Wed 16 May 2007
In the southern portion of the San Diegito river valley just south of Rancho Santa Fe and east of Del Mar, there is a community of exclusive estates called Fairbanks Ranch. History has it that a movie director working for the legendary screen idol Douglas Fairbanks Sr., fell in love with the area around 1920 and suggested that Fairbanks Sr. purchase the property for investment purposes. In 1924 Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and his wife Mary Pickford bought close to 800 acres and started working on a country estate retreat. Around 1930, a dam was constructed to capture the waters from the Lusardi Creek and still exists today as part of the extensive park-like grounds of the gated Fairbanks Ranch community.
The Fairbanks called their origional property “Rancho Zorro” (fox ranch) in 
honor of one of Douglas Fairbanks Sr most famous film roles… Zorro. They also hired Wallace Neff to design a dream home that was to become the Fairbank’s country retreat. Unfortunately, in 1936, before they broke ground on their dream home, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were divorced. Douglas Fairbanks kept the ranch and later married his third wife, Lady Sylvia Ashly. After Fairbanks died, Lady Sylvia married the legendary film actor Clark Gable. Lady Ashley felt the ranch was too secluded, but maintained the property as an orange grove until 1952 when it was sold. It was maintained as a working ranch up until the early 1070’s.
In 1977 Ray Watt, a Santa Monica developer inspired by the exclusive ambiance of Rancho Santa Fe, purchased the original Rancho Zorro property and an additional 440 acres to develop an elite community of estates. This area is now called “Fairbanks Ranch”.
Watt decided that this unique site deserved the finest in planning and development, so the 1240 acres were subdivided into 618 sites and sales started in 1981 on the Fairbanks Ranch Community. Protective covenants were also adopted to safeguard the quality, privacy, beauty, and harmony of the land and its romantic heritage.
Fairbanks Ranch Country Club
What is now know as the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club community consists of just under 800 acres within the San Dieguito River Valley. The valley broadens from a narrow, steep gorge approximately one and a half miles to the north, into a panoramic valley which extends through the community toward the Pacific Ocean and toward the Del Mar Race Track to the west. The valley floor ranges from one-half to one mile wide in the vicinity of the community and is bounded by steep slopes which are dotted by large estate homes. The major natural land characteristics of the area are the floodplain, adjacent slopes of the valley, and the San Dieguito River.
With the adoption of the 1982 plan, specific areas of the community were designated for residential and open space land uses. Approximately 142 acres were designated for residential uses and approximately 643 acres were designated as open space. The developed residential areas consist of detached single-family homes currently ranging in price from around $1,800,000 to larger more expensive estates which have sold recently in excess of $10,000,000. The designated open space includes areas for recreational uses, such as the Fairbanks Ranch golf course, as well as the San Dieguito River corridor, and adjacent slopes of the valley. Through sensitive design and open space land uses, the community retains its rural and open space character.
The amenities of Fairbanks Ranch include 40 acres of park- like grounds, featuring a pristine lake with a club house nestled on its shores. The lake hosts a variety of fowl including four swans. Paddle boats or row boat may be taken out to explore the lake or feed the birds. Along the lake’s shores, a quaint gazebo frames a 9-hole putting green. Near the Clubhouse are 5 tennis courts (3 of which are lighted). Residents of Fairbanks Ranch can take tennis lessons, or there are tennis camps for children. In addition, there are men’s and women’s mixers, and tournaments take place year round. Beyond the lake is a beautiful fountain nestled amongst the trees and flowers. It is a favorite spot to exchange wedding vows. Just below the dam sits one of the oldest structures in Fairbanks Ranch. The old pump house which was built in the 20’s, has been restored and is currently used as the community library. The Library overlooks a beautiful waterfall which flows into a stream.
Further down the stream is the local park. The park features a barbecue and picnic area with tables. Kids can enjoy a the parks play structure. There is also areas for volleyball, horse shoes, and a half court basketball court.
The stream and trail continue down to the 17 acre equestrian center which features a 27-stall barn. Horse lessons and camps are offered throughout the year. In the equestrian area there are also 3 miles of fenced horse trails and miles of walking trails.
All of this is settled within the secure environment of the gated Fairbanks Ranch community. This flawless setting of natural beauty and luxurious homes has been recognized as one of the most desirable communities to live in throughout the world, so if you are interested in viewing homes in this area you can visit our website at http://www.northcountyluxuryhomes.com/fairbanks-ranch.php or give us a call for a private showing at 760-703-5090.
