BELL CANYON
Bell Canyon is surrounded by the cities of West Hills, Calabasas, and Woodland Hills. The Simi hills are to the north. There are approximately 800 home sites on lots that range from ½ acre to 40 acres. In 2010, the population of Bell Canyon was 2,049.
This 24 hour guard gated community spans 3.5 square miles. Because of the safety, privacy and seclusion that Bell Canyon offers, many film and music celebrities choose to call Bell Canyon home. Just 5 miles outside the gate, you will find yourself on the Ventura (US 101) Freeway, and some of the finest restaurants and shopping in the area. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany are some of the stores in the newly remodeled Topanga Mall. Nearby are top notch medical facilities such as West Hills Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. Part of the highly acclaimed Las Virgenes School district, Bell Canyon students, (and parents), enjoy the convenience of bus stops located within the gates of the community.
Bell Canyon features unique topography, with many homes set high on the hillside. There are no visible power lines in Bell Canyon. All power lines are beneath the ground. World renowned architect Cliff May, who was responsible for designing the majority of the homes in Bell Canyon, chose to work WITH the land and created his trademark “Southern California Modern Ranch Style” home. (Think horsey hacienda meets post-war modernism.) In 1968, May’s creation, the Bell Canyon Equestrian Center opened its gates. In 1969, before Bell Canyon was officially named Bell Canyon, (named after the original homesteaders in the 1800’s), “Woodland Hills Country Estates” opened for sales. All of the 800 home sites were sold in just 10 days!
Recently, the Bell Canyon Equestrian Center underwent a 2 year makeover, restoring it to Mays original glory. The center remains one of the leading full service Class A equestrian centers in the area. There are 4 barns, 80 stalls, several corrals, sand riding arenas, and hot walkers.
There is a strong community presence in Bell Canyon. The Community Center organizes car shows, wine tastings, and the well known “Hot August Night” party featuring an old school pie eating contest and a chili cook-off.
Riders, bikers, and hikers alike can enjoy many wide trails in the area surrounding Bell Canyon. Some of the trails lead right to the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Park (formerly known as Ahmanson Ranch). “Bell Creek” runs through the community from the 5 acre “Bell Park” to the L.A. River. This riparian habitat is home to diverse species of vegetation as well as the usual critters: coyote, hawks, quail, and deer. Make the trek to Chastain Falls waterfall…breathtaking.
BRIDLE PATH
Bridle Path is an equestrian neighborhood rising above southwestern Simi Valley in Ventura County. It is one of the first neighborhoods in Simi Valley. Simi Valley is one of Southern California’s fastest growing cities. Excellent infrastructure is being set in place. Simi Valley also continually ranks high on the list of America’s safest cities. Developed before many hillside ordinances were set in place, Bridle Path is perched above the valley floor, resulting in panoramic city views.
Bridle Path is comprised of 630 homes with lot sizes from 1/2 acre to over 10 acres. The homes were built in four phases, with two architectural styles: single story ranch homes & two story “barn” homes. Residents of the neighborhood enjoy a 1700 acre “mountain park” for equine and pedestrian activities. There are 15 miles of trails, 7 arenas, and 2 round pens for public use. Split rail fences, sandy bridle paths and tree lined streets are reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Similar to much of suburbia throughout the U.S, you will find many residents walking the dog…here in Bridle Path just as routine as dog-walking; you will find residents “walking the horse”. Residents have strict orders to keep the trees along the bridle paths in front of their homes trimmed to allow safe passage of horse & rider. There is a terrific community feel as residents receive a monthly newsletter, enjoy family barbeques, and moonlight rides, organized by members of the community.
It’s no wonder American Quarter Horse Association dubs Bridle Path as the community whose motto is: “Home is where the horse is”.
CALABASAS
Calabasas is a city of approximately 23,000 residents located at the western end of the San Fernando Valley, bordered by the cities of Woodland Hills, West Hills, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Topanga, and Malibu. The origin of the name of the city is up for debate. Some say it is named after the Spanish word for pumpkin, others maintain it is derived from the Chumash word, “Calahoosa”. Either way, Calabasas is a terrific place to live..
Calabasas’ city logo, that of a red-tailed hawk flying over the Santa Monica Mountains symbolizes the semi-rural way of life and the preservation of the area’s natural beauty. In order to honor this commitment, Calabasas has been exceptionally proactive in passing ordinances to protect open space, and the health of its residents. In February 2006, the “comprehensive second-hand smoke control ordinance” passed with flying colors. This ordinance prohibits smoking in ALL public places with in the city, where others may be subject to secondhand smoke. The ordinance was later expanded in 2008, requiring 80% of rental apartment buildings to be designated as non-smoking. There is nary a plastic bag to be found in any grocery store in Calabasas. If you’d like a paper bag, it will cost you 10 cents, encouraging the use of recyclable grocery sacks.
