Few communities in San Diego carry the weight that Rancho Santa Fe does. Since Bing Crosby and Douglas Fairbanks first put it on the map in the 1930s, the area has been the address of choice for the region's most prominent residents: Bill Gates purchased Jenny Craig's horse ranch here, Phil Mickelson has called it home, and the neighbour list has included tech founders to Emmy-winning writers. Here are six properties from our archives that capture the community at its finest.
Hacienda de las Palmas, 16270 Via de la Valle, Rancho Santa Fe | Sold at auction · Listed for $19.75M
A Monterey Spanish-style estate on nearly six private acres in the Covenant, just five miles from the beaches of Del Mar. Botanical gardens, a mosaic glass-tiled pool, multiple guest homes including a hidden tree house, impressive equestrian facilities, a greenhouse nursery, koi pond with waterfall, and a gourmet kitchen with William Ohs cabinetry. Understated Southern California luxury at its most complete.
6064 Avenida Cuatro Vientos, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe | Sold at auction for $4.6088M
A custom Tuscan-inspired estate on two acres in the exclusive 24-hour gated Fairbanks Ranch community, with five bedrooms, including a master suite with private exercise room, sauna, steam shower, and dressing area. A resort-style pool and spa surrounded by a citrus orchard, a sun-drenched chef's kitchen, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow throughout the estate’s 11,123 square feet.
16135 Via Del Alba, The Covenant, Rancho Santa Fe | Sold at auction for $4.48M
Inspired by the Florentine craftsmanship of the Renaissance, this nearly 10,000-square-foot Mediterranean estate on 3.81 acres in the Covenant blends elegant European grace with effortless indoor-outdoor Southern California living. With eight bedrooms, eight-and-a-half bathrooms, and a perfect blend of old-world character and contemporary comfort.
6855 La Valle Plateada, The Covenant, Rancho Santa Fe | Sold at auction for $4.653M
A Holcombe-designed Spanish Colonial Revival estate on 3.27 acres in the Covenant, with grounds originally designed by legendary landscape architect Kate Sessions. Ten-foot ceilings throughout, antique mesquite doors, wood-beamed and corbelled ceilings, 14 fireplaces, and double-framed archways across 10,105 square feet of resort-style living including seven bedrooms and a resort pool.
The Castle at Cielo, 18441 Via Ambiente, Rancho Santa Fe | Sold at auction for $6.048M
Arriving at the hand-chiselled cobblestone drive of The Castle at Cielo, one is transported to a 15th-century French Chateau. This 12,000-square-foot estate on four ocean-view acres in Cielo features panoramic views of the Pacific, downtown San Diego, and the mountains, with a mosaic-bottom pool, full solar, wine cellar, putting green, and impeccable craftsmanship throughout every room.
Il Incanto, 6605 La Valle Plateada, The Covenant, Rancho Santa Fe | Sold at auction for $6.804M
Nearly six sprawling acres in the Covenant, with a single-level five-ensuite-bedroom main residence, a private guest home, and complete equestrian facilities. Herringbone wood floors, Venetian plaster walls, a modern open floor plan, and the timeless family estate character that defines Rancho Santa Fe at its finest.
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