Hidden in the hills of Paso Robles is a beautiful B&B with a surprising connection to the Peninsula. Gaye and Neil Vancans resided on the hill for 26 years and were considering what to do in retirement. They raised their three children, Lara, Guy, and Lily on the Peninsula and became a part of the community through their children’s activities. Lily, the youngest, left to study in Edinburgh, Scotland, and suddenly they found themselves officially “empty nesters.” As they contemplated returning to their native England or perhaps following friends to Portugal, the real estate market was suddenly red hot, and they were being advised to sell their home. Four days after going on the market, their home sold, and Gaye thought, “What do we do now?!” They had thought they might wait and settle near one of their three grown children, but their oldest daughter, Lara, said, “Mummy, don’t wait for us, create a home, and we will come to you!” The prospect of rising mortgage rates persuaded them to start looking to buy their next house, and in March of 2022, they found themselves drawn to California’s central coast and discovered what is now Lilac Farm. As Gaye puts it, “Life takes over, fate takes a hand, and it was right!”
Gaye and Neil had always planned to have a B&B someday, and now they had found the perfect property close to the 101 and 46 highways, yet hidden away in a beautiful valley just outside Paso. They set out to divide the large house on the property into two separate living areas. Gaye and Neil live in part of the house but have created a separate private English Cottage with antiques and other special touches. With three bedrooms and two and a half baths, a beautiful living area, and a full cook’s kitchen, it is a flexible space and the perfect spot for families to get together or for friends to plan a special girls’ weekend. Lilac Farm is nestled on 12 acres in a secret valley along a dry riverbed with views to the west and no other houses in sight. Visitors find themselves surrounded by beautiful vines and pastoral land that goes on for miles and will be welcomed by goats, chickens, and the friendly family dogs. Gaye shares that at Lilac Farms, it is hard to believe that you are only about three miles from the historic town center of Paso Robles, award-winning restaurants and wineries, a fairground, jazz club, and the famous Sensorio Field of Light attraction.
For Palos Verdes residents wanting a truly unique getaway that is not too far, Lilac Farm awaits you. Only a three-and-a-half-hour drive makes for the perfect 2 or 3-day getaway. Paso Robles offers many attractions throughout the year, including live music festivals, a State Fair, and the The Three Speckled Hens Antiques & Old Stuff Show, plus over 200 wineries, olive and lavender farms, cheese and honey producers, farmers’ markets, and beautiful scenic drives on your excursions. Gaye and Neil will welcome you, and with Gaye’s 40+ years of experience in the hospitality industry, including 13 years spent as the Director of Community Relations at Terranea Resort, she is prepared to welcome guests and provide a guaranteed level of luxury to meet guests’ expectations in an upscale home away from home experience. She can be hands-on or anonymous depending on your preferences. For those that want to interact, she will cook breakfast and bring true old-fashioned English hospitality to your stay and will welcome special requests such as baking a birthday cake or having a bottle of wine ready for your arrival. For those that just want to get away, relax, and enjoy the majestic views, you will find plenty of privacy while gathering in the beautifully furnished bedrooms, living areas, and outside on the patio.
It was delightful for Palos Verdes Magazine to catch up with Gaye and find out what she has been up to since leaving the Peninsula. She has a little bit of advice for those entering retirement age, or really for anyone considering doing something new; she says, “Life is too short, take chances, grab opportunities, just jump in and do it! It will be worth it.” For more information and guest reviews, visit www.lilacfarmpaso.com or reach out directly to Gaye & Neil on Facebook or Instagram – @lilacfarmpaso.
Photos Courtesy of Lilac Farm
