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Rancho Santa Fe CovenantSource: First American Title1700 homesites Rancho Santa FE Covenant was first Rancho San Dieguito, a land grant made in 1845 by Mexican governor Pio Pico of Juan Maria Osuana, colorful settler, caballero, and original mayor of the pueblo of San Diego. Cattle raising was probably the main activity on Osuana's lush acreage abundant in fertile pasture land. The original adobe dwellings still stand preserved and restored, continuously occupied since Osuna built them almost a century and a half ago. Sold by Osuana heirs in 1906 to the Santa Fe Land Company, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway, the San Dieguito land grant became a site of an unusual experiment. Eucalyptus seeds obtained from Australia were propagated at the company's rancho headquarters, Juan Osuana's original house. Within 3 years, about 3,000 eucalyptus seedlings had been planted to provide wood for railroad ties. The experiment was abandoned when it was found that the eucalyptus wood was unsuitable for the purpose. The rapidly growing forest, consisting of several varieties of the graceful, aromatic shade tree, was left to develop and increase, no longer threatened by the woodman's blade. A new project, sponsored again by the Rancho Santa Fe Land Improvement Company, was initiated in 1922. Its purpose was the opening of new orchard acreagem, to increase freight shipments for the Santa Fe Railway. Over time, Rancho Santa Fe has become the home of country estate and one of the ten wealthiest communities in the nation. The RSF Protective Covenant was created in 1928 to preserve the character of the community and rare landscape features, as well as uphold the quality of all future architecture and improvements. It covers approximately 1,460 households just six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Home prices range from $1 milion to $22 million. The Covenant is governed by the Rancho Santa Fe Association which also oversees the RSF Golf Club, a 6800 yard, 72 par, 18 hole course, and RSF Tennis facility. Designed by famous San Diego Architect, Lillan Rice, the town centerpiece is the graceful, "Inn at Rancho Santa Fe" , situated on a grassy knoll at the western end of main street. Restaurants and small shops line the quaint downtown, and 21 miles of horse trails weave throughout the rolling hills. There is also a Golcourse, Tennis Club, Riding Club, Garden Club, Art Guild and a Community Center. See also this link for additional RSF Association info and the RSF Historical Society. Beautiful residences are set back from the picturesque roadways which around the small vilage center. Most lots are at least 2 acres. Schools include Rancho Santa Fe Elementary and Middle School, as well as a choice of Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy. All real estate and membership pricing are subject to change without notification. Square footage has been determined per builder and is not guaranteed. |
