Rancho San Dieguito as it was called in 1841, included 8,824 acres, and was acquired by the first political "alcalde" of San Diego, Juan Maria Osuna, under a land grant from the governor of Mexico, Pio Pico. In 1906 the Santa Fe Railway, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, purchased the entire ancestral grant of the Osunas.
The experiment of planting Eucalyptus trees for railroad ties came to a halt when it was determined that the wood was too soft to hold railroad spikes. As a result millions of Eucalyptus trees were left to flourish in beauty and strength upon the hills of present day Rancho Santa Fe.
In an attempt to recoup losses, the railroad formed the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company. The goal was to develop a planned community of country estates.
During 1917 through 1918 the Santa Fe Land & Improvement Company under the supervision of its president, W.E. Hodges, constructed a dam to capture the waters of the San Dieguito River and form Lake Hodges. Without ample water for irrigation, Rancho Santa Fe could never become a reality.
A village plan was adopted, roads were laid out and properties were plotted. The 6,200 acres carved from the original Rancho San Dieguito land grant, was named in 1922, "Rancho Santa Fe." The company chose a San Diego-based architectural firm called Requa and Jackson, noted for their expertise in Spanish and Mediterranean architecture, to develop the master plan. Lilian Rice, an employee with the firm, worked from 1920 to 1930 designing, supervising, and constructing the village center, as well as several homes throughout the Ranch. Her philosophy in architecture was to "create unity between buildings and their surroundings in a simplistic blend of picturesque romantic charm." Her architectural influence can be seen throughout the village today.
In 1923 the Santa Fe Land Company started residential development and constructed a guest house called "La Morada" to house potential land purchasers. In 1941 the name was changed to "The Inn", when it was purchased as a guest resort.
From 1923-1929 large parcels of land were sold for citrus and avocado groves. Homes were constructed, many on hilltops with fabulous views of the mountains, ocean and valleys. Although building and landscaping requirements were a part of the purchase contract in the early years, Charles Cheney, a noted city planner, suggested that the residents of the area form a mutual organization for the administration of the community. In 1927 a non-profit association was formed. The Rancho Santa Fe Association's purpose was to administer the Protective Covenant that seeks to insure the "preservation, maintenance, development, and improvement of property" in accordance with the wishes of property owners and in conformance with the general community plan.
Rancho Santa Fe has become the home of country estates and was declared the wealthiest community in the nation in the 2000 census. The Rancho Santa Fe Association is still pursuing the goals of its far-sighted developers. This pleasant oasis covers approximately 6,200 acres with approximately 1,460 households just six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.
Beautiful residences on lots averaging two acres or more are set back from the picturesque roadways which wind around the town. Home prices range from $1 - $22 million. The Covenant is governed by the Rancho Santa Fe Association which also oversees the RSF Golf Club, a 6800 yard, par 72, 18 hole course, and RSF tennis facility. There is also a Riding Club, Garden Club, Community Center, and 50 miles of horse trails which weave throughout the rolling hills.
The town centerpiece is the graceful “Inn at Rancho Santa Fe”, designed by Lillian Rice, and situated on a grassy knoll at the western end of the main street. The focal point of activity is our central village, where businesses and shops dot the few blocks of commercially-zoned property. Since there is no mail delivery to homes (by popular demand), residents stop at the post office every day. The Village serves as a meeting place where one gathers for morning coffee, or strolls down the street to greet neighbors and friends, and to enjoy the ambiance of the town itself.
An exclusive enclave, The Bridges was designed and constructed to preserve the natural beauty of its 540 acres. The heart and soul of this residential community is centered around a championship golf course. The Bridges Course is among the most recent triumphs of the renowned Robert Trent Jones II Group. The Bridges’ par 71 course boasts five sets of tees, playing almost 7,000 yards from the tips. At the center of the community, reminiscent of a centuries old Tuscan Village, the 36,000 square foot Bridges Clubhouse is a recent winner of the prestigious Gold Nugget Award for Best Design. A state-of-the-art swim and fitness center offers club members the finest in health and recreation facilities.
