The present owners, the Jackson family, acquired the ranch in 1943. It soon became popular as a family gathering place and a getaway for entertainment celebrities. The Jacksons maintain the property as a working cattle ranch where some 1,600 calves are raised each winter. Only 40 miles north of Santa Barbara, the Alisal Guest Ranch is a private retreat that captures the feeling of warm, western hospitality. The guest portion occupies approximately 350 acres of the land and can accommodate 200 guests.
All accommodations offer views of hills, gardens or pastures, complete with frolicking horses.
Guest cottages are clustered around manicured lawns and are decorated in California Ranch design. Bungalows that line the long entrance drive to the ranch have front porches, two and three bedrooms, and a large living room. Studios and two-room suites can be arranged for either king or twin beds. All have working fireplaces, which the Alisal staff keeps well stocked with firewood. A ride into the oak-studded hills will tempt even the slickest of city slickers.