Information

These 14,400 acres of Gaviota Hill Country are teeming with coastal life—waterfowl, mule deer, bobcats, sea otter, sea lions, oaks, pines, creeks, canyons and wide spans of grasslands.  Learn more.

The Hollister Ranch is a 14,400 acre area of land located south of Point Conception, at the northernmost edge of the area known as "Southern California."  The Ranch is a cattle ranch that is sparsely developed with homes on large, agriculturally zoned, 100 acre parcels.  The Ranch contains approximately 8.5 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline, an area characterized as empty points and coves, rolling hillsides, and beach bluffs.  A detailed history of this land is available in books at The Gaviota Store and at this link.

A partnership (or co-ownership) agreement determines who can develop the various building rights and other responsibilities on the parcel. This arrangement reduces acquisition, construction, and maintenance costs, and the interest can later be sold to a new owner. These undivided interests can be purchased for much less than an entire parcel, with all owners having the same use of the Ranch common areas and beaches. Partnership interests may be available with an existing home, or as vacant land with or without permits and other approvals.  A parcel’s 100+ acres of land cannot be legally divided, but each family has exclusive use of their individual home(s) and developed property site(s).  The building rights can be transferred between that same parcel’s partners.  The County of Santa Barbara imposes certain restrictions for each type of structure built at Hollister Ranch, including maximum square footage or occupancy limits.

The Hollister Ranch is a unique coastal subdivision located in Santa Barbara County, California. It comprises of 133, 100-acre parcels, with nearly 1,000 current owners. The ownership of property on the Ranch is different from other areas along the coast, as it is governed by the owners association CC&R's, rules, and county zoning ordinances. Each 100-acre parcel is allowed to have three separate families on the title, and from these, 12 designated owners for access to the Ranch are allowed. The current zoning allows for the development of a main residence, a guest house, an employee residence, and agricultural buildings. Many families have joined together on a parcel to own and develop their properties. Ownership of many parcels is in the form of one-third undivided interest or partnership type of ownership, and agreements are drawn up by land use attorneys to spell out the families' ownership and use rights, and responsibilities. Fractional interests, such as 50%, one quarter, and one sixth, also exist on some parcels (grandfathered since the 1980s), but usually, one-third ownership is required to have some right to develop on a 100-acre parcel.

Access through the East-end and only gatehouse is apportioned by ownership interest.  

Access Rules for Owners:  Access to Hollister Ranch is limited to a certain number of people depending on the size of the parcel you own. If you own a 100 acre parcel, you can have up to 12 family members access the ranch. If you own a 50% interest in a parcel, you can have access for 6 family members. If you own a one-third interest in a parcel, you can have access for 4 family members. If you own a one-sixth interest in a parcel, you can have access for 2 family members. And if you own a one-twelfth interest in a parcel, you can have access for 1 family member.

All others entering the Ranch, are considered guests of the parcel owner and may be on the Hollister Ranch only when the owner is present (e.g., guests may not rent the owner’s home).  

Guests of Owners:  A maximum of twelve guests per parcel (not per owner) are allowed on the Ranch at any one time.  So, up to 24 people per parcel (12 owners + 12 guests) may access the HR on a given day. An extended guest list, if filed with and approved by HR management allows each parcel more guests for special occasions.

A paved two-lane road winds through the Ranch from east to west, located approximately a quarter mile to a half mile inland from the shore--unpaved and paved roads branch off to the south and north from the main Ranch road at various points.  Railroad tracks controlled and used by the Union Pacific Railroad lie between the main Ranch road and the beach.

Each 100+ acre parcel at The Ranch allows for the construction of one main house and one guest house. Additionally, agricultural zoning also permits the construction of employee dwellings and barns. Before beginning any construction, it is important to be aware of the local county requirements. The Coastal Zone Ordinance requires a one-time $5,000 fee to be paid at the time of construction of the first dwelling. Additionally, there may be specific size restrictions for the guest house and other structures, as well as other restrictions that may apply. It is recommended to contact us to discuss any specific questions or concerns regarding building on the property.  (805) 680-7425

Some agricultural projects on Hollister Ranch include: equestrian breeding/training/boarding, brood mare, macadamia nut trees, avocado and lemon orchards, Protea and Leptospermum flower operation, oak tree regeneration, native grass seed harvesting, and apiaries.

Before beginning any construction on your parcel, it is important to first review the requirements set by the Hollister Ranch Design Committee. A Master Plan, which includes a topographic map, should be developed for your parcel. After the plan is completed, schedule a meeting with the Design Committee, which typically meets on the first Saturday of every month.

The Ranch also has several Contractor-Owners/Builders who live on the property and have extensive knowledge of the Hollister Ranch development process. They can assist you in navigating the committee's requirements and ensuring your plan meets all necessary standards. All previously approved parcel plans are on file at the Hollister Ranch office and can serve as a reference for your own plan.

The HROA's mission is to maintain Hollister Ranch in a manner that protects the traditions and beauty of the area for owners.  As part of its mission, the HROA and its Board of Directors monitor and enforce covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R's) and other Ranch rules that govern and limit the ownership and use of land within the Ranch.

