About Us
Our Story & History
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“ Enter Friend - The house is yours “
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Yokayo Ranch is located in the heart of Mendocino County surrounded by the iconic golden rolling hills which are home to the ancient oaks and towering redwoods. The valley floor is filled with organic farms and family-run wineries. The property is located on 40 acres and several of those acres are devoted to our organic vegetable and flower farm called The Farm At Grasslands. We are a wedding venue, event space, vacation rental, and a retreat from your everyday life. Yokayo Ranch is a place of serenity, a place to unwind and gather with your people. To put it simply, Yokayo Ranch is a magical experience. We work hard to make you feel at home during your stay and are excited about what we have created and we hope you are too.
Roughly two miles north of Ukiah, bordering the western mountains, lies the 40-acre Yokayo Ranch. The ranch gets its name from the Yokaya Rancho (aka Llokaya Rancho), a 35,541-acre Mexican land grant that consisted of what is now the Ukiah and Redwood Valleys. California Governor Pio Pico granted the rancho to Cayetano Juárez in 1845. The name came from the Pomo word for “south valley people”, Yo kai ya. The Pomo had no written language, so the Spanish spelled what they heard, Llokaya.i In time, the large grant was broken up and sold as tracts. Yokayo Ranch is located in lot 147 of the Yokayo Rancho.
All the structures on the property were built in the early 20s. We have worked hard to restore them and bring life back into the space.
The property consists of One large home we call the Main House, a smaller home we call the Bunk House, and two Pool Cabins. A beautiful pool area, ceremony space, and lawn area keeps the spaces connected.
We know the ranch was owned by the Shortt Family, and purchased in 1927. From the description of the property it is likely that it looked much like it does today. At that time, the Shortt Family owned 1700 surrounding acres including vineyards and orchards. Mr. Shortt built the barn to house his large flock of sheep. His healthy sheep are credited in part to the amazing, and at the time, very modern barn. The gorgeous stone walls we see when entering the property may have been built by an Italian mason before Shortt arrived.
We are honored to be Stewart’s of this land and can’t wait to share its magic with you.
Meet the Team
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.
Turning Vision Into Reality
Also known around the ranch as "El Jefe", Ian is our Founder and proud Owner of Yokayo Ranch. When we say he turns visions into a reality, we are not kidding. Ian is a lifelong entrepreneur with the ability to conquer anything he puts his mind to. He is a native of Mendocino County, California and is also a proud papa and lover of the earth.
Ian Powell
President/Founder
Making Magic Happen
Rachel is a California native with roots running deep throughout Mendocino County. With extensive experience designing, planning and producing weddings and special events, she not only shares a joy in curating beautiful spaces but also prides herlself on truly listening to the clients needs, and producing for them the experience they envision.
Rachel Powell-Valensky
Operations Manager &
Wedding Coordinator
Sincere & Charming
Precision, intentional and charm are what I pride myself on for wedding planning. I love to help my clients bring their day to vision.
Lindsey Freeman
Wedding Coordinator
Precision & Grace
Valerie has been with us since day one. She specializes in event production and has an innate ability to create a beautiful event with precision and grace.
Valerie Capri
Wedding Coordinator
Hospitality Guru
Dana is known for her organizational skills and positive outlook. With years of experience organizing and coordinating large events, she is the exact person you will want to help plan your magical day and experience.