The city of Calabasas played a significant role in saving Ahmanson Ranch, a 2983 acre parcel of land, from development. Sold to the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy in 2003 for $150 million, this area, known as “Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Space Preserve”, provides much delight to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and nature lovers. Calabasas has its own quaint trolley transportation system. The trolley runs throughout the city including “Old Town Calabasas”, host to the Leonis Adobe Building. There are also many delicious restaurants and shops, as well as a weekly farmers’ market in Old Town Calabasas.
Calabasas provides a nice balance between city life, with its proximity to the San Fernando Valley, and its many rural neighborhoods. There is no shortage of equestrian activities, tack shops, and ranches in Calabasas. Calabasas Saddlery is a favorite local tack shop. You will find the entrance to Malibu Creek State park in Calabasas as well as many equestrian centers, such as The Calabasas Equestrian Center on Mulholland. There is even an equine rescue center, Dude’s Ranch Equine Rescue Center. Calabasas is such a “horsey” community that in 2005, The Horse Channel set up headquarters there. This channel hosts rodeo shows, competitions, classic horse themed movies, and children’s programming.
CORNELL
At the western end of Los Angeles’ famed “Mulholland Drive”, lies a few special custom and equestrian neighborhoods. From Agoura, heading southwest to west Malibu, one will find many ranches, trails, and compelling hideaway spots known to locals. A few world-class wineries thrive here.
The climate is remarkably similar to that of the most productive wine producing regions in southern France and Italy. Malibu Family Winery, which bottles under the Semler and Saddlerock labels, has a wine tasting bar, wine club membership, and hosts many themed movies and dinners under the stars. Cielo Wine Bar, also known as “Sip”, located in the canyon on Kanan Road, hosts a Sunday brunch not to be missed. Sip is located right next door to the famous Rustic Canyon General Store. Here, hungry and thirsty Harley riders convene on Sundays as they take a break from their bikes while travelling on Mulholland from Hollywood or points east, to Malibu.
The General Store welcomes beach goers as well on their ride through the canyon from Zuma Beach in Malibu. The grill is fired up, and there are lots of shady spots to sit and relax. Also, close by in the Cornell neighborhood of Agoura, is “The Old Place Restaurant”. The neighborhoods bordering Kanan Rd. host many ranches to board your horses and take riding lessons. Top notch equestrian facilities include Lionheart Ranch, Southland Farms, and Creekside Ranch.
HIDDEN HILLS
The city of Hidden Hills is nestled in the westernmost foothills of the San Fernando Valley. The existence of white three rail wooden fences, corrals, barns, rustic equestrian trails, and only one school tell visitors that this is a truly exceptional place to live. Street lights are nowhere to be found in Hidden Hills, and you will only see one traffic light in the entire neighborhood. Bridle paths replace sidewalks.
Encompassing just over 2 square miles, there are approximately 2,000 residents in Hidden Hills. There are 648 home sites. Hidden Hills was developed in the early 1950’s by A.E. Hanson who also developed Rolling Hills Estates on the Palos Verde peninsula, just south of Los Angeles. Hanson was also the developer of the famed “Green Acres” estate in Beverly Hills. His advertising campaign for new home sites was: 1000 Acres of Elbow Room. Live in HIDDEN HILLS Where Living Is Fun! Full Acre Lots $4750. Well, those 1000 acres were snatched up by just 5 families in the 1950’s. Street names like Long Valley and Round Meadow were created simply by looking at the landscape. Hidden Hills was a long valley which led to a round meadow. Wingfield Road derived its name from the red-winged black birds that congregated in the mustard fields in one part of the neighborhood. In 1959, the “Church on Horseback” was established thanks to the wishes of a six year old little girl, named Deborah Williams. “Wouldn’t it be fun if we could sit on our ponies and horses for church?”…and so it was.
