From City Life to Ranch Dreams: The Kanarek Family’s Journey to Santa Ynez
In a dramatic turn of events brought on by the pandemic, Paul and Melissa Kanarek made the leap from bustling urban life in Orange County to a serene five-and-a-half-acre plot in Santa Ynez, California. The couple, formerly city dwellers, experienced a life-changing moment that would shift their trajectory toward a peaceful, rustic existence.
A Beautiful Beginning
The couple’s journey began on a bright morning when they visited their future property for the first time. As Paul scanned the landscape, he was taken aback to find his wife in tears. Fearing he had done something wrong, he quickly learned the truth: Melissa was overwhelmed by the beauty of their new surroundings. “This place is so beautiful. I want to spend the rest of our lives here,” she declared, envisioning their future filled with grandchildren playing in the open space. Surprisingly, she humorously joked about Paul’s final resting place, wanting to bury him beneath a nearby tree—a poignant and light-hearted view of life and legacy intertwined.
Within hours of their visit, the Kanareks were in escrow, sealing their commitment to a new lifestyle that neither had anticipated but both had grown to deeply appreciate.
Embracing Ranch Life
While Paul admitted, “We aren’t ranch people; we’re not even outdoors people,” the couple found solace in what their new home offered, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The expansive landscapes provided a sense of catharsis, far removed from the tight confines of urban living.
To establish their new home, they enlisted the help of eco-conscious company Hygge Supply, opting for prefabricated houses that resonate with their aesthetic. The couple designed a one-bedroom, two-bath shelter and an additional guesthouse, both decorated in sleek blacks and warm woods that Melissa found to her liking. “The finishes looked like what I would choose if I was starting from scratch myself—and I’m very picky,” she noted.
The couple chose to use a shipping container for their pool, creatively incorporating sustainable living into their new lifestyle.
Outdoor Living Redefined
One of the standout features of the Kanarek home is its open-air living space, which encourages fluidity between nature and home life. With seating that overlooks the expansive property, this transitional living area serves as a tranquil spot where they can enjoy coffee while replying to work emails or hosting family gatherings, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for friends and family alike.
Their design choices were a reflection of their tastes, punctuated with carefully curated pieces that blended comfort with individuality. Inside, the décor strayed from conventional ranch motifs to create a personalized interpretation of country living. Vintage finds, contemporary art, and unique pieces from their travels around the world created an inviting ambience.
For example, a rustic 1800s bread-making buffet is at home alongside a sleek 1930s Art Deco shearling sofa. The eclectic decor tells a story, from a fertility vase acquired in Morocco to a quirky neon sign marking their Instagram handle, “Ranchy McRanch.”
A Thoughtful Landscape
Not wanting to just focus on the structures, Melissa and Paul enlisted landscape architecture firm Terremoto to enhance their outdoor space. The resulting terrace wrapped with native, drought-resistant plants frames their home beautifully. An “energy vortex,” consisting of five arranged boulders, serves as a meditative spot for reflection, connecting them spiritually to the land amid nearly 50 newly planted citrus trees.
This attention to sustainable landscaping is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and beauty of the surrounding nature.
A Farm Animal Family
As if their lives in Santa Ynez weren’t rich enough, the Kanareks expanded their burgeoning ranch by welcoming a variety of animals, including two Scottish Highland cows, two horses, one llama, and a plethora of goats. They even constructed a playground for the nine goats on the property, complete with swings that the animals gladly jump on at dusk.
Day-to-Day Life at the Ranch
Adapting to the rhythms of rural living has led to unexpected joys for the Kanareks. While Melissa prepares to open a new shop, Brass Tack—a creative venture that she describes as “if Dolly Parton and Georgia O’Keeffe crashed Fashion Week”—Paul contends with the rural quiet, often surprised that after sunset, the world around them shifts into a tranquil stillness. However, the starry nights and the companionship of their idyllic farm animals remind him of the beauty of their new life.
“It’s incredible to wake up every morning and find a baby cow greeting you,” Melissa expresses, highlighting the simple yet profound pleasures their journey has unearthed.
Conclusion: A New Legacy
The Kanarek family’s leap from city life to ranching is a testament to the transformative power of nature, community, and personal reinvention. What began as a pandemic-era decision turned into a fulfilling journey that honors both the land they now love and the family they hope to continue growing on it. Each day, with laughter and love echoing in the air, the Kanareks are writing a new chapter in their lives, one beautifully connected to the world and deeper bonds than they ever dreamed possible.
