Homes in The Covenant

History

Rancho San Dieguito as it was called in 1841, included 8,824 acres, and was acquired by the first political “alcalde” of San Diego, Juan Maria Osuna, under a land grant from the governor of Mexico, Pio Pico. In 1906 the Santa Fe Railway, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, purchased the entire ancestral grant of the Osunas.

The experiment of planting Eucalyptus trees for railroad ties came to a halt when it was determined that the wood was too soft to hold railroad spikes. As a result millions of Eucalyptus trees were left to flourish in beauty and strength upon the hills of present day Rancho Santa Fe.

In an attempt to recoup losses, the railroad formed the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company. The goal was to develop a planned community of country estates.

During 1917 through 1918 the Santa Fe Land & Improvement Company under the supervision of its president, W.E. Hodges, constructed a dam to capture the waters of the San Dieguito River and form Lake Hodges. Without ample water for irrigation, Rancho Santa Fe could never become a reality.

A village plan was adopted, roads were laid out and properties were plotted. The 6,200 acres carved from the original Rancho San Dieguito land grant, was named in 1922, “Rancho Santa Fe.” The company chose a San Diego-based architectural firm called Requa and Jackson, noted for their expertise in Spanish and Mediterranean architecture, to develop the master plan. Lilian Rice, an employee with the firm, worked from 1920 to 1930 designing, supervising, and constructing the village center, as well as several homes throughout the Ranch. Her philosophy in architecture was to “create unity between buildings and their surroundings in a simplistic blend of picturesque romantic charm.” Her architectural influence can be seen throughout the village today.

In 1923 the Santa Fe Land Company started residential development and constructed a guest house called “La Morada” to house potential land purchasers. In 1941 the name was changed to “The Inn”, when it was purchased as a guest resort.

From 1923-1929 large parcels of land were sold for citrus and avocado groves. Homes were constructed, many on hilltops with fabulous views of the mountains, ocean and valleys. Although building and landscaping requirements were a part of the purchase contract in the early years, Charles Cheney, a noted city planner, suggested that the residents of the area form a mutual organization for the administration of the community. In 1927 a non-profit association was formed. The Rancho Santa Fe Association’s purpose was to administer the Protective Covenant that seeks to insure the “preservation, maintenance, development, and improvement of property” in accordance with the wishes of property owners and in conformance with the general community plan.

Today

Rancho Santa Fe has become the home of country estates and was declared the wealthiest community in the nation in the 2000 census. The Rancho Santa Fe Association is still pursuing the goals of its far-sighted developers. This pleasant oasis covers approximately 6,200 acres with approximately 1,460 households just six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.

Beautiful residences on lots averaging two acres or more are set back from the picturesque roadways which wind around the town. Home prices range from $1 – $22 million. The Covenant is governed by the Rancho Santa Fe Association which also oversees the RSF Golf Club, a 6800 yard, par 72, 18 hole course, and RSF tennis facility. There is also a Riding Club, Garden Club, Community Center, and 50 miles of horse trails which weave throughout the rolling hills.

The town centerpiece is the graceful “Inn at Rancho Santa Fe”, designed by Lillian Rice, and situated on a grassy knoll at the western end of the main street. The focal point of activity is our central village, where businesses and shops dot the few blocks of commercially-zoned property. Since there is no mail delivery to homes (by popular demand), residents stop at the post office every day. The Village serves as a meeting place where one gathers for morning coffee, or strolls down the street to greet neighbors and friends, and to enjoy the ambiance of the town itself.