Most of the ranch vehicles are electric as well as farm equipment.

Accessible for off-ranch destinations -famous to this area of sand dunes, oaks and castles- of sea kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, and of course interesting shopping, wineries and dining spots. Exclusive, hidden, and nestled in a no-cell-phone zone, only a 20 minute drive from the famous Pacific Coast Highway, and the miles of pristine beaches it tracks. “The winding drive up the creek road to reach the Ranch is quite welcomed, when remembering its bigger purpose: it slows the mind down, before finally arriving at the gates.” Reliable Starlink WIFI coverage begins at the gates and covers the ensuing guest grounds enabling phone service as well as internet everywhere. Apps to identify flora and fauna and galaxies are useful.

Our Accommodations

We offer a variety of lodging options including private and shared rooms. All of our accommodations are designed to provide comfort and tranquility.

Accommodations are unpretentiously bohemian and homey. Guests stay in individual yurts, called Cabanas, each spaced at an average distance apart of 50 feet (quiet and private) under a canopy of wild oak and bay laurel. There is also a fancy Airstream trailer (and adjacent companion Airstream Nest and yurt) sitting all on their own (except for the milky way galaxy staring down from above.) And for those who aren’t drawn to a luxe yurt or Airstream, there is one lovely traditional room option- Madeline’s Loft, a spacious 750 square feet accommodation.

The communal "Accueil" is where guests can gather for group interaction, or individually, to read or snuggle up in front of a fire on a chilly evening. Perched on an adjacent hillside is the beautiful yoga yurt fitting 16 mats, 450 square feet of open floor space. Pondside amphitheater is a nice spot for group discussions in the early morning and late afternoon, or a super-sized picnic table in Orchard and another such table under the oaks- all are good group gathering areas. Private chefs use the fully stocked commercial kitchen and evening meals served stylishly in the cafe courtyard al fresco year round.

Unlike many retreats in California, Wellspring Ranch offers the best of many worlds, earthy, elegant and remote, a sweet spot where nature and technology more than coexist: they enhance one another.

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