Known as one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, Hidden Hills is also one of the most family oriented neighborhoods in the area. The community center in the center of the neighborhood is a throwback to simpler times. Community barbeques, holiday parades, summer camps, and theater programs for children are some of the goings on here. Because of its proximity to the 101 Freeway, Hollywood, and Los Angeles, as well as the fact Hidden Hills is guard gates, the city has become a haven for many actors, celebrity sports stars, and musicians. You will find multi-million dollar estates in a variety of architectural styles here in Hidden Hills. There is a large number of original ranch style homes which have been restored to their authentic rustic glory, as well as extravagant mansions. Pop star Britney Spears purchased a home here for $20 million in 2011. Located in the southern Simi Hills Traverse Range, to the north of Hidden Hills lies a protected nature reserve and the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. Many of the ideal lots in Hidden Hills border this area, which is comprised of hundreds of acres of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
HIDDEN VALLEY
Hidden Valley…another one of Los Angeles’ “hidden” gems. Hidden Valley is located in Ventura County, just north of the L.A. County line. The city is bordered by Lake Sherwood, Newbury Park, and at its highest point in the Santa Monica mountains, Sandstone Peak. There are approximately 60 homes in Hidden Valley, 10 of which are located in the gated “White Stallion” community. Lots in Hidden Valley are a minimum of 20 acres. This sets the scene for some pretty impressive gentleman’s ranches and world renowned equestrian centers.
Hidden Valley is an extremely affluent, yet little known location. Much of Hidden Valley, including nearby Sherwood Country Club (where Tiger hits the links when he visits L.A.) was developed by billionaire David Murdock. Mr. Murdock repeatedly makes Forbes Magazine’s “wealthiest people on the planet” list. He currently resides on a 2,000 acre property overlooking some of his accomplishments. The movie industry loves Hidden Valley! Lake Sherwood, still to this day a hugely popular location for filming, was originally known as “Lake Canterbury”. This 165 acre lake got its name change in 1921 after the original Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, hit the silver screen. The “Enchanted Cottage” used in the movie by the same name still lies on the shore of Lake Sherwood. Much of the film Seabiscut was filmed here. Hidden Valley was also the location of Greg Sumner’s ranch on the popular Knot’s Landing TV series. More recently, “It’s Complicated”, starring Meryl Streep was filmed at a 56 acre ranch in Hidden Valley. Driving through Hidden Valley feels more like Vermont than Los Angeles. “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” meets “The Sound of Music”. Because Hidden Valley is only 30 miles from Los Angeles and Hollywood, many famous actors, athletes and musicians still call Hidden Valley home. Tom Selleck, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, and Wayne Gretsky, all own estates here.
There are many world-class dressage training facilities available in Hidden Valley, including the prestigious Edith Stephens & Patricia Harris Dressage Training Barn. Close by you will find Foxfield Riding Academy. Foxfield offers boarding facilities, lessons for all ages (English and Western), and a summer camp where girls from all over the world attend.
Hidden Valley enjoys a cooler climate than some valleys in Los Angeles due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The average high in January is 66 degrees, July just 74 degrees. Shoot right through Decker Canyon (US Route 23) and you will land at the northern end of Malibu’s beaches. The 101 Freeway is easily accessible from either end of Hidden Valley. Horses are not the only blue ribbon winners around here. Children attend schools within the Conejo Valley Unified School District, a regular national blue ribbon school award winner.
LYNN RANCH
Lynn Ranch is located in Thousand Oaks, in the southeastern part of Ventura County. Lynn Ranch is a highly desirable neighborhood due to large lot sizes, single story ranch homes, and six miles of bridle paths meandering through the neighborhood. It is one of the original three equestrian neighborhoods in Thousand Oaks, which chose to remain in the unincorporated part of the city. Lynn Ranch enjoys easy freeway access, proximity to The Oaks Mall, Amgen, and Los Robles Hospital.
With 1,945 residents, Lynn Ranch is comprised of 645 custom homes. There is a property owners’ association for the neighborhood, which was established in 1963 to preserve the rural and equestrian feel of the neighborhood, and maintain the bridle paths. These paths lead to Wildwood Park, which encompasses hundreds of acres. Riders, hikers, and bikers enjoy walls of volcanic rock and a seventy foot waterfall along Moonridge and Indian Creek trails. Thousand Oaks enjoys a slightly cooler climate than other valley areas due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The average high in July is 80 degrees, and the coolest month, January, averages 67 degrees.
Residents of Lynn Ranch enjoy Blue Ribbon Schools. Thousand Oaks is repeatedly named by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live” in the U.S.
MALIBU
Malibu…aka “The Bu” as it is called by locals, is comprised of a 27 mile scenic coastline and approximately 20 square miles, stretching from Santa Monica in Los Angeles County to points north in Ventura County. In 2010, the population of Malibu was 12,645.
