The allure of “luxury retirement” in Rancho Santa Fe should not blind us to the potential consequences of the proposed high-density housing development, Silvergate Rancho Santa Fe. Silvergate’s proposal may seem appealing at first glance, but it’s crucial to consider the broader implications for the RSF Association’s Protective Covenant.
AmeriCare, the proposed development’s parent company, has utilized two effective tools to convince us that Silvergate is a much needed amenity in the Ranch. However, the repetitive messaging that there are no alternatives for those who wish to retire and downsize is simply wrong. No matter how the Silvergate team tries to sell it, the Protective Covenant zoning descriptions are definitive — this kind of facility was never intended for the low density lots in this portion of the Ranch. Additionally, Silvergate’s extensive use of outdoor lighting will eliminate the Ranch’s dark-skies, especially for the unfortunate surrounding neighbors, and mar a main entrance to the Ranch.
Existing and New Options Available
With over 45 years of experience selling real estate in Rancho Santa Fe, I have assisted many older couples, widows, and widowers looking to downsize from their larger family homes to smaller properties in the Village of RSF, Whispering Palms, Lomas Santa Fe, and other nearby areas. Each of these locations offers unique advantages for seniors and retirees seeking an active and social lifestyle.
Rancho Santa Fe and its surrounding areas already offer numerous luxury retirement options, including the RSF Village, Whispering Palms, Lomas Santa Fe, and the soon-to-be-built Belmont Village Rancho Santa Fe.
Residences With Resort Amenities
The Village of Rancho Santa Fe remains a popular choice for many Covenant retirees, featuring around 90 condos, townhouses, apartments, and many small homes on compact lots. This area is particularly appealing due to its walkable lifestyle, with a variety of attractive amenities just a short distance away.
Currently, JMI is developing Casitas at Rancho Santa Fe, luxury residences with resort amenities. This project is already well underway and consists of 13 cottages adjacent to The Inn. Apparently, these cottages will be for sale upon completion. The new development specifically caters to those looking to downsize in the heart of the village — again within easy walking distance to all the best Rancho Santa Fe has to offer.
Lux Retirement Communities
Since the 1960s, Whispering Palms has been a favored retirement destination and continues to attract RSF residents seeking to downsize. Located at the entrance to RSF, Whispering Palms offers diverse housing options, including small single-family homes, villas, condos, townhouses, and apartments — both for purchase and for rent. The community is home to the La Valle Coast Club, which boasts luxurious amenities, such as a 27-hole championship golf course, 16 lit tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center with spa services, a large heated pool, and an inviting hot tub. Members can also enjoy upscale dining at the Littler Lounge. Most residents love living in Whispering Palms because of its safe and friendly community, and its proximity to the RSF Village and the coast.
Lomas Santa Fe is another popular area for RSF seniors to downsize. This scenic, welcoming community features a country club with an 18-hole championship golf course, premier tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, a heated pool, and various dining and entertainment options. For those seeking to downsize very close to the Covenant, Lomas Santa Fe provides first-class amenities, picturesque parks, and a vibrant social scene. Former RSF residents enjoy easy access to beautiful beaches, the Cedros Design District, coastal stores and restaurants, and convenient access to I-5.
Advantages of Homeownership
Several luxury retirement communities near the Covenant are also available. Groundbreaking for one, Belmont Village Rancho Santa Fe, is expected very soon. Belmont Village RSF will offer 185 luxury rental apartments, including 15 freestanding cottages, and it boasts a strong relationship with UCSD’s Stein Center for Research on Aging. Amenities include indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a private wine room, a fitness center with group classes, a professional massage room, an outdoor pool, an art studio, a movie theater, a salon, and a sports lounge — all connected to an outdoor roof terrace for expanded social and recreational opportunities.
Owning a home provides significant advantages, including the potential to build equity, stable living expenses (without unpredictable rent increases), some tax benefits, and the freedom to customize one’s property. Those who meet eligibility requirements can transfer their Prop 13 base year value to a new home, keeping property taxes low. Past RSF Covenant studies on “move-down housing for seniors” revealed that most RSF seniors prefer to own casita-style homes on small lots rather than rent. Homeownership will not be possible in the proposed Silvergate development, where all living units will be rentals.
Wrong Facility, Wrong Location
In summary, seniors and retirees from Rancho Santa Fe’s Covenant have several excellent options for downsizing while continuing to maintain close connections to the Covenant community. Whether choosing the RSF Village, Whispering Palms, Lomas Santa Fe, or other nearby retirement communities, they can enjoy beauty, charm, convenience, and many other benefits to meet their lifestyle interests and needs. No matter what the marketing hype communicates, Rancho Santa Fe seniors have more affordable, desirable, and socially thriving options right in our backyard that Silvergate simply does not provide.
The proposed Silvergate high-density senior development does not align with the historic and rural character of the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant. It will open the door for other high-density developments in an area that has been protected for almost 100 years.
Holly Manion is a real estate agent and 70-year Covenant resident.