Real Estate Tasting Room

Looking to Retire in the Santa Ynez Valley in the Next 3-5 Years?

Published by: Doris Banchik
Published on July 16th, 2012
Categorized under: Buyer Advisory, Retirement Retreats, Second/Vacation Homes

Looking to Live Out Your Retirement Dream in the Santa Ynez Valley? You Are Not Alone

The Santa Ynez Valley continues to be a desirable “next chapter” location for those of you looking to cut back on work commitments or trade in your suits for jeans in the next 3-5 years. Actually my husband and I did this in 1989, when we bought a beautiful 20 acre parcel with barn/apt on Ballard Canyon.

The Desires of the Pre-retirement Set. As you might have seen in “About Doris”, I am a Santa Ynez Valley specialist in second/vacation homes and retirement properties, and work extensively with clients in the pre-retirement state of mind. While some of my clients want properties that are fully built out for their eventual needs, others want properties that they can “grow into“ (I refer to these as Transitional Properties). By this I mean having the right land, in the right place, with limited current improvements (maybe a house that can be used on weekends or be rented). Transitional properties allow my clients to make their investment gradually and to suit the expanding needs over time.

For those wanting properties that are fully built out, the range is quite large, from in-town homes and condos to

Transitional Properties

Here are a few examples of Transitional Properties:

2543 Elk Grove, Solvang, Listed at $849,000. This is a solidly built 1985 home with a good floor plan on 1.8 acres in a superb area on a cul de sac. It is in the Ballard School District. Beautiful grounds, big views and space to expand the house, add a guest house or second residence, pool, horse facilities etc. This property has tremendous potential and great parcel in a great area.

1401 Tims Rd, Santa Ynez, Listed at $999,000. Located in the highly desirable Woodstock Ranch, this 19+ acre property is rich with oaks and has a 3 bedroom home that can be used as is. It can be updated and expanded, or ultimately used as a manager’s quarters when a new home is built. There is plenty of acreage for expansion and improvements. Woodstock has equestrian trails, making it a great spot for horse enthusiasts. This is a parcel with great natural appeal in a very desirable area, with enough of a home to use now and the potential to realize most people’s retirement dreams.

3389 Baseline, Santa Ynez, Listed at $1,595,000. This property offers nearly 10 fully usable acre with great views, a beautifully finished 1200 sq ft, 3 bedroom home, small vineyard, tennis court and barn. It would serve as a great retreat in the near term with the potential of adding a major home (making the current one a second legal residence) or expanding the current home. Everything that has been done appears to be first rate. There is great potential to make this into a premier estate.

1825 Viborg, Solvang, Listed at $610,000. This is a cool 3+acre property, in the heart of Solvang, yet tucked away in its own world. There is a 1000+sq ft solidly built home, that would make for a neat retreat. The property has big views. At last review, this property was actually composed of two parcels, with the potential for having two legal residences. The property has the potential of becoming a very cool in-town compound.

Are you interested in a Transitional Property? If so, please do contact me for a complete list of current candidates and to get on my email list as new transitional properties come to market. You can text or call me at 805 588-3616 or email me at [email protected]

Cheers!