We would stay at Shady Oak again.

Guest: Cyclist (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 01/06/12 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

We are cyclists and really appreciated the proximity of Shady Oak to a number of mostly flat cycling routes that were wonderful for keeping in shape for the winter. The hosts were helpful but generally unobtrusive and negotiable about extending our stay a day longer although it meant a quick cleanup for new guests. The kitchen was beautifully equipped and the room layout good with plenty of storage space. The one qualifier is the noise from passing cars, as the property is located on the main road through the town, but that mostly subsides between 10 pm and 6 am.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Cozy, comfortable apartment with nice ammenities

Guest: Hector (Napa, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/26/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

Some friends and I stayed at this apartment between Christmas and New Year's to explore the area and do some wine tasting. We were more than pleased with the condition of the aparment and how clean and comfortable it was. We did not need anything more than what was provided, really, and felt that all our expectations were met. It was and ideal size for four people, had very responsive heating which made the place very cozy, and an apt kitchen to cook any meals we wished to cook in. Furthermore the area it's located in made it very easy to find and explore the highlights of what this area had to offer. John, the owner, was very responsive with any questions I had prior to showing up and was pleasant to deal with. We will definitely attempt to stay here next time we're in the area as the value of this place is probably unsurpassed. Thanks John!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Easy Peasy

Guest: Zevonfan (Santa Ynez,CA)
Date of Stay: 12/31/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

I have rented from John a few times now and he makes everything easy. Great apartment in an excellent location. I give this VRBO property a high five!

Recommended for:

Great getaway

Guest: T & S (Bainbridge Island, Washington)
Date of Stay: 12/06/11 Review Submitted: 12/14/11

My husband and I were very pleased staying at Shady Oak. We were very comfortable and the property was clean when we arrived. We will be planning on staying again as our son and his family live in nearby Buellton. Thank you for having such a nice place that is affordable.

Recommended for:Age 55+.

Great Host and Great Place to Stay!

Guest: Clever (Glendale)
Date of Stay: 12/02/11 Review Submitted: 12/06/11

I'm born and raised in LA, and if you're like me, then you like to get out of the city as much as possible. Then all things considered, it doesn't get any better than The Santa Ynez Valley! And if you're looking to stay somewhere with all the amenities for a great rate, it's Shady Oak. John is a fantastic host with that Midwest charm that fits in perfect in the SYV. The apartment is located off the main highways(246 & 154) so it's quiet, but also close enough to hop on one of them quickly and get your day started. It's easily within walking distance of Old Town Santa Ynez for that nice meal when you don't feel like cooking. Shady Oak will be a place that I'll continue to stay in the coming years and should be for you as well!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Great and easy place to stay!

Guest: ghark (Huntington Beach CA USA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

There was plenty of space, storage and still cozy. Great value for sure. Only thing to keep in mind, if you are going to cook, bring your own oils, spices, etc. Other than that, greatly equipped and very comfortable place to stay. John was great to work with and very kind.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

What a great place!

Guest: Jessica H.
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/11/11

My husband and I stayed at this adorable little cottage during the Celebration of Harvest festival just this past weekend. I enjoyed working with John in the months leading up to our stay and we were greeted with a warm welcome as soon as we got to town. This getaway is nicely situated right near Los Olivos tasting rooms as well as just a few miles from Solvang. We like to have the conveniences of home, i.e., full kitchen, full bath, TV, board games, etc, that we can utilize....yet leave towels and beds unmade (like a hotel) at the end of our stay. We WILL be coming back soon and we so appreciated their hospitality and kindness! Ah, now back to the daily grind...

Owner response:Jessica thank you for your very nice review. Remember 10% off on every future stay. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. Come back soon.

Recommended for:

Great location and great hosts!

Guest: Sunit (California)
Date of Stay: 07/28/11 Review Submitted: 08/06/11

Our family stayed here recently and had a great time! John and Sue, the owners, made us feel very welcome. The apartment is well-appointed. One has everything needed to cook a meal, or walk 7 minutes to the center of Santa Ynez and eat there (it's a 30 second drive). Would love to go back and stay there again, and for longer :-).

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great weekend getaway, very comfortable and relaxing.

Guest: DWW (Palmdale. CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/27/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

Very nice location, comfortable accommodations, beats the heck out of any hotel we have stayed in and for the price any bed and breakfast. Centrally located to all of the small towns and winery's and just a short drive to Santa Barbara. John was very helpful and pleasant to deal with. Highly recommended, just don't take the next weekend we want to go.

Owner response:Thanks so much Dale for your review. We look forward to your next visit. Best regards, John & Sue

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.

Great location at a great price

Guest: Craig (Orange County)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

This is a great location right in the middle of everything in Santa Barbara wine country. The room was clean, well stocked, and well appointed. This will be the first property we check when we return. Very satisfied.

Owner response:Thank you for your review. We appreciate your business and hope that you will return soon.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers.