The ranch

Guest: John and Madeleine (Beverly Hills, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/16/08 Review Submitted: 03/08/09

When you wake up in the morning and the sun rises and you hear the rooster down below at the farm, close to the pond, you really wonder where you are. You are surrounded by rolling hills slowly traversed here and there by dark cows. Hawks are circling high in the sky. Everything is peaceful. Still, you must be in a civilized world: below you there are straight lines of avocado trees. And, in the middle of them is the dusty trail by which you arrived yesterday, the only access from the outside world. The house where you stay is a modern, octagonal lodge built half way up the slope of a hill. It is open on all sides and completely surrounded by decks where you can sit in the sun or the shade as you please. All rooms have their personality. You can feel that they have been furnished by a real family ready to share its own memories and prized possessions. Now all the rooms are occupied by members of your family – or your friends. And this is how you start the day at the Cottontail Creek Ranch. In a moment, all guests will come together in the front room, which is the kitchen. Because from there, especially, one has a complete panoramic view of the ranch. The view goes all around, miles away, across the hills, to the horizon. It is yours. There are no buildings, no roads, no cars, no electric lines in this view. The only people who share this paradise with you are the tenants of the farm, far below. You would have to climb the hill above the house to realize where you are. From there, you would find the ocean to the West, and in the South, through the haze, you would see Morro Rock. There are a lot of things for everyone to do inside the house, on the ranch and nearby. This morning, some among us (the youngest) have insisted on going to the beach. A few others prefer to bike. A third group is going to visit the Hearst castle The elders are discussing a well-planned visit to vineyards around Paso Robles for wine tasting. And then… Then, tonight we shall gather around the antique barbecue and, later in the evening, around the campfire with marshmallows, among crickets, under a starred sky. After that, we shall surreptitiously take out the telescope we brought with us and sneak a look at planets and stars. The air is so pure and the night so dark that here we can discover celestial objects that we have never seen at home. John and Madeleine

Owner response:Dear John, Madeleine ,Pierre, Elizabeth, Carolyn, Pak, and Marteen The pleasure was ours as well. We love your telescope too!! We look forward to seeing you this summer for your 3rd year at Cottontail Creek Ranch Susan and Roger

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

A Wonderful Retreat

Guest: Edgar (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10 Review Submitted: 08/20/10

Every now and then we plan a getaway with our family and close friends. While our destinations have varied over the years, they have always offered some remarkable likenesses. Consistently, they have offered peace and tranquility, beautiful vistas and views, spacious and comfortable accommodations, large kitchens and tables to all gather around for community meals, and sources of great wine not too far away. And, hosts that are both welcoming and caring, without a hint of intrusiveness. These are all the characteristics that we experienced at Cottontail Creek... and then some. From the moment we passed through the gate, passed the orange trees and avocado grove, and climbed the hill to the ranch house, we knew it was special. The house easily accommodated our large group and it was so easy to feel comfortable, that we immediately fell into extreme modes of relaxation. One can spend the day just fading into the easy pace and feel the stress and tension of everyday life fall away. Breakfast looking out over the orchard, watching the cattle grazing on the hillside. Evenings spent relaxing in the hot tub and sipping extraordinary wines while conversing by the side of the fire pit. Sleeping in the comfort of the fine linens that adorn every bed. Only to awaken to doing it all over again. This is what welcomes one to this amazing ranch tucked away on the vastness and beauty of the hundreds of acres of peaceful rolling hills. Away from the urgency of our everyday lives, with our family and close friends. This place is absolutely beautiful and is simply, tough to beat.

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

An Amazing Weekend!