The Bridges offers a well-balanced community for all ages and varying custom home opportunities. There are a variety of purchase opportunities still available. Custom homesites range from $800,000 to $2.5 million and recently built homes range from $3 - $7 million. Custom appointed golf villas range from $1.8 - $3.5 million. The majority of the community lies within the Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School District. The entire community is located in the San Dieguito Union High School District.
Cielo is a new 1,740 acre residential land preserve in exclusive Rancho Santa Fe envisioned as a collection of enclaves offering 528 luxury residences and estate sites. Atop the highest coastal peaks in all of North San Diego County, these properties reach elevations of over 1400 feet with expansive views to the Pacific Ocean including the Coronado Islands, San Clemente Island, Lake Hodges, and Palomar Mountain. Custom estate sites within this guard-gated development will range from one to seven acres in size, priced from the mid $600,000 to over $1 million. Luxury residences range from $1.5 to over $3 million.
Plans for the community include a private clubhouse with a fitness/tennis facility, community park and a variety of private recreational areas and formal gardens; natural pathways linked to regional hiking and biking trails; a commercial village center and fire station. Some of the sites are within the RSF School District and the San Dieguito Union High School District.
The focal point of this 266 acre community is a 50,000 square foot clubhouse offering an 18 hole, 6950 yard, Joseph Lee Golf Course, six tennis courts, and a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool. The custom home sites range in size from one-half acre to more than three acres. Each site offers its own unique views – of the golf course, the clubhouse, the open hills and back country, the ocean or the community below. The architectural review committee has approved Mediterranean, Traditional, and Country French home designs. Home prices range from $2 - $5 million. There is a guard at the gate 24 hours a day. Students attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School and Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy.
Developed in 1987 by Gene Klein and Gus Gardner, gated Del Rayo Downs is located on the hills just south of Fairbanks Ranch Plaza off the San Dieguito Road. It features 65 charming patio homes ranging from 2,500 to 4,300 square feet. Home prices range from $1 - $2 million. Especially appealing to retirees and empty nesters, this community is adjacent to the Del Rayo Plaza and features beautiful valley views. Besides sweeping vistas of horse pastures and golf courses, the Mediterranean-style neighborhood includes two tennis courts, a clubhouse, pool, and cabana. School Districts: Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle, Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy.
Originally developed by Gene Klein, this development boasts 23 large estates ranging from 8,000 to 17,000 square feet and 2 to 12 acres. A number of them were built under the direction of private investor Georg Lingenbrink. Home prices range from $4 - $10 million. Most homes are gated with larger acreage and stunning views featuring panoramas stretching over the San Dieguito River Valley out to the Pacific Ocean. School districts are Solana Beach and San Dieguito Union High School District.
Just south of the San Dieguito River Valley lying in the original map of Rancho San Dieguito, there is a community of exclusive estates called Fairbanks Ranch, the personal discovery in the early 1900's of Theodore Reed, movie director for the legendary screen idol, Douglas Fairbanks. Reed suggested that Fairbanks purchase this property for investment purposes. In 1924 Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks bought 800 acres. Fairbanks built a dam to capture the waters from the Lusardi Creek draining into the San Dieguito River, planted over 300 acres of Valencia oranges, and hired William Smart, a full time manager to oversee the property. They call the property "Rancho Zorro" or "Fox Ranch", after one of his many films. Wallace Neff designed their dream home, which was to be a country retreat. In 1936, before they broke ground, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were divorced. Fairbanks second wife, Lady Sylvia Ashley, felt the property was too isolated. After that Fairbanks seldom came to visit his onetime country playground. The property was maintained as a grove until the 1950's, when it was sold.
Having changed hands several times, it was 1977 when Ray Watt, a Santa Monica developer, inspired by the exclusive ambience of Rancho Santa Fe, purchased the property to develop an elite community of estate sites calling it "Fairbanks Ranch". Watt subdivided the 1240 acres in 618 sites and started sales in 1981. The amenities of the neighborhood include a lakeside club house, 5 tennis courts, 40 acres of open space, 3 miles of fenced horse trails, a 17 acre equestrian center with a 27-stall barn, two lakes (one eight acre lake including small boats), miles of walking trails, a fitness course, and several shaded picnic spots. The original pump house that was built in the 20's has been restored and is used as the community library. Using both natural beauty and sophisticated design Fairbanks Ranch has blossomed into an exclusive enclave.
