Highland Ranch
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18601 Van Zandt Resort Road
Philo, CA 95466
Contact: Ranch Manager
Phone: 707/895-3600
www.highlandranch.com
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Description
In James Hilton’s novel, Lost Horizon, a band of air travelers is forced to make an emergency landing in a remote mountain range. Hiking through unknown territory, they stumble upon an earthly paradise where peace and serenity reign supreme. This magical place was called Shangri-La, but it could just as easily have been named Highland Ranch.
To get here you drive through one of California’s most beautiful coastal valleys. At the hamlet of Philo, you’ll meander up a narrow lane through woods, round a final corner and, suddenly, there it is: a bit of Eden atop a mountain. The road then drops into a great meadow, punctuated with soaring redwoods, firs and ancient oaks. You’ll see rolling lawns, classic split-rail fences, a working barn, orchards and scattered cabins. In all, this private ranch encompasses more than 200 acres of woods and meadows, bordered by forests and a state park.
Once you’re here, there’s simply no way you won’t find the perfect wedding spot among the sites the ranch offers: meadows; the orchards; a deck; a fir grove; beside a lake; on the crest of a hill; in the horse arena; at a yurt with a huge deck. Two of the ranch’s four lakes are popular ceremony venues. One has a large expanse of grass that fans out from its shore, sheltered by tall shade trees. The other boasts a wisteria-clad arbor whose flowers bloom several times a year in the mild climate. A long lawn runs between the lake’s reed-lined shore and a rail fence, ending at a group of magnificent live oaks. You can recite your vows under them with the lake and a steep, tree-flocked hillside as your backdrop. When it comes to your reception, you also have a wonderful range of choices. You can linger at your ceremony site, with tents and tables set up close by, or have your guests stroll to a nearby meadow or grove. If your group is small enough you can even use the deck of the main house. Whatever your desire, Highland Ranch is ultra-flexible about music, hours and partying. The place is exclusively yours for the length of your stay.
The heart of the ranch is an old yellow house with a big kitchen and dining room, as well as a bric-a-brac laden fireplace surrounded by comfortable sofas and chairs. The deck, which has flower boxes everywhere, is one of the most inviting we’ve ever seen. Green and yellow rocking chairs form a semicircle on it, and you can easily imagine the lively conversations that take place here. Everything at Highland invites real relaxation, a slow and willing surrender of tension and cares. In fact, time yourself: It takes about five minutes to fall into this place’s seductive rhythm. The owners wisely avoid programmed evening activities so that people and their stories become the entertainment. Everyone will while away the nighttime hours, unwinding over wine or beer, talking and connecting in that effortless way that nights around a table or campfire seem to inspire.
That isn’t to say there’s nothing to do here. There are 16+ riding horses, a swimming pool, softball field, tennis courts, basketball nets, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, yoga, massages and five resident dogs to scratch. But people come and go as they please, being as active or inactive as they like. So the meaning of life at Highland Ranch comes down to a delightful list of simple verbs: swing, shoot, swim, row, loll, eat, sit, ride, relax, schmooze, play, sleep, bond, explore and love.
Not a bad way to live.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 75 Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 50 Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 Max. Standing Indoors: 100 Max. Standing Outdoors: 200 |
Max. Seated: 50 |
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Fees & Deposits
A $4,720 deposit (or a sum equal to a one-night minimum stay) is required to reserve your date. The balance is due prior to departure. Rental fees start at $2,500 and vary depending on the date of the event and guest count. Meals range $15–75/person. Tax, alcohol and a 15% service charge are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily, anytime.
CateringProvidedBYO AlcoholProvidedBYO Sites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners On-Site Accommodations Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided or BYOKitchen Facilities: fully equipped Tables & Chairs: some provided, more CBA Linens, Silver, etc.: some provided, more CBA Restrooms: limited wheelchair access Dance Floor: provided Bride's & Groom's Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: some provided, more CBA Parking: large lot Accommodations: 12 rooms in 8 private cabins Telephone: house and guest phones Outdoor Night Lighting: CBA Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ on site Cleanup: provided View: forest, meadow, mountains, lake, garden Other: event coordination, spa services, clergy on staff, picnic area |
MusicIndoorsOutdoors Wheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsForest/Wooded AreaGarden Garden Patio/Courtyard Hills Lake Landscaped Grounds Meadow/Fields Mountains Panoramic Site TypeBanquet/Events FacilityResort/Spa Hotel Inn/Lodge RestrictionsAlcohol: provided or BYOSmoking: outside only Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: limited Insurance: not required |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
707/895-3600
www.highlandranch.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Highland Ranch
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