If you’re in search of a unique weekend getaway in California, Cuyama Buckhorn is an iconic roadside motel in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s high desert. Located two hours northeast of Santa Barbara proper in New Cuyama, a quaint and historic California town with a population of just over 500, the nearly 2-acre property recently revealed new outdoor spaces and offerings.

The inn’s 21 rooms have been designed to bring comfortable elegance to the high desert with modern amenities like free WiFi and Bluetooth radios, complemented by custom-built furniture and vintage accents. In addition to a heated outdoor pool and spacious jacuzzi, guests can also enjoy 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.

The motel was purchased three years ago by Ferial Sadeghian and Jeff Vance, Los Angeles-based designers and the owners of iDGroup, who updated the property while maintaining its original charm.

 “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.” 

 Additional amenities and updates 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

Cuyama Buckhorn is also committed to featuring locally produced products and supporting the local community through employment opportunities, food and beverage offerings, and on-property experiences. All events, programming, and gatherings are centered around showcasing the talent and stories of local farmers, ranchers, makers, and like-minded organizations.

For more information, visit cuyamabuckhorn.com or call 661-766-2825. Follow them on Instagram: @cuyamabuckhorn

[Photos by Stephanie Russo]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk