As a real estate broker specializing in Rancho Santa Fe for over 45 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping generations of residents find their next home, often right here within our own community. One pattern is remarkably consistent: As residents reach retirement, they sell their larger estates and “step down” into smaller homes in the Village or nearby neighborhoods. This isn’t a new concept —it’s part of Rancho Santa Fe’s original vision.
When Lilian Rice designed the Village nearly a century ago, she envisioned a walkable, intimate community where residents could remain connected as their lifestyles evolved. Many of the smaller homes and condos were intentionally created with retirement living in mind. From these residences, seniors can walk to the post office, pharmacy, restaurants, banks, and shops — greeting familiar faces at a local coffee spot or The Inn. This is what makes our Village so special: independence, accessibility, and genuine human connection — without the need for a massive, towering complex or commercial intrusion.
Ample Step-Down Housing in Village
Covenant seniors looking to downsize have ample options. Within a half-mile of the Village Center, there are numerous condos, townhomes, apartments, and homes on lots under an acre available for sale or rent — with more on the way. Thirteen luxury homes near The Inn will soon be on the market. The Gateway project plans to build 15 residential units for active adults 55+ across from the Post Office.
Beyond the Village, Whispering Palms has long been a popular destination for those transitioning from larger estates. Built around the La Valle Coastal Club, it offers condos, single-family homes, and apartments surrounded by golf courses, walking paths, fitness facilities, tennis courts, restaurants, and a warm sense of community — all just minutes from the Covenant’s entrance.
For those needing additional care, the surrounding area already offers retirement and assisted-living options within five miles of the Ranch. In short, senior living choices here are abundant.
This is why the proposed Silvergate development is both unnecessary and a threat to the Covenant’s legacy. It would replace our thoughtful, long‑established architectural design with a dense, commercial structure that violates zoning rules and the cultural landscape designation protecting Rancho Santa Fe’s scenic and historic character.
The Covenant’s intentional gradation — from smaller Village parcels to multi‑acre estates —preserves open views, dark skies, natural quiet, and the rural lifestyle so essential to our heritage.
Rancho Santa Fe doesn’t need to reinvent what already works. For nearly 100 years, our community has offered elegant, carefully scaled living options for every stage of life. Let’s continue to honor that vision, and keep Rancho Santa Fe the timeless, walkable, and graceful community we were entrusted to protect.
Heather Manion Gallagher is a Covenant resident.