Rancho Santa Fe Communities 

Rancho Santa Fe Covenant
1700 Homesites 

RANCHO SANTA FE Covenant was first Rancho San Dieguito, a land grant made in 1845 by Mexican governor Pio Pico to Juan Maria Osuna, colorful settler, caballaero, and original mayor of the pueblo of San Diego. Cattle raising was probably the main activity on Osuna’s lush acreage abundant in fertile pasture land. The original adobe dwellings still stand preserved and restored, continuously occupied since Osuna built them almost a century and a half ago. 

Sold by Osuna heirs in 1906 to the Santa Fe Land Company, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway, the San Dieguito land grant became the site of an unusual experiment. Eucalyptus seeds obtained from Australia were propagated at the company’s rancho headquarters, Juan Osuna’s original house. Within three years, about 3,000 eucalyptus seedlings had been planted to provide wood for railroad ties. 

The experiment was abandoned when it was found that the eucalyptus wood was unsuitable for the purpose. The rapidly growing forest, consisting of several varieties of the graceful, aromatic shade tree, was left to develop and increase, no longer threatened by the woodman’s blade. 

A new project, sponsored again by the Rancho Santa Fe Land Improvement Company, was initiated in 1922. Its purpose was the opening of new orchard acreage, to increase freight shipments for the Santa Fe Railway. Over time, Rancho Santa Fe has become the home of country estates and was declared the wealthiest community in the nation in the 2000 census. 

The RSF Protective Covenant was created in 1928 to preserve the character of the community and rare landscape features, as well as uphold the quality of all future architecture and improvements. It covers approximately 6,200 acres with approximately 1,460 households just six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Home prices range from $1 million to $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. 

Designed by famous San Diego Architect, Lillian Rice, the town centerpiece is the graceful “Inn at Rancho Santa Fe”, situated on a grassy knoll at the western end of the main street. Restaurants and small shops line the quaint downtown, and 21 miles of horse trails weave throughout the rolling hills. There is also a Riding Club, Garden Club, and a Community Center. Beautiful Residences are set back from the picturesque roadways, which wind around the small village center. Most lots are at least two acres. Schools include Rancho Santa Fe Elementary and Middle School, as well as a choice of Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy. 

Unincorporated Areas Surrounding Covenant 

Bridges – 250 to 284 Homesites 

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 35,000 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. Custom homesites range from $2,450,000- $3,500,000 and recently built homes range from $3,500,000 to $9,700,000. Custom appointed golf villas range from $1.7 million to $2.5 million. The majority of the community lies within the Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School District, with a small section being located in the Encinitas Union Elementary School District. The entire community is located in the San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Cielo – 528 Homesites 

CIELO is a 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 three acres in size, priced from the mid $800,000-$2,000,000. Luxury residences range from $1.9 million to over $5 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. 

Crosby Estate – 443 Homesites 

The CROSBY ESTATE and The Crosby National Golf Course includes 722 acres, 140 villas, 211 semi-custom homes and 92 custom homesites. Six guest builders are building communities within this gated community. The 18-hole par 70 championship private golf course was designed by Fred Couples and Schmidt-Curley Design. There is also a 35,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, as well as a Swim and Athletic Club and Tennis Garden. Vacant lots start at $800,000 and homes are sold at $1.3 million and up. In addition, there are 190 acres of permanent open space. Students in this area would attend schools in Solana Beach School District and San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Hacienda Santa Fe – 134 Homesites 

Located on the far eastern side of the Covenant, HACIENDA SANTA FE is an older subdivision with lot sizes between one and two acres. The original homes in this development were built in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and are mostly Spanish and Mediterranean style architecture. Home sales range in price from $1,500, 000-$2,200,000. HACIENDA is in the Solana Beach School District and San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Las Villas – 10 Homesites 

This newer small subdivision built by Concordia homes is located north of the Covenant next to the Groves. Home sizes range from 5,000 to 7,000 square feet and sale prices range from $2,300,000 to $3 million. Students residing in LAS VILLAS attend Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary and either La Costa Canyon High or San Dieguito Academy. There is a gate but no guard at the entrance. 

Non-Covenant – 16 Homesites 

NON-COVENANT is a catchall phrase for properties within and around the covenant boundaries that are not actually included in The Covenant and do not belong to any other community. These include homes on Via Del Charro, Arroyo Rosita, Rancho Serena, Via De Santa Fe, and some streets off of Del Dios highway and Artesian Road. There are also a small number of properties located within Covenant boundaries that never attached to the Covenant, are not bound by Covenant restrictions and do not have Covenant privileges. New, small communities, such as Las Villas, are also included in this category. 

