03/20/2018 - Rancho Santa Fe Post

By Rachel Laffer March 20, 2018 Shoot the messenger. Burn an effigy with a mop of black…

I think Osuna Ranch has a Public Relations problem.

If the RSF Board thinks only eight people out of 3,000 know that when they purchased their home in the RSF Covenant, they also received a gated, 24-acre, working, self-funded equestrian property with 40 horses, miles of trails, and beautiful pastures, it’s a problem. You probably have driven by and think it's just one more private barn. We really have some PR work to do. It’s AMAZING and it's OURS!

But there's more. It’s your financial asset that has appreciated in value from our purchase price of $12M in 2006 to $38M (according to just average land value 24 Acres zoned for 50 Horses – but come see for yourself.) Really, that’s one good investment … not sure it's the time to sell for $10M.

You don’t have to own a horse or be a competitive rider to grab your friends and do a dog walk (on leash) around your private Osuna Ranch surrounded by beautiful happy horses! Hello coffee and some well needed open air, no phone needed, healthy living. Also the perfect place to bring your house guests. :)

And yes, if you do want to ride, no better place than learning from a Hall of Fame show jumper Hap Hansen and his winning team. Even if you're not ready for the shows, check the calendar and come meet and cheer on your neighbors at our local equestrian shows in Del Mar, Temecula, or San Juan Capistrano – guessing you will be a happy horse groupie.

Just remember the horses come first. That's why there are huge grass pastures – incredible grooms and lots of land to roam after a body-toning, mind-clearing, riding lesson. And don’t worry it's exactly three minutes to Roger Rowe for school pick up. And did I mention, there’s no additional costs for you to ENJOY YOUR OSUNA RANCH TODAY? Why would we sell this property? It's just time to think up all the amazing things we can do with our property!

Come visit 24/7 at 16332 Via De Santa Fe; or text us for a non official guided tour at (323) 314-6651. Check our RSF Association website for official info. But DM and follow us on Instagram @friends_of_osuna_ranch for more details, info, announcements and events! – Annie Finch

We revisited, after 10 years, Osuna Ranch.
My take and my wife’s, for what it’s worth, would be that it is definitely under utilized, but with a very little amount of promotion, it could be a highly desirable place for weddings, bar-mitzvahs, quinceañeras, power lunches, corporate get-togethers. etc. – and could very easily be monetized with a relatively small amount of focus – while, keeping its acreage open and accessible to the privileges of our community. My grandmother said to me many years ago “they print money, but they’re not making land anymore." She was so right. I think it would be foolish to not utilize this asset.

It’s easy to sell and take it off the books, but its true value is in its history and the fact that it is owned by the covenant, a huge plus. It might be time to make it “sit up and bark" a little bit and let people see and understand its history. Just saying. – dblltd

The Rancho Santa Fe Covenant is comprised of some of the most beautiful land in the world. It has three important assets that make it unique: A beautiful and highly acclaimed and well maintained golf course and clubhouse; an extensive map of hiking and equestrian trails; and Osuna – an equestrian and historical site of 25 acres housing 50 horses, which has been managed by Hap Hansen, a beloved and famous trainer.

The barn is managed flawlessly – expert training for expert riders and casual riders. It trains some of the winningest horses and riders in the country and caters to casual riders as well. One of its spectacular features is the several large turnouts, hence happy horses and riders. The staff and groomers and farriers are experienced and dedicated and the grounds are maintained beautifully. So we are assured excellent horse care. The footing in the ring is very good and the view while riding in the ring is amazing. There is access to the trails and dogs are allowed on leash. It is not in shambles and in need of any more than a paint job and some new viewing furniture that should be done by the Association. And most importantly, it is not a money drain. It is a self-supporting asset growing in value. It has the original Osuna Adobe and conducts tours, and a lovely rural picnic grounds welcome all members and their guests. This is perfect for Association farm-to-table events, barn BBQs and possible small weddings and wine tasting events.

So why would we want to sell this precious asset which is accruing in value just sitting there, at a below-wholesale price of $10,000,000 – equal to what we bought it for years ago – making our home more valuable just like the trails and the golf course do – when there is no dire emergency? The golf course and clubhouse are self supporting. This would be a capricious and irresponsible act to try and vote on selling this land especially right before we vote to fill 3 of the 5 positions on the Board in 2 months leaving them to deal with this very unpublicized and ill thought-out plan.

So I am imploring the Board to table this matter and not squander this important part of our community in a hasty and quiet manner. Respectfully, – Katherine Morey  

Day: March 20, 2018

God Bless Bruce Kleege, the Mikles, and the School Board Candidates