One of the more affluent and historically interesting neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Fe is Fairbanks Ranch. Originally developed by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, screen idols of the 1930’s, this guard-gated community is situated on 1240 acres of land. The 612 home sites were not part of the original development however as it wasn’t until 1981 that developer Ray Watt subdivided the land into parcels and began selling lots.
Featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Over the years a number of custom estates were built which led to Fairbanks Ranch’s place of prominence among the elite. In fact, at one point it was featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, the popular television show of the 1980’s. Named after the onetime ‘King of Hollywood,’ who had owned much of the land and even made his own home there, Fairbanks Ranch is now among the most sought after real estate in the nation.
An Amazing Number of Amenities
Each parcel is anywhere from one-half acre to over ten acres and homes are valued between $2 million and $10 million. The homeowners association oversees such amenities as a fabulous clubhouse on the lake, 75 beautifully maintained park-like grounds, 5 tennis courts, an equestrian center, horseback riding trails, miles of walking trails, a picnic and barbeque area, a 9-hole putting green, 2 lovely lakes and that is just the beginning!
Unlike so many affluent communities, Fairbanks Ranch maintains a decidedly neighborhood like appeal. Some of the streets end in cul-de-sacs while most of the land parcels are extremely large and well spaced out. There is a wide diversity among architectural styles and amidst all this it is a community that is exclusive yet friendly all at the same time. Fairbanks Ranch is located approximately 2 miles south of Rancho Santa Fe’s Covenant community and it is within easy travelling distance to nearby attractions such as the pristine Del Mar Beaches. It is no wonder that these beautiful homes don’t stay on the market long.
