Word on the Street: Sierra Sky Ranch performing major overhaul

Sierra Sky Ranch in Oakhurst has a long history. It opened in 1875 as the first cattle ranch in Madera County, then in the early 1900s it became a tuberculosis sanatorium. In the 1940s it acted as a rest and recuperation center for World War II soldiers, then it was made into a guest ranch in 1946.

Now the ranch, located on 50552 Road 632, is performing a major overhaul, redoing its guest rooms, reception area, restaurant and exterior details like its sign.

Food and beverage manager Caryl Carper said new furniture arrived and painting began four months ago.. The 26 guest rooms, including two suites, have new furniture, new hardwood floors and carpeting, and new French doors that open onto a porch.

The lobby has also been remodeled, with new hardwood floors in place of the previous carpeting and new couches, high-back chairs and rocking chairs. The outside of the ranch has also been repainted.

As for its steakhouse restaurant, The Branding Iron, Carper said that not only is there new equipment for the kitchen and new furniture for its dining room, but the menu has undergone changes as well. While familiar items such as fillet and New York steaks will remain, the ranch will also offer Tomahawk ribeye steaks, scallops, prawns, double pork chops, lamb and salmon, she said.

The renovations also provide increased opportunity for employment. Carper said the ranch is looking to hire 25 to 40 people for a variety of positions.

The date and details of the grand reopening are still uncertain, but should be no earlier than July 1, Carper said. Even so, the ranch’s guest book is about full for when it does reopen, she said.

“All of us, the managers and the owner and the employees that we have on staff right at the moment, are very excited about the renovations,” Carper said. “We’re really proud of all the work that everyone has put in.”

The ranch’s website is www.sierraskyranch.com, although Carper said it has not been updated to reflect the changes. Updates on the ranch, as well as pictures of the changes and job openings, can be found on its Facebook page.

This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Word on the Street: Sierra Sky Ranch performing major overhaul."