As you drive past the 24 hour guarded security entrance, you enter a world of luxury and distinction offering lavish residential designs in a private country setting. Building plans must be accepted by the Environmental Control Committee, which carefully studies the proposals to make sure the design meets the community's specified size and style. California ranch, English Tudor, Country French, Spanish Mediterranean, are among many different and distinctive architectural styles presented throughout its roads. This estate community is built around a 5100 square foot clubhouse that serves as a meeting place for the many homeowner activities, such as ski club, bridge, teen clubs, and events for tots. One of the many organizations started in Fairbanks is "Las Damas of Fairbanks Ranch". Its objective besides being social is to raise monies for various charities of the area. Polo club, tennis club, and "Men's night out" are some of the other social activities offered. Fairbanks truly has established wonderful community camaraderie.
Douglas Fairbanks once chose this property for his dream home, and so have many from all parts of the world. Featured on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, the custom-built residences of Fairbanks Ranch occupy 620 well-manicured estate sites, ranging from ½ acre to 10 acres. Vacant lots are $2 million and home prices range from $1.5 - $6 million.
This established country neighborhood has a total of 134 homesites on 195 acres, and is located just two miles east of the heart of the village, south of Del Dios highway. Developed in 1976, this area is characterized by manicured landscaping, predominately Spanish and ranch style architecture, and mostly one acre parcels. Home sales range in price from $1 - $2 million. This charming community is in the Solana Beach School District and San Dieguito Union High School District.
One of Watt Industries "Villages of Fairbanks", Montecito is a gated community constructed in 1984, the same time as the Olympic Equestrian Endurance event at nearby Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course. Builder Ray Watt and architect Buzzard-Henning designed these 36 smaller Spanish Mediterranean homes, some of which are cantilevered on the bluff overlooking the country club and training stables, for singles and retired couples. The three floor plans range from 2,200 – 3,000 square feet. Each home is two stories and exquisitely detailed, ranging in price from $1 - $3 million. There are monthly homeowner’s association dues which pay for a community pool and exercise facility. School districts are Solana Beach Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School District.
An exclusive community of grand estates sculpted from 185 acres of one of the largest privately held Valencia orange groves in the county, once called the "Johnston Ranch". The developer, John Desha, thoughtfully created 41 estate sites of 4 to 5.5 acres each, many with views to the south overlooking the San Dieguito Reservoir. The minimum house size is 4000 square feet with many homes over 10,000 square feet in size. Prices range from $3 - $17 million. All homesites are within the Rancho Santa Fe and San Dieguito Union High School Districts. Protected by a guarded entrance gate, this neighborhood offers the utmost in security, seclusion and privacy.
Situated just east of Hacienda Santa Fe and south of Del Dios Highway, the original homes in this subdivision were built from the mid-1960's to the early 1980's. Home prices range from $1.5-$2 million. School age children attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, and Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy.
Rancho Diegueno is a more rural section of Rancho Santa Fe with both gated and non-gated sections. They are: Santa Fe Vista, Santa Fe Sur, San Diegueno Hills, Circo Diegueno, Stonefield Estates, and Rancho Santa Fe Acres. Home prices range from $1.7 - $4 million. Also included in this section are the homes on Winland Hills Drive which have sold in the $3.5 million to $7 million range. School districts are Solana Beach & San Dieguito Union.
This is a newer gated subdivision located south of Rancho Santa Fe Farms with estate sites ranging in size from 1.5 to 5.3 acres. Most vacant lots were purchased in 1998 and 1999. Home prices are in the $2.5 million range. Each site is located inside security gates and offers lovely views of the surrounding country side. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle, and Torrey Pines or San Dieguito Academy High School.
Subdivided in the late 80's, this 64-acre development consists of 26 separate home sites averaging 2 acres in size with mostly Mediterranean-style homes. It is located behind guarded gates on Aliso Canyon Road, south of Rancho Del Lago on the northeast boundary of the Covenant. Rancho La Cima is part of the Rancho Santa Fe School district. Home prices range from $2.5-$5.5 million.
