Entire home

A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly!

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The grand Riata Estate is an epic vacation home for indoor/outdoor living.
Front of Ranch House with circular drive.
Nestled on a 1,200-acre ranch, Riata's setting is pastoral and serene.
Back of Ranch House with pool, terrace, entertaining areas, and sweeping views.
Main entrance with stairs leading to loft & upstairs bedrooms.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 12418.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Pool
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Santa Margarita, CA
  • Santa Margarita Lake
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 5

2 Double Sofa Beds

Bedroom #3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom #4

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs Bedroom #2

1 Queen Bed

Primary Suite

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 4

Primary bathroom suite

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly!

The breathtaking Riata Ranch estate is a 1400-acre property nestled at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Santa Margarita, California. Once inside the gates, a world of unique splendor and beauty awaits with a night sky perfect for stargazing!

The rural community of Santa Margarita is known as a stomping ground for acclaimed farm-to-table dining, wine tasting, and craft beer. The quaint village offers the solitude of country living with the bustling energy of San Luis Obispo’s thriving downtown a short 20-minute drive away. Warm spring and summer days are cooled by coastal evening breezes making the Ranch a spectacular setting for alfresco gatherings. The outdoor grilling area, bar, and large dining tables are ideal for summer gatherings.

Perched above the Ranch is the warm and inviting Ranch House. The grand residence is designed with entertaining in mind! 4,500 square feet of open-concept living boasts a professional chef’s kitchen, a grand piano, a wraparound porch, multiple outdoor entertaining areas, and a beautiful pool and spa that overlooks the property. The pool is heated from April-October (it can be heated November-March for an extra charge). The spa is heated year-round.

High end finishes and touches throughout, like John Robshaw textiles and Jerry Scott original paintings set this property apart.

Every room in the house has sweeping views that are sure to be the perfect backdrop for memories yet to come. With four cozy and comfortable bedrooms, a grand living room accentuated by a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and a spacious family room/loft, Riata Ranch offers the perfect gathering space for friends and family.

From the moment you enter in the front gates you will know you just found your home away from home. Easy day trips from the Ranch House are Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Big Sur, and Paso Robles and Edna Valley Wine Country.

Looking for a place to host your special event? We also offer multiple locations for events, large or small, for an additional fee. From wide open spaces dappled with ancient oak trees to specialty tent tipis that offer a fun and festive atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. More event information can be found on our website.

Riata Ranch offers a distinct and magical setting for your life's most treasured moments. Please message us for more information or call to discuss how we can make your event a one-of-a-kind memorable experience.

Property manager

Alex LaChapelle
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Santa Margarita

Located in Santa Margarita, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Pozo Saloon and Atascadero Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial and Fremont Theater. Travelling with kids? Consider Charles Paddock Zoo, or check out an event or a game at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Map
Santa Margarita, CA

What's nearby

  • Santa Margarita Lake - 8 min drive - 5.6 km
  • Fremont Theater - 19 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 19 min drive - 25.8 km
  • Bubblegum Alley - 20 min drive - 26.1 km
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 38 min drive - 25.6 km

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo Station - 20 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ancient Peaks Winery - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Range - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Porch Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Southern Station - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Santa Margarita Tavern - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Pet friendly! located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Santa Margarita Lake, Pozo Valley Winery, and Ancient Peaks Winery. Atascadero State Hospital is 11 mi (17.7 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jill W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victoria C.

Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

My family has been here twice. This year, the property was already decorated for Christmas and it was magical. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nephele B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family weekend!

Our family had a great time in this beautiful home! We especially enjoyed cooking and hanging out in the amazing kitchen and beautiful backyard!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Slice of Heaven at Riata Ranch: A Perfect Family Escape

Our stay at Riata Ranch was nothing short of amazing! The property grounds were beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities to be outside, walk around, and enjoy the stunning views. The kids loved exploring and had a blast hanging out in the spacious upstairs area. For the adults, the numerous sitting nooks outside provided the perfect spots to relax and unwind, all while staying connected with everyone else. As soon as we got home, we found ourselves wishing we were back at Riata Ranch and dreaming of our next visit. We can't wait to return!"
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

Our family enjoyed cooking and playing both inside and outside at the ranch.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home in a lovely setting.

