A dramatic California estate that was designed by an acclaimed local architect but has since undergone a stunning $2 million renovation has returned to the market for $11.4 million—complete with a spaceship-esque residence, seven gated acres of land, and even a bright pink tennis court.
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, the rare find, which is known as The Rambla Estate, was first designed in the early 1990s by San Diego architect Ken Ronchetti. However, in recent years, millions of dollars were spent to breathe new life into the sprawling compound—and add refreshed resort-style amenities to its grounds.
Among the more eye-opening additions is a fuchsia-pink tennis court, which now serves as a kind of calling card for the dwelling, at least when it is viewed from above. Other, more understated updates include those made to the pool and lounge, as well as the gardens, which are newly landscaped.
The result, according to the listing, is a 12,416 square foot retreat that blends “timeless California design with modern infrastructure and resort-caliber amenities.”
However, perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the property is one that has been in place since it was first built: its shape, which not only helps it to stand out from all other residences in the area, but also serves another, much more impressive purpose.
Because of the unique “half moon” design, every room in the dwelling features floor-to-ceiling windows that can reach up to 17 feet tall, all with stunning views of the surrounding ocean and mountains.
“You can’t even see it from the street, so you’re up there on your own little private plateau,” listing agent Nicholas Borrelli from Coldwell Banker Realty says.
Offering five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the property has been reimagined with both substance and style in mind. Its original design and aesthetic were carefully honored, while every luxury imaginable was carefully incorporated to balance “balances architectural integrity with modern livability.”
The single-family home features grand formal and informal living areas, several spacious entertaining chambers, and an attached four-car garage.
The immense master suite is equipped with a private entrance to the outdoors, a personal retreat space, and a vast walk-in closet.
“The master bedroom closet is almost the size of the master bedroom,” Borrelli explains. “You just walk through and get lost in there.”
Other highlights include an individual laundry room, exercise room, wine cellar, game room with a golf simulator, and an office space with a built-in desk and floor-to-ceiling bookcase and its own private entrance from the exterior of the house.
Outside, rolling lawns, sophisticated plantings, and various outdoor spaces create the ideal setting for both large gatherings and private refuges.
Borrelli also notes that the turnkey home’s impressive package—which includes abundant natural light, soaring ceilings, and seamless indoor-outdoor living—is becoming increasingly rare on the market.
What’s more, the renovations extended well beyond cosmetic updates.
Every major system inside the dwelling was upgraded from its original construction in 1993, ensuring that the next resident can move in without a single worry about failing HVAC systems or leaky pipes.
Borrelli has been “shocked” by the amount of interest the home is receiving, claiming that he receives two to three requests for showings a week.
The property has captured the attention of a variety of buyers, from individuals who love unique architecture to large families.
“The way the house is set up, in essence, you have one side [that is] all living space and the other side [that is] all entertainment space,” Borrelli explains.
“You can still have a large venue, like a party going on, and then you can easily close off one side of the house the way it’s shaped, and the kids can stay there on that side…it has its own living room and its own kitchenette…it can be totally separate.”
The estate is located just moments away from the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, in one of Southern California’s most esteemed neighborhoods. The prestigious enclave is also home to equestrian trails, top-rated schools, and gorgeous ocean and mountain views that speak to the dwelling’s stature as a rarely available masterpiece.
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