Rancho Del Lago – 43 Homesites 

Contiguous to the Groves and located on the same orange grove, RANCHO DEL LAGO averages four acres with a gently sloping terrain. Homes tend to be larger – up to 20,000 square feet. Rancho Del Lago is a gated community with a guard at the gate. Homes range in price from $3.5 million to $17 million. All homesites are within the Rancho Santa Fe and San Dieguito Union High School Districts. 

Rancho Del Rio – 71 Homesites 

Situated off 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 $1,400,000-$2,100,000 School age children attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, and Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy. 

Rancho La Cima – 26 Homesites 

Located south of Rancho Del Lago on the northeast boundary of the Covenant, RANCHO LA CIMA’s lots average two acres with mostly Mediterranean-style homes, most of which were built in the mid 1980’s or early 1990’s. Rancho La Cima is a gated community with a guard at the gate and is within the Rancho Santa Fe School District. Home prices range from $3 million to $6 million. 

Rancho Serena – 13 Homesites 

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 range from $800,000 to $1,800,000. RANCHO SERENA is located within the Solana Beach Elementary School District (Skyline/Solana Vista Elementary Schools) and the San Dieguito Union High School District. 

South Pointe Farms – 52 Homesites 

Located on the northwest border of the Covenant, part of SOUTH POINTE FARMS is within the Covenant borders and part is outside. Because of this delineation, 14 of the homes are within the Rancho Santa Fe School District and the remainder are in the Encinitas School District. Subdivided by Don Woodward in the late ‘70s, all sites have views of either hillsides, lagoon, or the Pacific Ocean. Homesites are generally over 2 acres and range in price from $2.1 million to $3 million. It is a gated community with no guard at the gate. 

Stonebridge – 52 Homesites 

Located on the western boundary of Rancho Santa Fe, this gated community features ocean views and immediate access to the San Elijo Lagoon and wildlife preserve. Most of the custom homes were built within the last 14 years. Home prices range from $1,800,000-$2,800,000. Lots average 2.88 acres and allow limited equestrian facilities. 

Stonebridge is located within the Solana Beach School District (Skyline/Solana Vista Elementary Schools) and the San Dieguito Union High School District. 

There is a cable service, city water and sewer and mail delivery (or optional post office box in the Covenant). RSF Country Club, Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, San Dieguito Park, RSF Riding Club, 35 miles of equestrian trails, soccer field and Interstate 5 are all within 2 miles of Stonebridge. 

Summit – 23 Homesites 

On the eastern edge of the Covenant, the SUMMIT is a newer development with lots averaging two acres. A minimum of 5,000 square feet of building per homesite is required in this gated development. Located on Del Dios Highway, most of the lots in the Summit are within the Rancho Santa Fe School District. Home prices range from $2,550,000 to $5,500,000. 

Fairbanks Ranch
620 Homesites 

Just 5 miles east of I-5, 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 and named it “Rancho Zorro” or “Fox Ranch”, after one of his many films. Fairbanks built a dam to capture water from the Lusardi Creek draining into the San Dieguito River, planted over 300 acres of Valencia oranges, and hired Willima Samrd, a full time manager to oversee the property. Wallace Neff designed their dream home, which was to be a country retreat. In 1936, before they broke ground, he and Mary Pickford were divorced. Because Fairbanks’ second wife, Lady Sylvia Ashley, felt the property was too isolated, Fairbanks came much less often 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 called FAIRBANKS RANCH. Watt subdivided the 1240 acres and started sales in 1981. The amenities of this guard-gated neighborhood include a lakeside club house, 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, 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. 

Featured on “Life-styles 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 $1 million plus and home prices range from $2,200,000 to $12,000,000. Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, Del Mar Country Club, Rancho Santa Fe Country Club, Rancho Valencia Resort, several polo fields, and equestrian facilities are nearby. 

Fairbanks Ranch residents attend the following public schools: Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, and either Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy. There are several prestigious private schools in the neighborhood. 

Del Mar Country Club – 108 Homesites 

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 backcountry, the ocean or the community below. The architectural review committee has approved Mediterranean, Traditional, and Country French home designs. Home prices range from $2,500,000 to $9,000,000. 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.  

Del Rayo Downs – 65 Homesites 

Developed in 1987 by Gene Klein and Gus Gardner, the patio homes in gated DEL RAYO DOWNS are smaller, ranging from 2,500 to 4,300 square feet. Home prices range from $1,600,000-$1,900,000 Especially appealing to retired people 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 School, and either Torrey Pines High School or San Dieguito Academy.  

