Bay View Ranch
Executive Summary
Just 40 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, this remarkable ranch is a rare find. With its gently rolling, oak-studded hills and rich aquatic features, it offers natural beauty, privacy, commanding views of the Bay Area, and wide-ranging possibilities for the future owners. The buyer may purchase three parcels totaling 199 acres with the option to secure the entire 270-acre ranch with the addition of a fourth parcel.
Set in the lower hills of the southern Sonoma Mountains, the ranch consists of two older ranch compounds, barns, a small farmhouse, cottage, lakes, springs, creek, three wells and more. (See maps and contact broker for parcel details.)
The ranch has potential for multiple home sites as well as conservation easements. A professional soils analysis indicates the potential for vineyards as well.
Perfect for a primary home or weekend getaway, the Bay View Ranch is a beautiful setting for recreation, relaxation, and unparalleled California living.
Locale
Bay View Ranch is in the heart of historic Sonoma County. The region is famous for its natural beauty, wines, spas, and wonderful outdoor living. The county boasts over 400 award-wining wineries, redwood forests, a stunning coastline, fine dining, art galleries, many antique shops, and much more.
A number of historic landmarks provide a wealth of opportunities for exploration and fun. Within minutes of the ranch are the Sonoma Mission, General Vallejo’s Rancho Petaluma Adobe, Vallejo’s home in Sonoma, plus the Jack London Home and Ranch.
History
The ranch was originally part of Rancho Petaluma, a 66,622-acre Mexican land grant given in 1834 to Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo by Governor Jose Figueroa. Rancho Petaluma stretched from Petaluma River on the west over the hills and down to Sonoma Creek on the east, including all land that lay between these two waterways from the edge of San Francisco Bay to approximately the present site of Glen Ellen. The rancho included present-day Petaluma and Lakeville.
Land use in the area has traditionally been dairy, sheep, cattle grazing and as a watershed to the Petaluma basin.
It’s our understanding that the Beebe family purchased the main ranch from the Giacomini Estate in 1954 and ran a Grade A dairy up until the early 1980’s. Since then the property has been used for cattle grazing, recreation and, at one time, a Boy Scout camp.
Buildings, Structures, Improvements
The property has a small two bedroom, one bath farmhouse and small, detached guest cottage (uninhabitable). There are three barns and other old ranch buildings, a garage, and large hay barn. The old ranch compound higher up on the mountain sits on a gentle bench with breath-taking, unobstructed views of the Bay and Mt. Tamalpais There is a barn, garage and the remnants of an old swimming pool. The property is fenced and cross fenced to manage cattle grazing.
Recreation and Relaxation
The opportunities for hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping and more on the ranch are excellent.
Spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay Area, including the San Francisco skyline, Mount Tamalpais in Marin, the town of Petaluma, and the Sonoma Mountain Range provide the perfect backdrop for great times on the ranch with family and friends.
The remnants of an old Boy Scout camp with its picnic table and campfire ring provide evidence of the special times enjoyed on the property.
Water Resources
The property has a number of springs, three existing wells, two lakes, and a couple of vernal pools. Rodgers Creek, which runs along the east border of the ranch, is part of the Petaluma River Watershed, The headwaters of Rodgers Creek begin on the southwest slopes of the Sonoma Mountains and drain in a southeasterly direction for a distance of 6.5 miles before joining Fowler Creek approximately 0.75 miles from its confluence with Sonoma Creek. Together, Rodgers and Fowler Creeks form the longest tributary to Sonoma Creek.
Ranch Operations
The ranch is currently leased for cattle grazing.
Climate
Sonoma County has a classic Mediterranean climate with wet, mild winters and warm dry summers. Low clouds and fog often move in overnight and retreat by mid-morning. Warm days and cool nights along with a lack of rain not only offer great living, but during the growing season play a major part in producing superior wine.
Broker’s Comments
The ranch’s intrinsic value is immediately understood as you wind your way up through the oak-studded rolling hills and are met with views of iconic Bay Area landmarks. The natural beauty of the ranch with its water assets and incredible privacy provide an ideal refuge for wildlife and an awesome family retreat. An ideal opportunity for both creating a home and preserving the land.
Personal Property
None.
Mineral Rights
Seller will transfer all seller’s mineral rights.