The Ranch House
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500 So. Lomita Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023
Contact: Catering
Phone: 805/646-2360
www.TheRanchHouse.Com
Request a proposal for your event from The Ranch House
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Description
A picturesque twenty-minute drive into the hills east of Ventura leads to Ojai, a quaint art colony and resort village. With its mystical heritage as a Chumash sacred site and a mecca for spiritual seekers of the early 20th century, it’s no wonder Ojai has a reputation as a magical place. Most everyone around here agrees that magic certainly happens at the Ranch House, the venue of choice for both local weddings and destination celebrations. Tucked against a hillside on a cul de sac at the edge of town, this gourmet restaurant combines the laid-back friendliness for which Ojai is famous with award-winning cuisine and an enchanting garden setting.
As you walk through the Ranch House gate, the lush, peaceful environs are instantly soothing. To the left of the entrance, there’s a circular brick patio where event guests can sample hors d’oeuvres or dance. It’s completely enclosed by greenery and sheltered by a large market umbrella. To the right, along the edge of the property, is an elevated redwood terrace shaded by oaks growing right up through it and bordered by eucalyptus trees and an ivy-covered hillside. There’s enough room for a band, and it’s also a lovely area for sipping a glass of wine. From the deck, a brick path winds through thick stands of bamboo past a koi pond filled with flashing orange, black and white fish. A petite footbridge, an Oriental Tea House and the occasional arbor or statue encourage you to stop and savor the bucolic surroundings, which are particularly romantic as evening falls and ambient lighting creates a scattered glow.
Most wedding ceremonies take place in the rose garden on a sunny expanse of lawn at the far end of the restaurant. Guests are seated on the grass or on the adjoining dining room terrace, where they have an “opera box” vantage of the proceedings just below. Everywhere you look there are boldly-hued flowers, banana palms and hanging ferns. Over 100 varieties of herbs, many of which find their way into the restaurant’s dishes, scent the balmy breeze with their earthy aroma. In the spring, a trellis laden with wisteria creates a stunning lavender canopy over those lucky enough to be dining or dancing beneath it.
Indoors, multilevel dining spaces showcase the pretty panorama. A refreshing, island-elegant ambiance is enhanced by plantation palms, whimsical mobiles and a green and white decorative palette. What really makes the dining rooms special, however, is that they are entirely glassed in, giving the illusion of being part of the outdoors. For a more immediate al fresco experience, doors open onto the terrace, where heaters dispel any evening chill, and the soothing sound of rippling water comes from a tiny stream that runs through the grounds. It doesn’t take long before the fragrant calm has you bewitched, and you realize that this restaurant would have an uplifting effect on you even if you never ate a single bite here.
But you’ll want to make sure you DO eat here. The fresh bread from their own bakery, an extensive wine list and an innovative menu has made devotees out of many a patron, including actor Paul Newman who declared, “Cuisine is cuisine, but the Ranch House is original.”
Manager David Skaggs is also devoted to the place, having begun his career here as a dishwasher at age fifteen. He and his banquet staff will work with you to make your celebration a memorable one in this small corner of paradise.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 100 Max. Seated Outdoors: 120 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 100 Max. Seated Outdoors: 120 Max. Standing Indoors: 0 Max. Standing Outdoors: 120 |
Max. Seated: 100 |
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Fees & Deposits
A $500 deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due 3 weeks prior. Food and beverage minimums range $4,600–8,800 depending on the day and time. Meals range $38–58/person. Tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 10am–10pm.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: providedKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: portable provided Bride’s & Groom’s Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: some provided Parking: large lot Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: house phone Outdoor Night Lighting: provided Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: provided View: fountain, garden, lagoon, landscaped grounds, mountains, waterfall |
MusicIndoorsOutdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsFountain/Water FeatureGarden Garden Patio/Courtyard Lagoon/Pond Landscaped Grounds Mountains Waterfall Site TypeBanquet/Events FacilityRestaurant Garden RestrictionsAlcohol: providedSmoking: not allowed Music: amplified OK with restrictions Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: liability required |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
805/646-2360
www.TheRanchHouse.Com
Email or request a proposal for your event from The Ranch House
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