A Historic Gentleman’s Ranch in California
''Palacio del Rio'', the former hacienda of 'Juan y Lolita Ranchero', is steeped in local history and provides an unparalleled California ranch lifestyle in the Santa Ynez Valley.
''Palacio del Rio'' is the former hacienda of a famous gentleman ranch perched in a grove of 100-year old Redwoods and overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley.
The Spanish-style property was built between 1929 and 1938 by Santa Barbara architect Joseph Plunkett for John J. (Jack) Mitchell Jr. and first wife Lolita Armour, and named 'Juan y Lolita Ranchero' after his Christian name and that of his wife.
A former pilot during the war, Mitchell went on to form an aviation company that would become United Airlines and built his dream ranch in the California countryside, complete with a Wild West bar from a saloon in Santa Barbara.
Bar taken from a Santa Barbara saloon and installed in Juan y Lolita Rancho, California. From Country Life in America, September 1935
In a bid to recapture some of the romance and spirit of Old California, in 1930 he organized his first “Los Rancheros Visitadores”, a historic horseback trek through the California countryside with 65 of his closest friends.
It is said that Mitchell was introduced to the idea by his friends Elmer Awl and cowboy artist Ed Borein, who originally suggested a few days of riding and camping with friends.
After attending a meeting of the Bohemian Club held north of San Francisco, Mitchell warmed to the idea of forming an elite men’s club centred around horseback riding and celebrating the ranching lifestyle.
The ride was a revival of the hacienda circuit from early California, a custom of ranchers riding ranch to ranch to help neighbours with the roundup or chore, and ultimately, have a party.
The Ranchero rodeo was so successful that Mitchell hosted it annually for 25 years, going on to become ‘El Presedente’ of the by-invitation Los Rancheros Visitadores, with attendees like Clark Gable, Walt Disney (aboard his horse, Minnie Mouse), and Apollo astronaut Wally Shirra.
Walt Disney & the Rancheros Visitadores Photo Archive.
“Each year the Juan y Lolita Rancho became the destination of a ritual that expressed the gentleman rancher's devotion to out-of-doors life. This was the Rancheros Visitadores, a revival of the early Californian custom of ranchers visiting, en masse, hacienda after hacienda. Everyone except the infirm rode horses; no women were allowed —indeed, women and children were expelled from Mitchell’s ranch for a period of two days. During that time the men enjoyed an unbridled fiesta, doing whatever they chose. The party was described as “a whooping safety-valve for tired businessmen”; for the rest of the year the ranch formed “a sanctuary where John, Lolita, and their personal friends may find peace and pleasure, leaving the outside world beyond the mountains.” In other words the great outdoors provided, ironically, the vehicle for a flight of introspective nostalgia and escapism.” Aslet, Clive. The American Country House. 1990.
The five-day ride became one of the most exclusive networking opportunities in America, second only to the Bohemian Grove—some called it the ‘Bohemian Grove on horseback’.
The elite membership to these communities gave rise to the theory that Bohemians and Rancheros ruled America in the mid-20th century.
The 1967 bestseller “Who Rules America” by G. William Dornhoff famously documented the dangerous concentration of power and wealth in the American upper class. Some of the most powerful men in America were Vistitadore-Bohemians, including Ronald Reagan.
"It is the ride that makes the fun, not the fun that makes the ride," Mitchell is quoted in the 1955 issue of Sports Illustrated, covering the silver anniversary ride and his last as ‘El Presedente’.
“All the pledges and secret oaths in the universe cannot tie men, our kind of men, together like the mutual appreciation of a beautiful horse, the moon behind a cloud, a song around the campfire or a ride down the Santa Ynez Valley. These are experiences common on our ride, but unknown to most of our daily lives.
“Our organization, to all appearances, is the most informal imaginable. Yet there are men here who see each other once a year, yet feel a bond closer than between those they have known all their lives.” Mitchell, 1955
Etling, William. “Sideways in Neverland: Life in the Santa Ynez Valley, California”, 2005.
By the 1960s, Mitchell sold the estate to Jimmy Stewart and the property was later owned by Dean Martin, and parcelled off over the years.
Mitchell led Los Rancheros Visitadores for 25 years and in 1979 he was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.
The 36.6 acre Spanish-style California ranch property is all that remains of the once-12,000 acre estate.