Located just south of Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe Farms is a walled enclave of Spanish style homes surrounding the acclaimed Golf Club called "The Farms". Comprised of 127 acres this 6960 yard, 18 hole golf course was designed by Pete Dye, redesigned by Tom Lehman, and is by far one of the finest and most challenging courses in the area attracting prestigious members who require privacy. A 24-hour guarded security entrance protects this community of 95 golf oriented sites and its exclusive $9.2 million clubhouse. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School & San Dieguito Academy.
This is a newer subdivision of 39 home sites, which is gated and family oriented. Many homes are still owned by the original owners. Sale prices are from $1.7 - $2 million. School districts are Solana Santa Fe Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School District.
A gated community on Via de Santa Fe south of El Apajo, these 15 homes range in size from 2,300 – 11,000 square feet and have sold in recent years for up to $3,800,000. Within walking distance to the Fairbanks Plaza, residents attend Solana Santa Fe, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School, or San Dieguito Academy.
Located on the western boundary of Rancho Santa Fe (off El Camino Real) adjacent to the San Elijo Lagoon, this picturesque meandering cul-de-sac includes many homes built from the mid-1970’s by the well-known San Diego architect, Salerno-Livingston. Prices are in the $1+ million range. Rancho Serena is located within the Solana Beach Elementary School District (Skyline/Solana Vista Elementary Schools) and the San Dieguito Union High School District.
Opened in 1989 as a truly romantic retreat with European flair, this development is part of the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, which has been named among the top 10 U.S. resorts by "Zagat Survey" and "Tennis Magazine". Originally known as "John Gardiner's Rancho Valencia", this resort features 18 championship deco turf tennis courts, 43 secluded Mediterranean Casitas, the acclaimed "Rancho Valencia" Restaurant, 2 swimming pools, 3 spas, a championship croquet court, plus 30 surrounding home sites of .6 to 1 acre in size. Home sales are between $2.5 - $4 million and lots have sold most recently in the $1+ million range. Comfortably spread over 65 rural acres enjoying ocean breezes and colorful country views, this is a special environment and truly one of the areas "best kept secrets"!
Southeast of Fairbanks Ranch in the Rancho Diegueno area, there are 51 country estate sites characterized by private security gates, ocean and country views, white fences, and lovely custom homes on 1 to 7 acre lots. This area is home to about 45 families.
South of Rancho Santa Fe Farms in the Rancho Diegueno area is Santa Fe Sur. Forty country homesites developed in the early 80's overlooking La Zanja Creek with amenities including a lake, tennis courts, volleyball court, and soccer field.
Located in the Rancho Diegueno area adjacent to the Rancho Santa Fe Farms, is a development of 17 two acre sites. The many homes constructed on these sites enjoy lovely views of the surrounding hills.
Santaluz occupies 4000 acres in the San Dieguito River Valley. Adjacent to Fairbanks Ranch, it will be the same density as the RSF Covenant (1 home per 4 acres). It is located within the Poway Unified School District and the 92127 zip code.
The elevation ranges from 200 feet to 800 feet and Santaluz has made a commitment to preserving the diverse terrain. There are 1,000 acres of open space, dramatic ridge lines, deep ravines and gentle hillsides. 80% of the dwellings will have some view. The intention has been to create a rustic village that is respectful of the land. The result is a natural, native California landscape with color and green – not desert but not ornamental.
To enhance the feeling of living with nature, the home sites are circular: 20 different home styles ranging from 2000-7000 square feet in all different configurations with the land running through it, carefully sculpted to blend with its natural environment. Consequently, there are 200-300 feet between homes. In addition to custom home sites, six guest builders’ homes are interspersed throughout Santaluz to build a greater sense of community. One third to one half of the housing will be single story. Home prices range from $900,000 - $3,500,000.
The entire community is gated: everyone entering Santaluz passes though the gate. The center of the community is an 11-acre village green, a gathering spot for community events, concerts-on-the-lawn, etc. Behind the village green is a 19,000 square foot community building (single story), including a gymnasium, a multi-purpose room, work-out facilities, pool, and café/coffee house. Behind the community building are 6 tennis courts and a 35,000 square foot clubhouse and private golf course. The golf course, designed by Rees Jones, is 250 acres (normal size golf course is 150 acres) with 400 foot-wide fairways. It is an equity golf club – eventually owned by members. This is a community with a private club, offering social, golf, and community interaction.
