A sprawling estate in Rancho Sante Fe, California that was once part of a parcel that was on the market for $92 million in 2016, is being offered for $24 million. The estate is one of the largest private parcels currently available in Rancho Sante Fe, which is one of the nation’s wealthiest communities.
The 50-acre estate was the main portion of Del Dios Ranch and was recently reduced from a $30 million asking price. The offering was refined to include only the larger estate’s prime assets on 50 acres, rather than the entire 210 acre property that was originally on the market in 2016 for the $92 million.
Long considered one of California’s most exclusive residential enclaves, Rancho Santa Fe has consistently ranked on a short list of highest-income communities in the United States. It is also known for its top-ranking schools, its exclusive golf course, and proximity to Del Mar Race Track and Pacific Ocean beaches, which are among the finest in the country. Rancho Santa Fe is a hub for equestrians and golfers, and less than 20 minutes to La Jolla and 30 minutes to downtown San Diego.
The property being offered features Valencia orange groves, a lake, guest house, tennis court, and equestrian facilities, in addition to a beautiful and expansive main residence.
The home is a mid-century masterpiece situated in The Covenant, a prized enclave within Rancho Santa Fe. It was the longtime home of businessman Roland Sahm and his wife Ramona, who were well-known philanthropists in the San Diego community and owners of Thoroughbred racehorses, including the prize winning champion Super Diamond.
The Sahm family purchased 50 acres of the property in 1969 and commissioned noted Laguna Beach architect Fred Briggs to design a grand contemporary main residence and guest house. Esteemed interior designer Arthur Elrod created the dramatic interiors. Since then, Elrod has become increasingly popular among mid-century design enthusiasts, and has been the subject of a recently published book devoted to his Palm Springs interiors.
The prominent home is distinguished by soaring, vaulted ceilings, with walls and beams of redwood that was milled on the property, radiant-heated marble floors, and glass skylights and windows.
An entire wing of the 8,148 square foot home has been dedicated to a magnificent indoor pool and spa, which is an additional 3,936 square feet. The master suite occupies a private second level while three ensuite bedrooms are located on a separate first-floor wing. There are seven full bathrooms and two half baths.
Approached via a very long driveway surrounded by mature landscaping and a brook, the home is far removed from the main road.
Completed in 1972, the main residence, which took three years to construct, is notable for its structural use of reclaimed redwood from Northern California, foundations of poured-in-place concrete and marble floors that were meticulously laid without grout. In addition, interior wood and cabinetry were milled on the property.
The property’s many amenities include an outdoor tennis court, a six-stall equestrian barn adjoined by corrals and pastures, a lake, manicured grounds and an organic lemon grove.
Among the estate’s most impressive features are the great room with its vaulted ceilings and a spectacular 3,000 square foot pavilion that houses an indoor swimming pool and spa.
“This property is one of the shining stars of Rancho Santa Fe,” says Zackary Wright, executive director at Christie’s International Real Estate. “Thanks to the dazzling Arthur Elrod interiors, the home is becoming a newly appreciated mid-century showplace.”
The timeless estate masterfully conceived in redwood, cement, soaring beamed ceilings and walls of glass is represented by Linda Daniels and Linda Sansone of Willis Allen Real Estate with global marketing services provided by Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network.