Around Town

The Covenant of Rancho Santa Fe

This is a community of approximately 1800 homesites on 6200 acres. The homes range from 2000 to 15,000 sq.ft. There are 85 condos in the village. Prices range from $1,185,00 to $29,900,000.

The Covenant refers to the original planned community of Rancho Santa Fe. At the center is a small village with library, elementary school, Community Center, Garden Club and the original 1920’s era hotel, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Aesthetics and architecture within the Covenant are protected by the Art Jury. There are no streetlights, sidewalks and now only 1 traffic light, but lots of winding streets that slow traffic and contribute to a relaxed lifestyle.

Rancho Santa Fe has a rich heritage, and in 1989 it was designated as a State Historical Landmark. The land was originally an Indian Rancheria called “Rancho San Dieguito” which was granted to Juan Maria Osuna, the mayor of San Diego in the mid-1800’s. In 1906 the Santa Fe Railway purchased it to plant eucalyptus trees for railroad ties. The trees were unsuitable for ties, and the Santa Fe Company decided to turn the land into a residential horse-oriented community. Lillian Rice was ultimately the architect to plan and design the town. She favored the Spanish Colonial Revival style. After the Lake Hodges dam was completed and water brought to the area, construction of the town began in 1922.

Rancho Santa Fe gained popularity between World War I and World War II. After construction of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Bing Crosby was one of the Ranch’s “early settlers”, hosting annual clambakes at the Golf Club. I have interviewed the earliest golfer to Rancho Santa Fe (See my 1-Minute Newsletter of Sept/Oct,2007). Bob Macdonald arrived in Rancho Santa Fe at the age of 1 month in September 1926! He still plays golf here, proving life in Rancho Santa Fe is very good for you!

The Covenant has over 50 miles of riding/hiking trails. There are many horses here, and people either keep their horses on their property (To have horses you need a minimum of 2 acres, then it is 1 horse per acre.) or board them at the RSF Riding Club or Saddle Club. Polo is also a popular sport.

Only property owners of the Covenant are permitted to belong to the RSF Golf Club and Tennis Club. Some condos do not have golf privileges. (Call me, and I’ll explain.) Golf is a non-equity membership – see Golf in the left column.

Schools – Rancho Santa Fe Elementary and Rancho Santa Fe Middle School. Children then go to Torrey Pines High, San Dieguito Academy or Canyon Crest Academy. The excellent Schools are reason many choose to live here. (All part of the San Dieguito School District.)
Search for Homes in the Covenant here: (set up MLS search for 92067, Actives Neighborhood: %Cov)