Situated northwest of the Ranch off El Camino Del Norte is the gated community of South Pointe Farms. In the late 70's Don Woodward subdivided this 189 acre parcel into 52 ranch estate homesites of two to seven acres with 14 of these sites lying within the Covenant boundaries and the Rancho Santa Fe School District. The remainder reside in the Encinitas School District. All sites enjoy views of the surrounding hillsides, San Elijo Lagoon, or the Pacific Ocean. Homes in this country neighborhood are in the $1.5+ million range.
Directly west of the Covenant off La Noria, is a neighborhood of 25 estate sites marketed and developed in the mid 80's by Kirn-Atkinson Development. This 75 acre subdivision along the San Elijo Lagoon features lovely ocean and valley views. An authentic Warwickshire reed thatched roof gatehouse stands to greet you as you pass through the massive wrought iron entrance gates. Home prices are in the $1.7 million range. Lots average 2.88 acres and allow limited equestrian facilities. Stonebridge is located within the Solana Beach Elementary School District (Skyline/Solana Vista Elementary Schools) and the San Dieguito Union High School District.RSf Country Club, Lomas Santa Fe County Club, San Dieguito Park, RSF Riding Club, 35 miles of equestrian trails, soccer field and Interstate 5 are all within 2 miles of Stonebridge.
High on a hill north of Del Dios Highway is a neighborhood of 23 luxury homesites offering approximately 2 acres each with expansive views to the southwest. A minimum of 5,000 square feet of building per home site is required in this gated development. Most of the lots are within the Rancho Santa Fe School District. Home prices range from $1,750,000 to $3,000,000.
Spyglass is accessed through the Rancho Santa Fe Farms guarded gate. These large estate homes range from 11,000 – 14,000 square feet. Sale prices are $5 million plus. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School & San Dieguito Academy.
Masterminded by Rancho Santa Fe Builder, Jim Ford, Inc., this beautiful enclave of 14 home-sites is being built along the San Dieguito River in Rancho Santa Fe, bordered by 25 acres of open space wildlife preserve, Chinos Farms and the Morgan Run Golf Course. The average lot size is over one-acre flat. The homes are expected to be 8,000 to 12,000 square feet. The River Estates’ children might attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary or Torrey Pines High School, or choose to walk down the street to Horizon Prep or Nativity Elementary School. An incomparable gated development, it is the only property of its kind along the coast, lying within 3 miles of the ocean, race track, polo fields, soccer fields, and fine restaurants.
This newly developed, gated community with authentic Tuscan architecture is located between Fairbanks Ranch and the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant. Built by Jim Sylvester, each estate home is situated on two to five acres of usable land. Home prices range from $3.5 - $12 million, and home size is between 10,000 and 22,000 square feet. This community is within walking distance of Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Fairbanks Country Day private school, Horizon Christian School and Nativity Catholic School. It is within the Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy boundaries.
Built around the private Morgan Run Resort and Club, which features a 27 hole semi-private golf course, tennis courts, restaurant facilities, meeting hall and hotel. Five very different and successful residential projects over the last several years have maintained a steady demand for those who identify with the area and call it home. Whispering Palms has approximately 344 condos ranging in price from $650,000 to $900,000 and 210 homes ranging in price from $750,000 to $1,800,000. Part of the original 8,824 acre land grant to Don Juan Osuna, Whispering Palms was developed in the early ‘60s by developer Richard Cavanaugh. Within the Solana Beach School District, students have the option of attending Solana Santa Fe or Skyline/Solana Vista Elementary Schools, as well as Earl Warren Middle School and either Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy. The only gated section in Whispering Palms is Alcala, a condominium complex.
Rancho Santa Fe Realty | A Division of Willis Allen Real Estate | 6024 Paseo Delicias | PO Box 107 | Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
CA DRE Lic. #00798625 CA DRE Lic. #00646025
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