The sprawling 10,000 square foot hacienda has 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, with several reception rooms opening out to the terraces extending the living spaces outdoors.
Across the landscaped courtyard, there is a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom guest quarters, and an additional 2-bedroom guest house. Included on the property is a caretaker’s house.
With its stunning views over the valley and lush landscape, the property is truly a sanctuary, with several terraces, a swimming pool and tennis court. Below on the hills, find fenced pastures with horse shelters, a riding ring, and a four-stall barn.
Providing an unparalleled California lifestyle and steeped in history, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime property.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Sources:
Aslet, Clive. The American Country House. New Haven & London, Yale University Press, 1990. https://books.google.ca/books?id=PFfWsVBuvLIC&lpg=PA237&ots=d2b46ESt6a&dq=Juan%20y%20Lolita%20Rancho%2C&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false
Beshoar, Barron. “It’s the Ride That Makes the Fun.” Sports Illustrated, September 12, 1955, pg 16, Vault Archives, https://vault.si.com/vault/1955/09/12/its-the-ride-that-makes-the-fun
Etling, William. “Sideways in Neverland: Life in the Santa Ynez Valley, California”, 2005. https://books.google.ca/books?dq=Juan%20y%20Lolita%20Ranchero%20neverland%20ranch&id=qOnB_9IjCRwC&lpg=PA69&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=Juan%20y%20Lolita%20Ranchero%20neverland%20ranch&f=false
Walt Disney & the Rancheros Visitadores Photo Archive, 186, https://www.icollector.com/Walt-Disney-the-Rancheros-Visitadores-Photo-Archive_i30472931
19th Century Gothic-Style Chateau in Brittany
The French country estate is nestled near the historic town of Vitre (with TGV access to Paris), and only 30 minutes to the medieval city of Rennes.
Built in 1860, the fully restored chateau is nestled in 14 acres of bucolic parkland, with formal gardens, an orchard, and a pond.
The 9 bedroom chateau spans nearly 8100 square feet, with a wealth of period detail throughout, including intricate mouldings on the ceilings and walls, wood panelling, original oak parquet floors and several grand marble and stone fireplaces.
The updated property comes with an elevator, and there is also an unfinished indoor swimming pool in the basement.
The French country estate is nestled near the historic town of Vitre in northern France (with TGV access to Paris), and only 30 minutes to the medieval city of Rennes.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Exceptional Stone Bastide on the French Riviera
With panoramic views over the French Riviera from the Bay of Nice to Madelieu, the hilltop property is within walking distance to the village of Châteauneuf-Grasse, and just 25 minutes to Cannes.
With panoramic views over the French Riviera from the Bay of Nice to Madelieu, the hilltop property is within walking distance to the village of Châteauneuf-Grasse, and just 25 minutes to Cannes.
Nestled between hills, villages, and golf courses, the stone bastide is set within 2.4 walled acres designed by French landscape architect Jean Mus, with an artificial rock beach by Eric Danton.
Terraced gardens with 140 mature olive trees surround the 79-foot swimming pool, with an outdoor BBQ area and exterior WC and shower room.
The 6727 square foot bastide has 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and generous reception rooms with soaring ceilings and large windows, featuring remote-controlled electric roller shutters.
The neo-Provençal property was built in 2004 by a local architect and features a wealth of custom finishes, like the underfloor heating of the terracotta tile floors and an all-electric eat-in kitchen with a generous pantry.
The master suite is an oasis, with his-and-hers dressing rooms and separate bathrooms with a Jacuzzi and designer showers, as well as a Hammam.
A finished basement can be converted into a media room and includes an exceptional wine cellar and cigar room.
The fully-walled estate comes with 3 secure garages and a 1-bedroom guardian cottage.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Restored Tuscan Farmhouse Near Siena
With a landscape of olive groves, orchards, and rolling hills, the Tuscan estate is a 10 minute drive from Monteriggioni, one of the most impressive medieval walled towns in Tuscany.
With a landscape of olive groves, orchards, and rolling hills, the Tuscan estate is a 10 minute drive from Monteriggioni, one of the most impressive medieval walled towns in Tuscany.
Well preserved over the ages, the cobbled-street town has one of the most important walled castles in the area—its towers were described by Dante Alighieri as “horrific giants” in his ‘Divine Comedy’!
