Rancho Santa Fe

One of the country’s most storied and coveted locations, Rancho Santa Fe boasts an expanse of land, which includes a number of intriguing “pocket communities,” in addition to the named mainstay, known as The Covenant of Rancho Santa Fe.

Originally a swath of prime North San Diego County real estate owned by the famed Osuna Family and later purchased for development by the Santa Fe Railroad in the late 1920’s with the intention of growing timber for producing “railroad ties.” In a curious twist of fate, it was discovered that the primary source of timber grown for the endeavor were Eucalyptus trees, which ultimately proved far too weak for use as a railroad tie. It was then decided to develop the land as an upscale, but rural residential community with an “Association” created to uphold rules and regulations pertaining to land usage, building styles, permits and to generally oversee, as well as protect, the integrity of the small community.

Geographically, the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant is roughly 10 square miles, but there’s nothing “square” about it…in either size or style! “The Ranch” as it’s often referred, is home to its own elementary (K thru 8) school, Library, and a Country Club which hosts both Golf and Tennis enthusiasts, as well as a clubhouse, restaurant and many social gatherings. The inimitable small village center has an interesting selection of stores, banks, service providers, in addition to a number of beloved restaurants. Additionally, crowning “The Ranch’s” main street, which runs the entire length of town and beyond, is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The Inn, with the understated, but substantive message it conveys, has been a home away from home, summer destination, wedding and event venue, business retreat and, perhaps in its most treasured assignment, the guardian of generations and decades of unforgettable memories!

There is much to extol about either visiting or living in Rancho Santa Fe, but the one word that immediately comes to mind, is incomparable!