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Elegant Real Estate in Ballard

Ballard may be the smallest town in the Santa Ynez Valley but it’s known for its tightly knit community and the “Little Red Schoolhouse,” now named the Ballard Elementary School or simply Ballard School. Teaching valley children since the 1880s, the school has been recognized as among the best in Santa Barbara County.

Ballard Real Estate

SMALL IN SIZE, BIG IN COMMUNITY LOVE

The Little Red Schoolhouse is probably one of the best depictions of life in Ballard – petite in size but charming and capable of withstanding the test of time. Many of the people who grew up here grew together and formed almost familial relationships – thus, a strong sense of community. And with a population of around 300 people, it’s no wonder that residents consider their neighbors almost like family.

Ballard

PLACES OF NOTE

A well-loved bakery with branches in Los Alamos and Ballard, Bob’s Well Bread is one of the go-to places in the Santa Ynez Valley for some of the finest artisan bread and pastries in the area. It also serves wonderful all-day breakfast and lunch meals, as well as beverages ranging from coffee and tea to beers and wines.

A few meters away from the bakery, you’ll encounter the Ballard Inn and Restaurant – the quintessential country inn with rooms like the Wildflower Room that features French country wallpaper and windows veiled by white curtains. Its restaurant, known to locals as The Gathering Table, features Asian fusion meals.

Ballard

OF CEMETERIES AND HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS

The strong community ties in Ballard extend beyond the grave. A testament to this is the Oak Hill Cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in California, This final resting place for departed Santa Ynez Valley residents is well-maintained, peaceful, and uncluttered as graves are interspersed with trees to provide shade for visiting loved ones.

Halloween is also a favorite holiday for Ballard residents. It gives them the opportunity to share pizza and beer with visitors and neighbors, making the entire occasion a street party for everyone together with the trick or treating.

Ballard
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