WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 – BEVERLY HILLS, CA- Kirkwood Collection, a luxury hotel brand renowned for its portfolio of historic boutique hotels in iconic California destinations, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its collection: The Ballard Inn. This property marks Kirkwood’s first venture into the Santa Ynez Valley, a picturesque region in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country celebrated for its natural beauty, rich history, and world-class wines. The Ballard Inn joins Kirkwood’s existing boutique properties in Santa Barbara, Hideaway Santa Barbara, and Blue Sands Inn, further expanding their presence in the region.
The Ballard Inn, nestled in the heart of Ballard, California—the smallest and oldest community in the Santa Ynez Valley—currently offers 15 luxurious rooms featuring balconies, patios, and fireplaces. Recently refurbished, this boutique bed and breakfast pays homage to the rich heritage of the region. Kirkwood Collection plans to expand the room count to 19 in the future and is exploring food and beverage options for the on-site restaurant. In keeping with Kirkwood Collection’s high standards, guests will enjoy a champagne reception upon arrival, a daily wine and cheese happy hour, and the signature Kirkwood breakfast the brand is renowned for.
“We are honored to welcome The Ballard Inn to Kirkwood Collection,” said Alex Kirkwood, Founder and CEO. “From the moment we first toured the property, we fell in love with its charm and exceptional location. We are thrilled to join this vibrant community across the Santa Ynez Valley, a region I personally cherish. Our commitment is to enhance The Ballard Inn’s legacy, continuing to offer personalized and exceptional experiences for our guests. Each boutique hotel we add to our portfolio is not only given the Kirkwood touch but also contributes to the enrichment of the communities we serve.”
Kirkwood expands its relationship with Somera Capital Management through this acquisition, marking their second investment together. “We couldn’t be more excited to grow our relationship with Kirkwood Collection and The Ballard Inn fits wonderfully within our collective portfolio.” remarked T.J. Gamble, Senior Managing Director of Somera Capital Management. With 28 years of commercial real estate investment experience across multiple sectors and geographic regions, Somera has sponsored over 120 investments totaling more than $2.5 billion in transaction volume.
