Ah, the romantic San Ysidro Ranch—the lavender-lined driveway, acres of flowering gardens and red bougainvillea-covered reception bungalow. It’s one of my favorite places in the country, and some of my favorite images to drool over.

Ty Warner spent $150 million to buy and renovate the legendary but aging California property, where JFK and Jackie honeymooned more than half a century ago. A citrus ranch before it became a guest ranch in 1893, San Ysidro is an intimate hotel, with 41 rooms and suites in vine-covered cottages scattered around the property.

Most of these guest suites, ranging in size from less than 500 sq ft to more than 2500 sq ft, feature plaster walls with painted-wood ceilings that seem to warm the spaces without drawing attention to themselves.  Fireplaces are everywhere, some clad in stone and others in painted-wood. The furnishings appear collected and never designed, so replicating these intimate spaces doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

Keeping the historic charm of this captivating compound was of utmost importance in the renovation, and while most of us don’t have the budget that Mr. Warner spent on San Ysidro, maybe a photo or two of this incredibly romantic retreat could inspire your next remodel or even furniture purchase!

Channel Island Cottages, San Ysidro Ranch

Creekside Cottages, San Ysidro Ranch

Daisy Cottages, San Ysidro Ranch