Del Rayo Estates – 23 Homesites 

Originally developed by Gene Klein, these larger estates, with fabulous view, range 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 $5 million to $12.5 million. Most homes are gated with larger acreage and stunning views. School districts are Solana Beach Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Montecito – 36 Homesites 

One of the three “Villages of RSF”, MONTECITO, a gated community, was 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 smaller Spanish Mediterranean homes for singles and retired couples. The three floor plans range from 2,200 – 3,000 square feet and range in price from $900,000 to $1,400,000. 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. 

Rancho Diegueno – 238 Homesites 

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 $1,400,000 to $4,500,000. 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. 

Rancho Farms Estates – 36 Homesites 

This is a newer gated subdivision located south of Rancho Santa Fe Farms. Most vacant lots were purchased in 1998 and1999. Home prices range from $2,100,000 to $3,900,000. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle, and Torrey Pines or San Dieguito Academy High School. 

Rancho Santa Fe Farms – 95 Homesites 

RANCHO SANTA FE FARMS is built around the Rancho Santa Fe Farms Golf Course, designed by Peter Dye and currently being redesigned by Tom Lehman. This 127 acre, 6960 yard, 18 hole course is one of the most exclusive championship country clubs, attracting prestigious members who require privacy. There is a $9.2 million clubhouse within this gated community attended by a 24-hour guard. Home prices start at $2.6 million. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School & San Dieguito Academy. 

Rancho Santa Fe Lakes – 39 Homesites 

This is a newer subdivision, which is gated and family oriented. Conveniently located on the southern most area of Rancho Santa Fe. Sale prices start at $2,300,000. School districts are Solana Santa Fe Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School District. 

Rancho Santa Fe Meadows – 15 Homesites 

A gated community on Via de Santa Fe south of El Apajo, these homes range in size from 2,300 – 11,000 square feet. Prices start at $3.8 million. Within walking distance to the Fairbanks Plaza, residents attend Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy. 

Rancho Valencia – 30 Homesites 

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”. In addition to its highly respected restaurant, the resort’s 65 acres include 43 luxury guest casitas and 18 championship tennis courts. Vacant lots have most recently sold in the $1.5 million range. Home sale prices are at $2 million plus. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy. 

Senterra – 162 Homesites 

This gated community is the largest of the three “Villages of RSF,” built by Ray Watt and designed by architect Ross Sutherland. The other two villages were intended for singles and retired couples, so these Spanish Mediterranean residences were built for families: 2,370-3,520 square feet with a family room and at least four bedrooms in every home. Construction began in 1986 on the different sections, each having its own pool/spa area; the lower section is the elite series. There are four floor plans ranging from $950,000 - $1,300,000. Schools include Solana Beach Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School. 

Spyglass – 15 Homesites 

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 $6 million plus. Schools include Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School, Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy. 

Stratford – 87 Homesites 

This gated community is unique because all the English Tudor/Country French homes are single-story. Ray Watt, builder of Fairbanks Ranch and the other two “Villages of RSF,” began building these homes in 1984. The original architect, Robert Bowlus, used five floor plans ranging from 2,600-3,300 square feet. Particularly appealing to singles, couples and retired persons, these homes range in price from $1,250,000-$1,600,000. There is an exercise room, pool and spa maintained with monthly homeowners association dues. School Districts are Solana Beach Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School District. 

The Tuscan Estates – 9 Estates 

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 $4.5 million to $15 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. 

Whispering Palms – 554 Homesites 

Built around the private Morgan Run Resort and Club, which features golf, tennis, and restaurant facilities, WHISPERING PALMS has approximately 344 condos ranging in price from $700,000 to $800,000 and 210 homes ranging in price from $850,000 to $1,900,000. 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. 

The River Estates - 14 Homesites 

New gated estate development created by local builder Jim Ford. One acre homesites, these magnificent properties offer minimum 6000esf with pricing starting at $5,000,000+. Located off of Via De Santa Fe at the intersection of El Apajo. Within Solana Beach School District, Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School & Torrey Pines High School. 

Rancho Santa Fe Acres East 12 Homesites 

Conveniently located on the far south end of Rancho Santa Fe, these gated enclaves offer new custom estates on 1-2 acre lots. Many of the homes have superb views and prices range from $4,000,000-$14,000,000. Within Solana Beach School District, Solana Santa Fe Elementary, Earl Warren Middle School & Torrey Pines High School. 

Rancho Pacifica 99 Homesites 

A newly developed gated community with a Tuscan architecture venue has a 92130 zip code but offers residents the option to acquire a Rancho Santa Fe PO Box number at the nearby Del Rayo Plaza Post Office. Lots were developed by Pardee Homes and sold for solely custom home structures with parcels ranging from 14,000esf building pads to over 1 acre sites. Boasting glorious views of the Pacific Ocean from its western boundaries, Rancho Pacifica has a terrific location off of San Dieguito Road and El Camino Real. Prices range from $3,600,000-$11,995,000.