For several years our family has had an annual beach-week retreat. We usually have between 10 and 15 people from 3 generations from No and So CA, TN, & NC., this year four. Some years we’ve booked vacation rentals that were very nice and other times a bit disappointing. Because rates near the water have greatly inflated, we decided to try an earlier stay at a more rural location. This luxurious ranch house in the oak studded rolling hills of the central coast was a find, the views from every window were glorious. The weather was swim worthy yet cooled in the evening. We played games and read and visited. The cooks among us did justice to the large, well-appointed kitchen and BBQ. The 7 days sped by all too fast. We weren’t disappointed in the new type venue.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monique R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another week spent in paradise!

We just returned from our 3rd Summer stay at Riata Ranch and it is by far our families’ favorite place to go. We enjoyed morning walks, sitting by the pool, reading, cooking in the well stocked kitchen, bbq’ing, watching movies and stargazing. The layout of this house makes it very easy for all 3 generations to travel together, with the kids upstairs and the parents (us) and grandparents downstairs. The bed linens are all high quality, there are white pottery barn slip covered cozy down couches, high end down pillows, and the mattress’ are super comfortable. The wraparound decks provide a nice place to escape the sunshine! The host Alex is awesome, extremely responsive and wonderful. When we stay at Riata, we feel like it’s an extension of our own homes. It’s just so nice to spend quality time in nature together as a family and we can’t wait to go back next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We had a fabulous week. Beautiful setting, gorgeous views, very peaceful. We loved the pool/spa. Great kitchen and a lovely place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We keep coming back

This is our third stay and we will be booking for our annual September trip soon making it four. House is amazing, manager, property manager and Maintenance manager are all awesome and responsive. The setting of this house is spectacular!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extraordinary Place

We loved our 3 nights at the ranch and only wish it could have been a full week. We had a dinner event while we were there and everybody was responsive and helpful with all the many many details we needed to take care of. Be aware the caretaker has dogs and they will be at the place. We love dogs and it wasn't a big deal, we just asked him to keep them in during our party and he complied. House could use better cookware (it has everything, the pans were just low quality) Overall, this place is amazing and I can't say enough good about it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you!

Hopefully writing that we spent our third Christmas at Riata (and already booked for the 4th!) speaks for itself. This sweet place has come to mean a great deal to our family. Thank you, Riata, for it all. See you next year! -Victoria, Brian, Zander (12), Aila (10), Declan (9), and Aoife (6)
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing View

Comfortable, relaxing and very enjoyable experience. Absolutely breath taking views of mountain range.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather S., SAN CARLOS

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous property

This place is beautiful. Pool and spa are very nice and the layout is perfect for a family getaway.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Precious Family Time

Had an incredible weekend staying at the Riata Ranch. Staying at a beautiful location was a fantastic way to get the family to make a trip together. The wrap around porch and outdoor seating is set up so that the group could come together for activities... but also have private time to read a book or just get away from the hustle. Pool and outdoor set up is perfect for family fun and BBQs. Outdoor seating is perfect to take in the gorgeous view of the ranch. Absolutely a 5 star stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Philip C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful family getaway

