Rancho Santa Fe, Census-designated residential district in San Diego County, California
Rancho Santa Fe is a residential district in San Diego County, California, that spreads across rolling terrain with numerous large estates. The settlement lies several miles from the Pacific and consists of sprawling properties between eucalyptus groves and private golf courses.
The Santa Fe Railway purchased the land in 1906 to establish a eucalyptus plantation for producing railroad ties. Architect Lilian Rice designed the development plan starting in 1921 for today's residential settlement in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
The Spanish place names and the white stucco buildings with tile roofs shape how the settlement appears, planned from the start as an exclusive residential development. Residents use post office boxes instead of home delivery, which reflects the loose layout of the development.
Several shopping centers and restaurants lie scattered throughout the area and can be easily reached by car. Visitors should note that most areas are private property and public facilities are limited.
The eucalyptus trees proved unsuitable for railroad construction and now form extensive groves along the roads and estates. Some of these trees reach heights exceeding 100 feet (30 meters) and shape how the entire area looks.
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