Yes, think: The Beach Boys, Surfin’ USA, world class beaches, and celebrity estates-and Malibu is so much more! It is a community filled with much history, and natural beauty. In 1887, long before Frankie and Annette filmed “Beach Blanket Bingo”, a wealthy Massachusetts businessman, Frederick Rindge arrived. He purchased a 13,300 acre land Spanish land grant, known as “Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit”. After Rindge’s death in 1905, just two years after a fire destroyed his Malibu ranch, his widow, Mary Rindge did her best to thwart the growth of Malibu. For 30 years she managed to halt the development of the Pacific Coast Highway. Eventually, the Rindge’s property was divided into 100 acre ranches in the hills, and smaller beach houses along the coast. Shortly thereafter, celebrities began to construct “summer homes” in gated communities at the shore, to escape the Hollywood hustle and bustle. Credit must be given to the Chumash people who inhabited the area long before Mr. Rindge made it cross country from Boston. The Chumash aptly named the area, “Ettumaliwo”, “where the mountains meet the sea, and the surf sounds loudly”. The Chumash lived along the coast from Malibu north to San Luis Obispo and made their way inland as far as Santa Clarita & Simi Valley. Much of Malibu and the surrounding areas’ neighborhoods, attractions, villages, and streets still bear names reflecting the Chumash culture. Zuma, Piru, Mugu, Somis, Ojai, and Tapo were Chumash villages.
Malibu is also known for its top-notch equestrian facilities, and acres & acres of trail riding! Gunter Thiede Dressage makes its home here. Gunter is certified with the German Rider’s Federation and is a world-class Grand Prix champion. This facility is a 24 hr. full service, gated facility complete with on-site massage therapy for horses. There is also a public equestrian park, Malibu Equestrian Park, in the Trancas neighborhood of Malibu, near Malibu High School. There are two riding rings, a picnic area, horse shows, lessons, and recreational riding available at the park. There is even a summer horse camp for the youngins. Also in Trancas Canyon you will find the Trancas Riders and Ropers, a non-profit organization that partnered with the Malibu Department of Parks & Recreation in 1952. Zacharosa Farms is another full service boarding and training facility in Malibu. It features a cross country course, ocean views, and easy trail access to the Santa Monica National Mountain Range. There is also plenty of trail riding available in Malibu Creek State Park, which is comprised of 10,000 acres. Bulldog Rd. and Backbone trail are two popular routes. Check out traillink.com for more information.
Where Malibu creek meets the ocean, lies Malibu Lagoon State Park, featuring many fascinating tide pools over 200 bird species. Just east of the lagoon is where world-famous Malibu Surfrider Beach is located. This spot, at the Malibu Pier was dedicated in 2010 as the first “World Surfing Reserve”. There are many other beaches, public and private, in Malibu. To the north, you will find Zuma beach and Westward Road beach, two popular spots with plenty of parking for a fee, restrooms, lifeguard stations, and a take-out restaurant. Ask a local about “Free Zuma”! Some beaches are private yet allow entry for a fee. Paradise cove is a popular spot, with a full-service restaurant, double cushioned loungers for rent, and Adirondack chairs lining the shore-European style. There are homes above Paradise Cove’s famous cliffs. This was where the “Rockford Files” series was filmed. Under the cliff is where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr shared that famous kiss in the film, “From Here to Eternity”.
MALIBOU LAKE
The area known as Malibou Lake consists of two locales; Malibou Lake Mountain Club and Malibou Lakeside. MLMC is a for-profit corporation, that operates much like a stock cooperative, meaning the owners are actually stockholders in a limited liability corporation. An owner is given a “license” to maintain a domicile on a designated piece of land that is owned by the corporation. MLMC owns a common area clubhouse, a favorite venue for weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc., pool and tennis courts, and of course, the lake. Most licenses include a dock for mooring one’s own party barge. Horse keeping is not allowed on MLMC property. Malibou Lakeside is not part of the MLMC. Fee simple ownership is possible of custom homes and lots surrounding the lake, many suitable for horse-keeping. The area is surrounded by Malibu Creek State Park, with lush scenic trails that benefit from an occasional marine layer.