Guest: Tony G. (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

A relaxing, energizing, peaceful and exciting ranch weekend that can't really be translated into words! But, I will try: Susan and Jim Lyon are incredible people who truly know what it is to vacation. You won't find better people to accommodate your every need! Just this past April, a surprise 50th Birthday celebration worked out quite well for our group of 16 family and friends. Susan's recommendations of local produce, baked goods, fish, wineries, and meat were exceptional. (The Cakery is awesome, as is Pianetta Winery). They know what's good---so you can be assured that Cottontail has all the right amenities you'll need! Some highlights: We had a wine-tasting AT the ranch... Hiked every day and every night at dusk'... Rode our bikes everyday... Picked the juiciest oranges, and ate the freshest eggs we've ever had... Fished and played volleyball... watched the amazing sunsets and shadows on the mountains... Relaxed by the fires (both indoor and out!)... Hot tubbed in the crisp hours of the night... Slept in quite comfortable beds with the softest linens... ALL THIS---in an amazing location---more than half the group NEVER LEFT THE RANCH DURING ENTIRE WEEKEND! Those who traveled did take a morning drive to the awesome Hearst Castle, then proceeded to rush back for our great BBQ lunch... and so much more... As I said, I can't really do this place, our hosts and the amazing location justice by explaining to you. But I will say this: COTTONTAIL RANCH is the perfect stay for any vacation! I know I run the risk of sounding like a cheesy commercial. but believe be---CTC Ranch is very special We'll be looking forward to making this a yearly thing! Tony G.

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

The Ranch House

Guest: Kelly - bride to be (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/05/08 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

This house is simply a place you don’t want to leave. In August 2009 we had 10 women enjoying the house at Cotton Tail Creek ranch for my bachelorette weekend. We bar b-qued, hiked, had cocktails on the patio where everywhere you turn is an astounding view. The house is beautifully decorated, comfortable and has everything you need. We had the most memorable and hilarious weekend. Susan is a wonderful host. She spoiled us with her homemade cookies that go perfectly with coffee in the morning while you sit and realize again just where you are. Just writing this makes me ready to head back there. All of us highly recommend this house for any kind of get together. Thank you Susan and Roger for such a spectacular place to stay, Kelly

Recommended for:

Guest: Holland2 (Westlake Village, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

I highly recommend staying at Cottontail Creek Ranch, it is spectacular! I have stayed there twice now and I am already planning the next trip back. The house is fantastic and the land around is magical. You never run out of great outdoor activities. But once you get there you may just want to stay put and enjoy the beautiful house. Susan and Roger are amazing hosts. They made our visit more enjoyable, which I didn’t think was possible!

Recommended for:

Totally worth it!!

Guest: DiepFamily (merced`)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/09/09

We had the pleasure of staying @ Cottontail Creek in Sept 9-12, 2005. We were there with 3 generations - Ages 70 - 10 yrs. To be able to sit a a table with all 20 of us was a blast. We all had an amazing time and remains one of our family's fondest memories. There is something for everyone...fishing, kayaking, the beach is close, the hills are beautiful, evening fireside chats our on the patio... the list goes on. Susan also lined up some fabulous chefs & massage therapists. She's got great connections if you want to add any type of amenity. It was such a treat! The attention to the details that Susan puts into the entire property is amazing. The home is so beautifully decorated and felt so welcoming. We all fit comfortably too. We loved it!! You will too.

Owner response:What a testament to this family planning a memorable wonderful outing that all ages could enjoy. To be a part of this last vacation for one of the family members was beyond expression. Susan and Roger

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, girls getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: DiepFamily (merced`)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/09/09

By far the best family trip we've ever taken together. All 20 of us could eat at the same table & sleep comfortably in the beautiful house. Susan coordinated some wonderful chefs & massage therapists as the icing on an already pretty amazing cake. The property is gorgeous & welcoming. There is something to do for all. Each one of us had a great time & that isn't easy to accomplish when there are 3 generations & an age range from 70-10 yrs. You won't find a better place to enjoy beautiful scenery, lots of kayaking, fishing & fires out on the patio. Amazing and totally worth it.

