Cuyama Buckhorn

Set deep in the desert of Santa Barbara County, the Cuyama Buckhorn isn’t just any old motel — this mid-century classic was designed by the architect George Vernon Russell, who was responsible for a number of Los Angeles landmarks. It took a thorough restoration, but today’s Buckhorn features 21 guest rooms in a hybrid cowboy-Modernist style, while the restaurant, the self-titled Buckhorn, is pure cowboy.

The rooms are distinctive thanks to their original architectural features as well as their well-curated vintage pieces, with custom fixtures and furnishings bridging the gap. There’s an austerity to their visual impression, but the tactile comforts impart more than a little bit of luxury to the experience; the deluxe rooms, at the mid-to-high end of the range, are pet-friendly.

There’s a lovely little pool and plenty of outdoor lounge space, including shared patio spaces, and while Cuyama isn’t much of a destination just yet, the Buckhorn is well on its way to making it one. The Buckhorn Restaurant & Bar serves local and seasonal Californian cuisine as well as small-batch liquors and local wines; there’s also a grab-and-go market featuring local foodstuffs and the Buck Stop, a café featuring brews from Canyon Coffee.