The turnkey property is just 20 km from Siena, with restored Tuscan farmhouses set at the heart of a 49 estate estate with panoramic views over the Masse Senesi region.
Offering a total of 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 6459 square feet of living space, the farmhouses have been fully updated for modern living, retaining much of the traditional charm of the farmhouses: exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, terracotta tile floors.
Well suited for multi-generational families or as a self-catered retreat in the Tuscan hills, this incredible Tuscan estate could be a lucrative investment for boutique tourism.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
A Georgian Country House Near Bath
Surrounded by formal gardens and grounds with a swimming pool, the elegant Potticks House offers a grand backdrop for living and entertaining, proving to be an idyllic country seat.
The Grade II-listed Potticks House was built in the late 18th century by Samuel Rayner and is a fine example of the Georgian style.
Built of traditional Bath stone and featuring a Welsh slate roof, the 10 acre property is just 6 miles from the city of Bath.
The 6-bedroom home has been beautifully maintained and updated with a kitchen extension and bright conservatory.
A kitchen garden produces raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries, and rhubarb; an orchard on the property grows apples, pears, plums, as well as walnuts, quince, and figs.
Surrounded by formal gardens and grounds with a swimming pool, the elegant Potticks House offers a grand backdrop for living and entertaining, proving to be an idyllic country seat.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
An 18th Century Belgian Mansion Near the French Border
Dating back to 1702, Hôtel Duquesne De La Vinelle is a fine example of the local ‘Tournaisien’ style popular in this region from the 17th to 19th centuries, inspired by Louis XV style.
Dating back to 1702, Hôtel Duquesne De La Vinelle is a fine example of the local ‘Tournaisien’ style popular in this region from the 17th to 19th centuries, inspired by Louis XV style.
Impeccably maintained, the mansion features much of its original architecture and period details throughout.
In its entirety, the estate spans 35 acres, and the property is nestled between its land and formal gardens and a courtyard facing the road with 2 garages.
From its courtyard entrance, the nearly 13,000 square foot mansion reveals a fine grand staircase leading up to 19 rooms, 7 of which are bedroom suites, with an addition on the West Wing, and several staff rooms in the attic.
On the ground floor, the 13 “royal apartments” include the dining room, 3 reception rooms, a library, 2 offices, a kitchen and a back kitchen.
The formal gardens offer the best view of this historic property, located in the town of Tournai, a hidden gem in Belgian near the border of France and Flanders.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
A Romantic Gascon Castle With Formal Gardens
Offering panoramic views over the Vallée de l’Osse from its high Gascon towers, Château du Fréchou is considered one of Gascony’s hidden jewels.
Offering panoramic views over the Vallée de l’Osse from its high Gascon towers, Château du Fréchou is considered one of Gascony’s hidden jewels.
The Medieval and Renaissance castle dates back to 1259, and was transformed into a residential castle and remodelled in the Italian Renaissance style in 1560, with the addition of a staircase tower and entrance pavilion.
Run as a farm by the 19th century, the property was in a ruinous state in 1970, when new owners set about restoring the historic property and updating its formal Italian gardens and Medieval-style walled garden.
Surrounded by outbuildings, the castle comes with a lovely period orangery, a pigeonnier, and a 2-storey gatehouse.
Inside, the castle has been tastefully updated for modern living while restoring the property’s unique period details.
The 6458 square foot property has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and several grand principal rooms, featuring romantic period details throughout. Of note is the original limestone staircase (considered one of the best in the area), the soaring beamed ceilings, terracotta tile floors, and original stone fireplaces.
The drawing room opens out to a lovely breakfast garden, accessible by a 14th century gothic bridge.
The 17 acre estate has a large walnut orchard with the potential to be replanted as a vineyard, creating the ultimate French country oasis.
The chateau is set in a peaceful and private setting near its namesake Gascon village, Le Fréchou, between the market towns of Nérac and Condom.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
An Exquisite Estate in Beverly Hills
Just minutes from the famed Beverly Hills Hotel, the palatial 25,000 square foot property was newly built in 2011 with no expense spared.
Just minutes from the famed Beverly Hills Hotel, the palatial 25,000 square foot property was newly built in 2011 with no expense spared.
