Press Releases

CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. - January 11, 2006 - Prudential California Realty today announced a price of $17.5 million for the 392-acre Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley. The sale of the former guest ranch to the stars was announced last month, without an established price.

Broker William L. Smith of Prudential California Realty, together with Northern Trust Bank, trustee, considered the ranch's many commercial and historical attributes as well as market factors in determining the price. "When you have an historic property such as this with so much allure to it, determining a value is daunting," said Smith. "Could you ever put a price on the Carmel Mission or San Simeon? These places are so important to the community and to California."

The Holman Ranch, with a stone hacienda and sprawling ranch lands established in the 1920s, is in superb condition and includes a world-class equestrian center for riding, training, and boarding horses. Located in a prime grape-growing region, the ranch has its own small vineyard, a wine barn, and the potential for 40 more acres of vines. An original 1928 pool, carriage house, and roomy guest/worker quarters add to the value and grandeur of the ranch.

"We feel it's a terrific value," said Smith, who invites brokers and their clients to a Broker Tour Thursday, January 19. Interested brokers should contact Smith directly at 831-622-1500 for details. Smith was selected as broker due to his extensive experience selling ranch and equestrian properties, including the Eagle Oak Ranch in Paso Robles, Quail Creek and El Milagro ranches in the Salinas Valley, and the Loma Llama and PAR-T ranches in Carmel Valley.

Although private functions at Holman Ranch have ceased, for a limited time the ranch may be available to non-profit organizations as a venue for fundraising events. Non-profit organizations should direct inquiries to Betsy Wallace Jeffers at 831-372-2259. For more information about Holman Ranch, and for images and virtual tours, please visit www.holmanranch.com.

The Holman Ranch is a 392-acre country estate in Carmel Valley, California, twelve miles east of Scenic Highway 1. The main house and grounds sit atop a hill with stunning 360-degree views of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cattle and horses have been raised on the ranch lands since the days of Spanish missions. An active guest ranch was established in the 1940s, and became a hideaway for Hollywood celebrities as well as the center of Carmel Valley social life. Beginning in the 80s, the ranch became known nationwide as an idyllic site for private functions.