The Kirkwood Collection, a hotel brand with a portfolio of historic boutique hotels in California, added the Ballard Inn to its collection. This property marks Kirkwood’s first venture into the Santa Ynez Valley, a region in Santa Barbara wine country. The Ballard Inn joins Kirkwood’s existing boutique properties in Santa Barbara, Hideaway Santa Barbara and Blue Sands Inn.
The Ballard Inn, located in Ballard, Calif.—the smallest and oldest community in the Santa Ynez Valley—has 15 rooms with balconies, patios and fireplaces. Recently refurbished, the boutique bed and breakfast pays homage to the 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.
Kirkwood expands its relationship with Somera Capital Management through this acquisition, marking the 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,” said T.J. Gamble, senior managing director of Somera Capital Management.