A showcase of the finest craftsmanship and quality, the 8-bedroom, 12-bathroom Meditereanean-style property features hand-made Italian marble, and stone Baroque detailing throughout.
Designed with lifestyle in mind, the Beverly Hills compound includes a 15-person screening room, a bowling alley, a poker room, and a large wine cellar and tasting room.
There's also a full-length swimming pool and a spa with massage rooms inside the home.
The expansive property opens out onto the Riviera-inspired outdoor spaces, where you’ll find another grand swimming pool, flanked by lush landscaping.
The oasis is complete with romantic fountains, pergolas, and fire pits.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
A 19th Century Welsh Castle
Glandyfi Castle is a Regency Gothic castle that stands high above the Dyfi Estuary within 31 acres of land, nestled in gardens with sweeping lawns and paved terraces, and offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia.
Glandyfi Castle is a Regency Gothic castle that stands high above the Dyfi Estuary within 31 acres of land, nestled in gardens with sweeping lawns and paved terraces, and offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside and out towards the mountains of Snowdonia.
The romantic property was built in 1819 by an unknown architect for the grandson of Edward Jeffreys of Shrewsbury, an investor in silver and lead mines.
Built of local stone, the castellar architecture includes mullion windows, octagonal towers, and impressive chimneys. The property remained in the Jeffreys family until 1906, and has since had a series of different owners, most notably, the Dockers.
Sir Bernard Docker and his wife, Norah, scandalized Britain in the 1950s with their excess. The Dazzling Dockers were known for their extravagance, and their time at Glandyfi Castle inspired the 1963 ‘Pink Panther’ film.
‘Naughty Norah’, a famous spendaholic and socialite, married her 3rd husband, the chairman of Daimler Sir Bernard Docker in 1949, the same year the couple purchased the castle. They would go on to spend the equivalent of today’s £1.3M renovating the castle, using funds from her husband’s company.
At the time, Norah also had a series of custom Daimler’s covered in gold and upholstered in zebra hide, an excess she required “because mink is too hot to sit on”.
By 1956, it became known that Sir Bernard and Lady Dockers were using the Daimler company to fund their extravagant lifestyle and both the castle and the Daimlers were sold off—and made national headlines.
Inside the castle, there are 9 ensuite bedrooms and several period reception rooms with fine detail, such as the oak panelling and Regency ceiling details in the Drawing Room.
An octagonal library has a Nash-influenced coved ceiling and a lovely pink marble fireplace. The Medieval stone courtyard has been transformed into an atrium with a glass roof, creating a cozy and bright gathering space.
The Grade II listed castle has been updated for contemporary living in the last 20 years, although the property has immense potential to be transformed anew.
The property comes with an updated 1-bedroom Lodge with a private garden, located at the entrance to the driveway.
The estate is set in a region known for its stunning coastline with sandy beaches and sheltered harbours, close to local attractions.
With its stunning views, estate, and romantic architecture, Glandyfi Castle will no doubt have a beautiful next chapter with its new owner.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
Opulent French-Style Palace in Central Portugal
Built in 1880 for the Portuguese nobility, the pink property is nestled within 12 acres of French-style botanical gardens designed by the renowned French landscape architect Forestier, with a swimming pool and 2 guest villas.
Built in 1880 for the Portuguese nobility, the pink property is nestled within 12 acres of French-style botanical gardens with impressive water features, a swimming pool and 2 guest villas.
The botanical gardens were designed by the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicholas Forestier, renowned for his work on the Champ de Mars gardens below the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Parque de María Luisa in Seville.
Rumored to have connections to Portuguese royalty (it's said the property was built by a Portuguese King for his Spanish lover), the French-style palace was fully renovated in 2015, restoring much of the palace’s original period detail, including the stained-glass windows, wood flooring, and ornate ceiling cornicing.
The pink palace has 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, with several elegantly appointed reception rooms.
Sold as a turnkey enterprise, the entire estate spans 22 acres and comes with an equestrian complex with 30 stalls and a jumping track, and a 30-room hotel and two restaurants, one currently rented.
This incredible property is 2 hours from Lisbon, set near the Spanish border and just a 5 minute drive from the UNESCO-listed town of Elvas, considered one of Portugal’s hidden gems.
All photos belong to the listing agency.