As of January 4, 2010, the monthly Hollister Ranch Owner's Association dues are approx. $1,700 per 100-acre parcel.  These dues are used to cover the costs of a variety of essential services, including:

• 24-hour security system

• Full-time maintenance crew

• Ranch manager

• Bookkeeping and outside consultants

• Maintenance of common areas and ranch roads

• Beach cabanas

• Limited insurance coverage

• Some legal fees

The dues are used to cover the cost of vital services required to maintain the Ranch and keep it a safe and enjoyable place for all property owners.

Hollister Ranch is zoned as an Agricultural Preserve under Ag 320. As a result, most underdeveloped, vacant, 100-acre parcels are taxed at a relatively low rate of only a few hundred dollars per year. However, it is important to note that most structural improvements on the property will be taxed approximately 1% of the estimated construction costs by the Santa Barbara County Tax Assessor. These "lower" agricultural zoning taxes are intended to offset the Owner's Association fees. It is worth noting that property taxes are not based on the sale price of the property, but rather on the agricultural income and building improvement value of the property.

Water & Electric: Each parcel at The Ranch is equipped with its own water well or is connected to a shared water district system. Electricity is provided along the main road through power poles, and is currently available in some of the canyons. However, many of the back parcels rely on solar electricity or gas-powered generators. Electrical and phone line extensions must be buried underground to reach building sites and neighboring parcels may share the costs.

Gas:  Propane gas delivery is available to all Hollister Ranch parcels.

Septic:  Septic tanks with leach fields or dry wells are used for sewage disposal.

Trash: Trash and recycling dumpsters are located on Hollister Ranch in two convenient hidden locations just off the main road for owner household use.

Internet:  The first several canyons have broadband DSL available and most others have a satellite option, including HughesNet and StarLink.  Inexpensive, but slow dial-up/modem options are widely available through online sites.  Presently, there is one informal broadband Wi-Fi “hotspot” in a common area.

Fire:  In 2010, owners established an excellent private fire company on the Hollister Ranch:  Hollister Ranch Fire Company. A relatively new Santa Barbara County fire station is located less than a mile from the Highway 101 turnoff at Gaviota.  More about HR fire protection.  In 2021, Hollister Ranch was designated as a FireWise community.

The Gaviota Hill Country, where the Hollister Ranch is situated, is a veritable ecological treasure trove. The scientific community recognizes it as one of the world's 15 most biologically diverse and ecologically significant regions. With nearly 200 distinct avian species, over 50 species of fish, and 1,400 plant and animal species, the Gaviota Hill Country is a veritable haven of biodiversity.

As a designated nature preserve, the Hollister Ranch is held up as a model of ecological conservation, earning recognition both locally and nationally. Among the fauna commonly encountered on the Ranch are deer, bobcats, rabbits, coyotes, badgers, squirrels, wild boars and - on exceedingly rare occasions - mountain lions or bears.

Since hunting is strictly prohibited on the Ranch, visitors have an increased likelihood of encountering these local fauna in their natural habitats. The Ranch serves as a sanctuary where native wildlife can coexist with property owners without fear of persecution. This makes the Hollister Ranch a unique and unparalleled destination for those seeking to experience the natural splendor of the Gaviota Hill Country.

Nature walks are scheduled by the community and bring well-known naturalists to the HR.

There are several hundred owners of Hollister Ranch parcels.  Some are original owners who purchased parcels in the 1970s when parcels were a few hundred thousand dollars.  Over the last 50 years, since the HR was subdivided in 1971, homes have been built on 80% of the 133 privately owned Hollister Ranch parcels.  Most owners do not have completed homes or rights to build on the Ranch and live in Santa Barbara County, Southern California and the Bay Area.

People are drawn to the Hollister Ranch land and community for a wide variety of reasons and often cite the landscape, effective rules regarding preservation, water sports (surf), privacy, and the desire for a traditional California lifestyle.  The Hollister Ranch is 2 hours 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.

Hollister Co. is a retail surf lifestyle brand owned by Abercrombie & Fitch, founded in 2000. The company created a fictional history that positions itself as a Californian brand, claiming that its founder, John Hollister Sr., emigrated from New York City to the Dutch East Indies and established the company upon returning to the United States and settling in California in 1922. 

The brand's logo is a flying seagull. The Hollister Ranch, located in Gaviota, California, is about 25 miles west of Santa Barbara and is not related to the brand. Gaviota, the Spanish word for seagull, is a fitting name for the area as it is known for its seagulls. The city of Hollister, California, which is in Central California, is known for its cattle ranches and was founded by the family that purchased the Hollister Ranch.

Overnight camping near the beach or other common areas is prohibited.  Very short-term camping at parcels may be available but is governed by an individual parcel's partnership agreement.

Beachside camping is available outside the HR 2 miles east of the gatehouse at Gaviota State Park Beach & Campground.

Yes, but only through partnership organizations.  Please see this page regarding the convenient Public Access topic.

People can and sometimes do use boats to access the state-owned “wet beach” along the Ranch’s southern boundary. The Ranch does not attempt to stop this activity.   Please see this page regarding the convenient Public Access topic.

In California, the State owns the coastline's tidelands, sometimes known as the “wet beach,” lying seaward of the mean high water line, and thus the public has always had access to the wet beach on the Gaviota Coast, which includes Hollister Ranch's tidelands.  The eastern boundary of the Ranch is adjacent to Gaviota State Beach, which is itself adjacent to Highway 101 and open to the public.