Our three-generation, eight-person family enjoyed our vacation at Riata Ranch immensely! …… OVERVIEW: Gorgeous location, luxury estate, well-stocked with great amenities! We appreciated the attention to detail and cleanliness…... LOCATION: Secluded estate with sweeping views of rolling golden hills. Spectacular nighttime star-gazing, sky free of light pollution……. HOUSE & GROUNDS: Vast picture windows highlighting the views, river rock fireplace extending up to the vaulted ceilings. Ample seating areas inside and out. Delightful wrap-around deck with spacious dining area, where we enjoyed sunset dinners nightly in peace and quiet. Gracious landscaping and well-maintained property…… AMENITIES: quality appliances including warming and cooling drawers, fresh flowers, BBQ station with bar seating, eco-friendly soaps, bonus water filter in master bedroom, quality bedding and linens, pool and jacuzzi with resort seating, ping pong table, horse shoe toss, walking trails……. NEARBY: zip-lining, ATV sand dune riding, Sensorio Art Installation, Pismo and Avila Beaches, downtown San Luis Obispo. ….. We were delighted to stay here and look forward to returning! Appreciated: Cleanliness and attention to detail
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Rick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Buzzard

Would have been all 5s, except all but one door knob would pull off, just a few cobwebs……overall a great property, beautiful setting, entire family said they had the best nights sleep ever, wanted to know all bedding brands, they loved it. Plenty of wildlife around…..nothing dangerous
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine W., San Jose, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So great we came again!

This is our second visit and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. The house is so well maintained and updated. It’s thoughtfully done and they make changes to suit people renting. We were traveling with grandparents, and children and it met the needs of everyone. We regularly say we should get the blueprints for the house because it’s so perfect. The area around is very family friendly. Went zip lining and horse back riding with 6-10 year olds, and to the beach for the day. We also just hung out at the pool and enjoyed the view. We’re already talking about when we can come back. You cannot go wrong staying here!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cal Poly Graduation

Our second stay. Property is lovely and peaceful. Multiple places to sit and visit. Pool and hot tub were wonderful. Overall fabulous place to stay, relax and celebrate.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monique R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

We thoroughly enjoyed our second family vacation at Riata Ranch and we will most definitely be back! The house is comfortable and spacious, remarkably clean and the addition of the bed in the 2nd downstairs master, was a huge bonus for our family this year! We had a few beautiful, sunny days, but even the couple of cloudy ones, made for some cozy time by the wood burning fire and fun game/movie nights in our pajamas. The house is light and bright, the wraparound decks are incredibly comfortable and provide many opportunities to sit and relax. It’s only about 20 minutes to downtown SLO where we had a few delicious dinners, but our favorite meals were made in the well stocked kitchen and shared around the dining room table! There is a fantastic laundry room upstairs with such a great washer/dryer set, I ended up buying the same models for my home after our stay last year. Alex is helpful and attentive and is super quick to respond to messages. We could not have enjoyed our time here more … everything was perfection and we are already putting our schedules together and planning another trip back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donald S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gem of a Ranch

Wonderful location, sandwiched in a valley between Paso Robles and SLO. Easy access to everything. Our weather was not great, but the property and house provided many opportunities for fun activities. The pool will be great when the weather gets better, but the hot tub and sauna kept us warm on cool evenings.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Mountain Views!

What an exquisite property! We so enjoyed this ranch home. The decor is stylish, inviting and very cozy! Love the artwork. The kitchen has everything you could need for cooking up a hearty meal. It was fun to see the cows meandering by in their pasture - very peaceful. We would love to return soon, it's a wonderful place to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

William R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic destination

The ranch is beautiful, the house very well-maintained, and Alex is incredibly responsive. We had a wonderful relaxing stay. Couldn't ask for a better vacation home.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Luxury stay

Wonderful stay for a large family holiday
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views, amazing property

We were on our fall moms getaway trip and this property hit so many of our checkboxes. Alex, was super communicative and quick to respond, and while we hit a few minor snafus during our stay (leaking dishwasher and running out of propane for the fire table), it was a fast response. The property was spotless and had so many gathering spaces, indoor and out. We also had a team of massage therapists out from Avila Beach Massage set up on the wraparound deck in the morning, which was a perfect setup for our group, and that felt absolutely luxurious. Highly recommend this place for true relaxation!! Thank you Alex!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alex LaChapelle

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests