Located in the heart of Southern California’s pristine San Diego County Mountains, sits the 621+ acre Oak Ridge Stock Farm – an aesthetically exquisite, ecologically diverse and functionally versatile legacy ranch. Private ranchland featuring an 1800 +/- sq. ft. quintessential ranch style home, several barns and outbuildings, and numerous ponds provides a golden opportunity to experience the highest level of country living. The rarity of this expansive acreage, historical richness of its story and the vast potential of this property cultivates an ideal environment to create and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing rural lifestyle. Highlighting vast rolling meadows studded with majestic coulter pines, oak woodland, ponds and catchment basins, and several artesian springs, the pristine landscape and abundant natural water resources of this expansive ranch allows for many possibilities.
Situated on its own 10-acre tax parcel in a very private setting overlooking the largest pond, sits a humble, single story vintage home with breathtaking pastoral views of the upper meadow pasture. Built in 1967, this cozy three bed, two bath with ample living space including bonus room holds every bit of the California Ranch promise and is the perfect canvas to customize with personal design and decor touches. Featuring a functional layout and original details, such as white oak wood flooring, large picture windows, double sided stone fireplace, and cedar wood ceilings combined with the elevated homestead site, this is an excellent opportunity to restore this pastoral retreat to its former glory. Enjoy outdoor living by relaxing on the porch while appreciating the stunning countryside and mountain views. Other outbuildings include: a 100+ year old vintage barn, a dual-vehicle barn/garage, a small storage/pump house, and several additional storage structures. A private water well offers a self-sustainable water situation, and multiple electric utility meters around the ranch with a backup generator at the ranch home provides ample electric service.
Due to the large size and varied topography, the ranch is exclusive and very private. Five separate entrances lead onto the ranch with ranch roads traversing the land to provide easier accessibility. From the most elevated view site on the easterly side of the upper meadow featuring incredible westerly views to the site of the former original 1894 Adobe homestead in the lower meadow, this beautiful ranch holds plentiful space for agricultural outbuildings, animal infrastructure, and orchards and gardens.
Favorable A72 agricultural zoning with an “O” Animal Designator allows for the widest range of agricultural activities. Current use for the ranch is primarily cattle grazing. The gentle topography and abundance of precious water presents the potential for many other agricultural and recreational opportunities, including equestrian estate, vineyard/winery, row or tree crop cultivation, and livestock farming. With 610 acres of the ranch under a Williamson Act Land Contract new ownership will be provided with substantially reduced property taxes on the assessed land value. The unspoiled naturescape and solitude of this mountain setting is home to an abundant variety of flora and fauna. An outdoor sanctuary offering limitless enjoyment.
The nearly five mile fully fenced perimeter of the property is enveloped by the lightly traveled Pine Hills Road, Frisius Road and Deer Lake Park Road, and bordered by several sought-after backcountry neighborhoods with higher-end properties.
This ranch has a rich history dating back to the late 1800’s when the US Government signed ownership of the property into private ownership by way of a US Land Patent. Early ownership of this beautiful ranchland was held by a rancher named James Madison who came to Julian in search of a large tract of land to raise fine horses. Madison was later credited with introducing, transporting and planting an abundance of apple trees during Julian’s Gold Rush days. Madison planted a variety of prolific fruit and nut trees around the ranch, such as peaches, apples and almond, as well as grape vines and blackberry bushes. Madison later sold the ranch to Albert Ernest and Edith L. Babcock in the 1890’s from whom the current ownership acquired the property in 1931 and the land has remained in the Hatheway family for nearly 100 years. Naming the ranch Oak Ridge Stock Farm, Stewart S. Hatheway relished in ranch life raising registered Polled Hereford Cattle which were originally developed from the horned Hereford breed founded in the mid-18th century by the farmers of Hereford County, England. Polled Hereford is a separate breed of cattle originating from hornless mutations in 1901, and Stewart raised the largest number in the state of California for several years. Stewart’s daughter, Roberta “Bobbi” Hatheway Green grew up on her family’s ranch. As a young girl, she enjoyed riding horses and tending to the animals on the farm. Years later she moved back to the Julian ranch with her husband to raise their children and pursue the development of an agricultural venture. Bobbi was deeply involved in the social activities and events in the Julian community such as Julian Triangle Club’s President and various elements of the Melodrama, Chamber of Commerce President, and many other clubs and organizations. Today her children have fond memories of the years growing up on the ranch: a free-spirited upbringing, significance of family and friends, appreciation of the beautiful, natural surroundings and the simpler things in life, importance of hard-work, patience and determination, and the unadulterated fun that can be had in the space and freedom obtainable with country living.
Legacy ranches, such as the Oak Ridge Stock Farm, are typically retained by the founding families for decades or sold off in pieces. To have a ranch of this caliber fully intact offers a rare opportunity for the next steward of this incredibly beautiful ranchland. This is a unique property that one truly must see to appreciate. Don’t miss the opportunity to continue this storied legacy in San Diego’s most cherished backcountry destination.
