RESIDENTIAL
Cuyama Buckhorn Resort New Cuyama, CA
Cuyama Buckhorn Resort New Cuyama, CA
SCOPE
Restoration, Interior Design
Restoration, Interior Design
COMPLETED IN
2021
Cuyama Buckhorn is a soulful restoration and reimagination of a 1952 roadside motel and restaurant set in the Cuyama Valley — a rural agricultural region nestled between California’s Central Valley and Central Coast.
Inspired by the valley’s rich cultural and natural landscape, we approached the four-acre, five-structure property with the intent to preserve its mid-century spirit while transforming it into a contemporary destination. During the 12,500-square-foot renovation, we retained all five original buildings and the era-defining materials to preserve the integrity of the original design. The reimagined grounds now feature native gardens, event spaces, outdoor lounges, and a 20’ x 60’ pool that invites communal gathering and relaxed connection to the land.
Inspired by the valley’s rich cultural and natural landscape, we approached the four-acre, five-structure property with the intent to preserve its mid-century spirit while transforming it into a contemporary destination. During the 12,500-square-foot renovation, we retained all five original buildings and the era-defining materials to preserve the integrity of the original design. The reimagined grounds now feature native gardens, event spaces, outdoor lounges, and a 20’ x 60’ pool that invites communal gathering and relaxed connection to the land.
HISTORY OF CUYAMA VALLEY + THE BUCKHORN
In 1952 during the mid-20th century oil boom, The Richfield Oil Corporation commissioned George Vernon Russell, acclaimed mid-century architect, to build Cuyama Buckhorn as a classic roadside motel and community hub. As the oil industry waned, the Cuyama Valley gradually returned to its agricultural roots. Now a working agricultural community once again, the valley is shaped by expansive ranches, open land, and a strong Western influence that reflects its heritage and way of life.
THE REOPENED LOBBY
When we took ownership of the property in 2018, we began by reopening the long-shuttered lobby. The original wood-paneled walls, built-in bookshelves, and brick fireplace were carefully restored, while the worn carpet was removed to reveal the original concrete floors, which were polished to a renewed shine. Outfitted with vintage furnishings and contemporary artwork, the lobby offers an immersive first impression of the renovation’s “mid-century-meets-Western” design aesthetic.
REIMAGINED PLAN
At the front of the property, the original communal building now houses the fully renovated restaurant, coffee shop, bar, private dining & event spaces, and reopened lobby. Behind it, a former asphalt parking lot has been transformed into a vibrant resort-style oasis with a new pool, bocce court, open-air bar, 40’ communal dining table, and multi-use lawn.
RENOVATED GUEST ROOMS
The 21 guest rooms blend The Buckhorn’s Western and mid-century heritage with modern comforts. We reimagined each room with semi-private patios, reclaimed wood furnishings, graphic floor tiles, vintage cowboy hats, and a curated collection of books about the Cuyama Valley.
INDOOR EVENT SPACES
Within the communal building, Hudson’s Dining Room and The Addition were stripped back to their essential materials and reimagined to create open, versatile event spaces. Connected by large sliding barn doors, the rooms can function separately or as one unified venue, offering flexibility for a range of gatherings.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Sustainability guided the project — reclaimed materials minimized waste and environmental impact, while drought-tolerant, native plants established resilient, low-impact landscaping.
THE HISTORIC BUCK HEADS
An old photograph revealed the bar’s original design, its walls adorned with iconic buck heads — a detail that became a guiding inspiration for the renovation. We searched the property, recovered the scattered buck heads, and returned them to their rightful home.
MENTIONED IN
Sunset Magazine
“I stayed in a Classic Motor Hotel and it Was Peak Nostalgia”
Cowboys & Indians
“The "Hidden Valley of Enchantment" really is hidden. An inspired new roadside resort with deep valley roots – Cuyama Buckhorn – aims to change that”
LA Times“11 things to do in this hidden roadside town bursting with history (and wildflowers)“
LA Times“11 things to do in this hidden roadside town bursting with history (and wildflowers)“
PHOTOGRAPHY