Recommended for:

Guest: John and Madeleine (Beverly Hills, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/08/09 Review Submitted: 03/08/09

The ranchWhen you wake up in the morning and the sun rises and you hear the rooster down below at the farm, close to the pond, you really wonder where you are. You are surrounded by rolling hills slowly traversed here and there by dark cows. Hawks are circling high in the sky. Everything is peaceful. Still, you must be in a civilized world: below you there are straight lines of avocado trees. And, in the middle of them is the dusty trail by which you arrived yesterday, the only access from the outside world.The house where you stay is a modern, octagonal lodge built half way up the slope of a hill. It is open on all sides and completely surrounded by decks where you can sit in the sun or the shade as you please. All rooms have their personality. You can feel that they have been furnished by a real family ready to share its own memories and prized possessions. Now all the rooms are occupied by members of your family – or your friends. And this is how you start the day at the Cottontail Creek Ranch. In a moment, all guests will come together in the front room, which is the kitchen. Because from there, especially, one has a complete panoramic view of the ranch. The view goes all around, miles away, across the hills, to the horizon. It is yours. There are no buildings, no roads, no cars, no electric lines in this view. The only people who share this paradise with you are the tenants of the farm far below. You would have to climb the hill above the house to realize where you are. From there, you would find the ocean to the West, and in the South, through the haze, you would see Morro Rock.There are a lot of things for everyone to do inside the house, on the ranch and nearby. This morning, some among us (the youngest) have insisted on going to the beach. A few others prefer to bike. A third group is going to visit the Hearst castle The elders are discussing a well-planned visit to vineyards around Paso Robles for wine tasting. And then…Then, tonight we shall gather around the antique barbecue and, later in the evening, around the campfire with marshmallows, among crickets, under a starred sky. After that, we shall surreptitiously take out the telescope we brought with us and sneak a look at planets and stars. The air is so pure and the night so dark that here we can discover celestial objects that we have never seen at home.John and Madeleine

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: John and Madeleine (Beverly Hills, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/08/09

The ranch When you wake up in the morning and the sun rises and you hear the rooster down below at the farm, close to the pond, you really wonder where you are. You are surrounded by rolling hills slowly traversed here and there by dark cows. Hawks are circling high in the sky. Everything is peaceful. Still, you must be in a civilized world: below you there are straight lines of avocado trees. And, in the middle of them is the dusty trail by which you arrived yesterday, the only access from the outside world. The house where you stay is a modern, octagonal lodge built half way up the slope of a hill. It is open on all sides and completely surrounded by decks where you can sit in the sun or the shade as you please. All rooms have their personality. You can feel that they have been furnished by a real family ready to share its own memories and prized possessions. Now all the rooms are occupied by members of your family – or your friends. And this is how you start the day at the Cottontail Creek Ranch. In a moment, all guests will come together in the front room, which is the kitchen. Because from there, especially, one has a complete panoramic view of the ranch. The view goes all around, miles away, across the hills, to the horizon. It is yours. There are no buildings, no roads, no cars, no electric lines in this view. The only people who share this paradise with you are the tenants of the farm far below. You would have to climb the hill above the house to realize where you are. From there, you would find the ocean to the West, and in the South, through the haze, you would see Morro Rock. There are a lot of things for everyone to do inside the house, on the ranch and nearby. This morning, some among us (the youngest) have insisted on going to the beach. A few others prefer to bike. A third group is going to visit the Hearst castle The elders are discussing a well-planned visit to vineyards around Paso Robles for wine tasting. And then… Then, tonight we shall gather around the antique barbecue and, later in the evening, around the campfire with marshmallows, among crickets, under a starred sky. After that, we shall surreptitiously take out the telescope we brought with us and sneak a look at planets and stars. The air is so pure and the night so dark that here we can discover celestial objects that we have never seen at home. John and Madeleine

Owner response:Guests like these make the ranch sing.

Recommended for:

Friends meet in Cayucos

Guest: Lalee (Oceanside, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/15/08 Review Submitted: 03/06/09

My husband and I meet two other couples last February at the Cotton Tail Creek Ranch. We truly had a wonderful experience at the Ranch. The house is amazing along with the breathe taking views from all rooms! One day we spent in Paso Robles wine tasting and the next day we spent on the ranch. we took a three hour hike; followed by barbcueing and sitting around the bonfire telling old stories and reconnecting (without interruption) If you have the chance to travel to the Central Coast you must stay at the Cotton Tail creek Ranch.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.