The Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, formerly known as Ranch Los Carlos, has an intriguing history. From its days as a polo ranch during the high-flying, champagne-fueled 1920s to its 50 years in the Oppenheimer family, the land has always been prized for its abundant natural beauty.
The Santa Lucia Preserve is now a member-owned and governed community that includes all 20,000 acres of Rancho San Carlos, dating from 1857. The “Preserve Lands” (18,000 acres) are the portion left permanently undeveloped and are managed by Santa Lucia Conservancy to protect wildlife habitats in perpetuity and to provide for scientific research, education and recreational activities. That leaves an expansive 2,000 acres for homesites, a Tom-Fazio-designed golf course, and The Hacienda, an original 1920s Spanish Colonial Hacienda that offers nightly dining, an expansive equestrian center, four pools, a water slide, tennis and bocce courts, horseshoe pits, bikes, a fitness center and plenty of events. A surrounding 100 miles of trails provides opportunities for biking, horseback riding or hiking.
This Montecito-style home in The Preserve is just a five-minute jaunt from downtown Carmel-by-the-sea. The five-bedroom estate with separate guest quarters sits on a 15 acre site with over 4.6 acres of manicured seclusion with equestrian privileges.
The home’s traditional style lends itself to both formal and informal gatherings. Natural stone, walnut, African mahogany, and terra cotta throughout serve to add warmth to the atmosphere. The double-height living room, the centerpiece of the home, features high ceilings and an expertly crafted natural stone fireplace, as well as beautiful woodworked cabinetry.
The home has six masonry fireplaces, 20’x44′ pool, 4000sf Peruvian travertine patios, and custom light fixtures. It exudes exceptional craftsmanship and quality over approximately 8,200 square feet of living space. The kitchen also showcases the excellent woodworking and beautiful natural stone. Outside there is a also a gazebo and barbecue for entertaining.
This home is listed for $6.95 million with Intero Real Estate and is showcased by Luxury Portfolio.
