Out under the oaks past the small town of Santa Margarita, The Cowboy & The Americana brings together two single-level ranch cottages for groups of up to 14. Each home has its own covered front porch, fenced yard, and open living space, so everyone can spread out at night and come back together for long dinners outside. Santa Margarita Lake is about five minutes up the road, and the nights out here are quiet and dark.

The Cowboy leans into the Western touches that give it its name. The kitchen is built around a long island with cowhide barstools, stainless appliances, a gas range, and a coffee station set up for slow mornings. A round table for four sits by the windows, and the living room pairs a deep leather sofa with a carved wood coffee table and a TV. The primary bedroom has a king bed, a Roku smart TV, and an en-suite bath with dual vanities and a walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a full bed, and the third has a twin-over-full bunk that usually ends up claimed by the kids. Those two rooms share a hallway bath with a tub and shower combo.

The Americana is bright and easygoing, with navy plaid armchairs and a leather sofa facing the TV, a kitchen island with seats for whoever is keeping the cook company, and a round dining table that works just as well for breakfast as it does for card games. The kitchen is fully stocked with a gas range and plenty of counter space, so cooking in after a day outside feels easy. Here the primary bedroom has a king bed and its own TV, the second has a queen, and the third has a full-over-twin bunk. One bathroom has dual sinks and a walk-in shower, and the other has a tub and shower combo for bath time. Both homes have a washer and dryer for longer stays.

Evenings look about the same at both houses. Someone fires up the BBQ, dinner moves to the picnic table, and everyone else settles into the patio chairs while the light goes gold over the hills. With two grills and two yards, a big group can cook and hang out without anyone waiting their turn.

Santa Margarita Lake is close enough for an early start, with kayak and boat rentals at the marina, bass and catfish fishing, and the shaded Grey Pine Trail along the water. The Rinconada Trailhead is about 10 minutes away for a steeper climb into Los Padres National Forest, and on clear days the drive up Cuesta Ridge brings views all the way to Morro Rock. Back in town, Margarita Adventures runs zipline tours over the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Downtown San Luis Obispo and Mission Plaza are about half an hour away, Paso Robles wine country is roughly 40 minutes north, and Morro Bay and the coast are under an hour out.

AvantStay provides an upscale experience with services that elevate your stay and save time so you can enjoy every moment. Guests have access to a 24/7 support team and a tech-enabled concierge to book services, such as fridge stocking, mid-stay cleanings, and private chefs. For anything you need (or never knew you needed), we're at your service!

Wine down and relax in California's central coast town. Paso Robles invites you to drive through wine country's scenic backroads, stop at one of 300 award-winning tasting rooms, and stroll through charming downtown, where local artisan shops line the streets. A place to relax and unwind, Paso Robles also offers hot springs that overlook surrounding vineyards. Whether it's for a romantic weekend or group getaway, take the plunge and come for a visit!

Local Attractions: Santa Margarita Lake, Grey Pine Trail, Rinconada Trailhead, Los Padres National Forest, Ancient Peaks Winery, downtown Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, downtown Paso Robles, Downtown City Park.

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All bookings over 30 days require a security deposit to be charged after booking.