Cottontail Creek Ranch

Our beautiful custom home is nestled just off the valley floor in the Cottontail Creek Valley on a 850 acre working cattle and organic avocado ranch. The lush accommodations include 8 bedrooms and 7 baths, gourmet kitchen, and great room, all surrounded by decks and patios with phenomenal valley views. Enjoy our 20 yard saltwater pool, tennis court, fishing pond, and miles of hiking trails. The ranch is blessed with a micro climate where the marine influence creates the perfect weather — "Not too hot and not too cold... just right." Grab the binoculars for the best wildlife and birdwatching without leaving the front porch. Privacy and serenity all within minutes from the beach and wine tasting. We call this location location location.

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Luxury Ranch Retreat

Cottontail Creek Ranch features a family-owned luxurious ranch retreat with seasonal creeks, a fishing pond, fruit orchards and a 60 foot lap pool complete with spa and kid's step.

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Experience the Central Coast

Cayucos embodies everything you’d expect from a small beach community on the Central Coast of California. Just a 15 minute drive from Cottontail Creek Ranch, you can spend a morning catching waves, walking the pier, walking the pristine 4 mile coastline bluff of Estero Bluffs State Park (saved by Cayucos for all to enjoy) and then sidled up to the bar at Schooner’s Wharf and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
Local Guide

Meet your hosts

The Lyon family is proud to continue a rich ranching history. Historically, the ranch was operated as a dairy by Swiss Italians who immigrated here in the late 1800’s. In 1999, the Lyons added the lodge as a luxury ranch vacation rental. Your hosts Susan, Kristopher and Michael Lyon invite you to join them for a getaway that will demand an encore!
About Us

Reviews

Beautiful backdrop for a family reunion

Aug 1, 2024 – Aug 8, 2024

Our extended family (11 adults, 8 kids) gathered at Cottontail Creek Ranch for a week-long reunion in August. The location is spectacular, tucked up in a canyon with sweeping views of the hills. The weather was fabulous (especially for heat-weary travelers from all around the country)--sunny during the day, but not hot, and cooling off overnight with the ocean breeze. The home was great for our group, with enough bedrooms and bathrooms that families didn't have to share. And an open living space that allowed all to be part of the festivities but also offered nooks and crannies for those who wanted alone time. Susan was wonderful host, paying attention to every little detail to make our stay enjoyable. Fresh oranges and avocados (in season), rides to the pond for those who couldn't hike, attentive to our needs for the pool temperature or other activities. It was a very memorable reunion and we very much hope to be back again in the future!

Fabulous Ranch Home

Feb 16, 2024 – Feb 19, 2024

This home was perfect for our party of 16 (6 children and 10 adults). The views of the countryside and ranch were amazing. We enjoyed a little hiking in between the rain showers. Even with a full schedule of events planned in Morro Bay and Cambria, we had the luxury of having a place to come together as a family under one roof. The grandchildren loved the lofts and the space to play in, as well as listening to the frogs croaking in the creek and the rooster crowing. The adults appreciated their own rooms with private baths and the amenities of home. Thank you to the host, Susan, for welcoming us with fresh oranges and avocados along with the beautifully set dining table for our family.

— Pamela L

Great stay!

Jul 3, 2024 – Jul 12, 2024

The Cottontail Creek Ranch was everything it advertised. From the beautiful surroundings, to the comfort of the home and spaciousness of the rooms the entire family have a great time. Pool, tennis courts, basketball court and even a tether all set -up there was something for everyone. The hostess was wonderful, always available to answer any questions and was extremely helpful in finding things for us to do.

— Harold B

Another great relaxing, long weekend at the Ranch with the whole family; all 14 of us.

Nov 8, 2024 – Nov 11, 2024

Hiking to the fishing pond was a highlight and adventure. Made one wrong turn on the new path, but Jose directed us the right way. Granddaughter Corinne caught the first fish and others followed. We met Clare there and she showed us where the fish were. Thanks Clare!

Enjoyed the jacuzzi and hot tub, ping pong, puzzles and playroom that had all the train accessories with the youngest member of the family. Celebrated a 2 year old birthday and our 50th wedding anniversary! Enjoyed many meals together at the table that seats everyone. Weather was beautiful; clear enough to view craters on the moon through the telescope and seeing so many stars. Loved the cows, calves and deer!

One family had fun horseback riding nearby and another family toured Cambria. Fun for all!

Thank you Susan for all the niceties you provide and sharing your beautiful Ranch!

— The Clogg family

Our stay at Cottontail Creek Ranch was absolutely magical!

Feb 2025

Susan is a fantastic host, and every detail of the home and property was thoughtfully designed for comfort and enjoyment. The fully stocked gourmet kitchen and coffee station made mornings delightful, and the patio overlooking the fire pit and bocce ball court was the perfect spot to unwind.

The views of the avocado orchard, dotted with orange, lemon, and lime trees, were breathtaking. We loved the beautiful lap pool and pool house, played pickleball on the tennis court, and took a scenic hike to a private pond stocked with bass and bluegill. While we didn’t use the kayaks, they looked like a great adventure for next time!

Beyond the ranch, we spent an afternoon wine tasting in Paso Robles and enjoyed a fantastic dinner in the charming beach town of Cayucos near Morro Bay. Cottontail Creek Ranch is a hidden gem, and we can’t wait to return. Thank you, Susan, for an unforgettable stay!

— Steve and Carrie F