Solvang

Cliff May, father of the California Ranch house, was the original architect of this 1968 California Ranch Home. The home is situated upon one of the highest and most private hilltops in Alisal's 10,000 acre guest ranch and resort community, and is surrounded on all sides by captivating views of the ranch's oak studded hills.

Three owners later, another world famous architect, Barry Berkus, had the unique opportunity to acquire one of Cliff May's best designs in such an exclusive setting. Berkus and his wife purchased the home with the intention of renovating and upgrading the residence to meet 21st century lifestyle and technology standards, while not changing the purpose of the architecture.  Vistas were opened within and without, and entire systems were modernized. The house was rewired, and the original radiant floor system was rehabilitated. Additionally, the kitchen and bathrooms were renovated, and passageways were added or widened to enhance circulation flow.

The design focuses on the gathering of family around central living zones, and the flow of interior and exterior spaces. The home is characterized by an open floor plan, natural ventilation, and light-filled spaces created by ridgeline skylights.
 
Overall, this western ranch house exemplifies a structure relaxed in nature, low and unimposing on the land, creating the sense that every day is a day of leisure.

The renovation not only preserved the original design, and also upgraded the home to meet today's standards.  The result is a home that both honors Cliff May, and embraces contemporary lifestyle and technology needs.

The enclave of homes in the Alisal Ranch are on long term leased land.