Description
We are delighted to present Seahorse Ranch, a magnificent family estate in the pristine Meadow Oaks community in Riverside County, California. Nestled on over 11 acres of ancient oaks and artful boulders, this timeless estate was built as a labor of love 19 years ago, and the care taken in building and designing it is evident as soon as you lay eyes on it.
Occupying twice the area of most single parcel properties in Meadow Oaks, the estate comprises a main house, guest house, stables, caretaker’s apartment, playhouse, lake with gazebo, riding ring, and pool and spa – adding up to an expansive 6,587 sq ft of living space that encompasses 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and parking four 4 vehicles. This is not just a family home. The entire compound has been designed to provide fun and enjoyment for the entire family. An English Tudor architectural style characterizes the buildings, which have been built with stone quarried from the property itself, as well as antique oak timber from Virginia. Slate roofs, rustic brickwork elements, dormer windows, chimneys and a weather vane add to the very classical charm of the house, which is set on a stony outcropping and surrounded by lush greenery. The interiors of the home are simply incredible, with high vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, brickwork along some of the walls, and intricately carved wood and stone fireplaces that are true to the Tudor style. Wide-plank wood flooring is used throughout, except for the main master suite, which is richly carpeted. All the windows are leaded stained glass, and antique chestnut cabinets complete the beautiful classical ambiance of the home. All of this is complemented by the home’s more modern functional aspects, such as a central vacuum system, stereo system, security system, and 4 separate HVAC systems.
One elaborate fireplace with exquisite wooden carving work can be found in the living room, a gorgeous open space that also has a small bar area and is framed by large picture windows that look out over the natural surroundings of the property. The ceiling is double-height, and the first floor passageway runs along one side of the room, resulting in a loft-style space. A beautiful and very rustic-looking archway leads from this room to the formal dining room, which opens onto a stone patio. Both rooms are topped by gorgeous chandeliers. The beautiful country-style chef’s kitchen features a central cooking island and a cozy breakfast nook with a wraparound booth that is situated right by a picture window and opens onto another patio. Professional-grade appliances are installed, including a four-burner stove, two grills, deep fryer, steamer, two dishwashers, two SubZero refrigerators and Thermador oven. The kitchen is open and part of a larger space that includes a family room/lounge with another gorgeous stone fireplace.
Among the very spacious and majestic bedrooms are two master suites, one on the ground floor and one on the top floor. The upper master suite features one more beautiful stone fireplace, and a carpeted master bathroom with a beautiful Jacuzzi tub. A laundry room that is accessible from the outside completes the main house.
The exterior spaces of the home include two very wide porches with a direct view of the gorgeous fishing lake that the house sits alongside (and slightly elevated from). A stairway leads down from one of the porches to a boat dock with a lovely gazebo. The stone patio on the other side of the house contains an outdoor fireplace that makes it perfect for chilly winter evenings. The patio extends to a rocky pool and spa area with a waterfall.
The guesthouse features a very similar interior aesthetic, and contains one bedroom, one bathroom, a fireplace and single-car garage. The four-stall stable building continues the theme and houses a caretaker’s studio apartment and a tack room, with views of the guest house and riding ring.
Walking around the property will reveal several other amazing facets to it, each lovingly crafted to amaze and to entertain the children. Many of these are discovered while strolling along Flirtation Walk, a winding stone path that will take you past mature oaks, granite boulders, and the natural beauty of the area while connecting to long riding and hiking trails. The other wonders you will experience while walking include a playhouse made of stone and designed like a castle on a hill with a direct view of the house and the lake, a stone ‘throne’, Peter Rabbit’s garden (complete with a sculpture of Peter Rabbit), the tea party from Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat, and several other intriguing sculptures of people, animals and fairy tale creatures.
This magnificent property in one of the most exclusive areas of California is a testament to the love and imagination of the original owners, with no expense spared to create a home that anyone would fall in love with. Our most discerning clients would be buying a family estate that is truly incomparable to anything on the market
