"I found real joy at Rancho Santa Fe. Every environment there calls for simplicity and beauty – the gorgeous natural landscapes, the gentle topography, the nearby mountains."
- Architect Lilian Rice, 1889-1938
An exclusive, gated residential enclave nestled within the coastal foothills of one of California’s most charming towns, The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe exudes the breathtaking natural beauty of ancient Tuscany. Growing visibly as you approach the property, the magnificent 35,000 square foot clubhouse and 10,000 square foot Sports Centre create a dream-like vision, a centuries-old Italian country village transported in its entirety– stone-by-stone and complete with a landscape that includes olive trees, vineyards and citrus groves– from the countryside near Siena or Livorno to the hills of Rancho Santa Fe. Standing on the terrace of the stone clubhouse the sunshine and sea breezes complete the illusion as these environments, worlds apart, share much in common.
When the creators of The Bridges first visited the site they were struck by its extraordinary beauty and remarkable similarity to the stunning landscapes of northern Tuscany – the gently rolling hillsides, rugged rock outcroppings and winding streams. They determined that an exceptional private residential community could preserve the beauty of the place and, with great care and planning, actually enhance it.
The architecture of the community’s landmark buildings was designed to reflect timeless designs of old-world rural villages. Natural land formations and native vegetation were respected and spectacular bridges to traverse deep canyons were constructed to preserve the ruggedness of the site.
Rancho Santa Fe is known for its equestrian trails, picturesque lanes and sprawling country estates. One of California’s earliest planned communities, Rancho Santa Fe traces its history back to land grants from the Mexican government in the early 1800s. Renowned architect Lilian Rice designed the Rancho Santa Fe civic center, as well as many of its public buildings and private residences, in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
A Protective Covenant was created in 1928 to preserve the Rancho Santa Fe lifestyle, which is more private and prestigious than its famous oceanfront neighbors, and in 1989, Rancho Santa Fe was designated a California State Historic Landmark.
San Diego’s legendary near perfect year-round climate sets the stage for one of California’s finest golf courses. The dramatic terrain of the 18-hole, par-71, course is unmatched in any
other in Southern California. Arching fairways, canyon carries and imposing bunkers and water hazards result in a course that is visually stimulating and challenging. Unique stress-ribbon bridges add character to the course and provide the essential links across deep canyons and waterways on the 10th and 11th holes. These bridges, nearly 300 feet long, are two of only three such bridges in the country.
The spectacular vistas from nearly every vantage point on the property, of the rolling foothills and the deep canyon walls wandering through the course, add a sense of dimension to The Bridges that is found in few places around the world. The Bridges course was created to be a worthy adversary to the most accomplished golfers. It will entice you to hit great shots to reap rewards but will also extract a price for poor ones. The natural beauty of the site guarantees all who play will be sure to enjoy the experience.
The clubhouse offers 360-degree views of the golf course, lakes, creeks, hillsides and bridges and is notable for the intimacy and charm of its many elegant rooms and galleries, striking in their perfect scale, rich finishes and fine antiques.
In addition to the formal dining room, the clubhouse includes a club grill with indoor and outdoor seating, a living room and an upstairs wine loft with a handsome private dining room. Men’s and women’s lounges and card rooms occupy opposite ends of the clubhouse, as do the separate locker rooms, steam rooms and spas. A large, fully stocked pro shop overlooks the 18th green.
The 10,000 square foot Sports Centre provides the finest health and fitness facilities, including the most current cardio and weight training equipment, and a hardwood floor gym. Separate men’s and women’s lounges include lockers, saunas, massage rooms and spas. Another spa is outdoors, near the lap pool and wading pool.
The Bridges offers a limited number of homes, homesites and villas amidst the hillsides, fairways and orchards of this secluded private community.