Malibou Lake was the creation of two men: Bertran Lackey and George Wilson. They envisioned a remote residential community surrounding a lake and set out to build it. They chose their site wisely: the convergence point of Medea Creek and Triunfo Creek. There were few roads in the mountains then – mainly wagon trails. What would become the 101 freeway was a dirt path and the extension of Pacific Coast Highway through the Malibu Area was still years away. Wilson and Lackey’s job was made much easier by the fact that Medea and Triunfo Creeks only flow at anything above a trickle after heavy rains. To build a dam on this site would not require a great engineering feat such as rerouting a major water flow, as is common on large-scale dam projects. While residential lot surveys were started, work on the dam began in November 1922 and was completed five months later. The drawing for the cabin sites around the still dry “lake” took place on June 19, 1923 and exchanges among the original members of the Malibou Lake Club (later the Malibou Lake Mountain Club) took place with those wanting waterfront sites swapping with those who preferred hillside sites with views and so on. Tales persist to this day that legendary film director Cecil B. Demille had a hand in creating Malibou Lake, but that has never been more than a rumor. Demille was a guest at the lake on several occasions and did shoot scenes of several films there, but was never behind its creation – much to the dismay of creative real estate agents who have used the story for years when pitching houses at the lake.
MONTE NIDO
Welcome to one of L.A.’s best kept secrets! Nestled in the serene hills of Malibu Canyon, Monte Nido is known for its natural beauty, sophistication, and ideal family environment. Beautiful Monte Nido (Spanish for ‘Mountain Nest’) is connected to acres of State and Federal parkland by equestrian and hiking trails. The gatekeeper to Malibu beaches, Monte Nido is equidistant from the 101 freeway in Calabasas and Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
At the turn of the century, many “Hollywood types” headed for the hills and developed particular areas in the Santa Monica mountains as a respite from their busy city lives and film careers. Monte Nido was ideal for many reasons. The ocean fog keeps the mornings misty and cool. A canopy of Oaks, abundant wildlife, and mountain springs aplenty create a tropical fung shui. In the 1920’s Hollywood stars helped transform the landmark Saddle Peak Lodge from a rugged mountain pit stop to a glamorous summer retreat known as “Crater Camp”. Flash forward 50 years or so, and Saddle Peak Lodge has been transformed back to its roots if you will: rustic dining rooms, log walls, and even a booth carved from native, natural rock. Saddle Peak Lodge has become a favorite “special occasion” restaurant, and you may even spot the locals riding their horses to Sunday brunch. The movie industry has used the variety of native flora and fauna to represent an array of distant locales. Tarzan swings in Monte Nido.
Malibu Canyon Rd. opened in 1953. This made the trek from Malibu to Monte Nido much easier than navigating over Saddle Peak Mountain via Rambla Pacifico or Las Flores Canyon at the coast. A prime neighborhood for those seeking privacy and beauty, yet accessibility to modern conveniences, Monte Nido is the quintessential neighborhood. Most properties in Monte Nido are custom, horse friendly and are situated on large parcels of land. Located within the award winning Las Virgenes School District, Monte Nido has a “Mommies and Me” club and is home to a chapter of the United States Pony Club.
MOORPARK
The city of Moorpark encompasses 12.44 square miles in Southeastern Ventura County. Incorporated in July of 1983, Moorpark is 50 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The original homestead owner, Robert Poindexter is credited with naming the area in 1887. Mr. Poindexter noted the “moorpark apricots” growing rampantly through his valley.
In 2010, the population of Moorpark was 34,421. Residents of Moorpark enjoy their own school District, Moorpark Unified School District. MUSD is comprised of 6 elementary schools, 2 middle Schools and 1 high school. Moorpark College, an accredited college, is also located within city limits. In addition to many other programs, Moorpark College offers a 2 year program in ” Exotic Animal Training & Management”. On campus, there is a zoo facility, which is open to the public. There is an exceptionally strong sense of community in Moorpark. A plethora of programs is offered at the Moorpark Active Adult Center, including swing dancing, Zumba, art classes, and cooking & baking classes . There are also dozens of volunteer programs, including one that delivers meals to those in need. The community center organizes a 4 week horseback riding class for kids of all ages starting at the age of 5, held at Peck Farm on Happy Camp Rd. World class equestrian training facilities abound in Moorpark! “The Acres” is an Olympic training facility operated by Jan and Amy Ebeling. Jan is a former Pan American Games champion. Hilda Guerney, former Olympic team Dressage champion also trains in Moorpark, at “The Meadows”. The Meadows is a 40 acre equestrian facility that also rents out the original 3,000 square foot homestead built in the 1890’s. The ranch has all the modern and hi-tech comforts of today including a 12’ X 12’ outdoor movie screen. There are many other ranches and boarding facilities from which to choose in Moorpark. R & R Ranch, accommodating between 90 and 110 horses, is set on 70 acres with ocean views. R & R Ranch adjoins a 3,000+ acre park, aptly named “Happy Camp Park”.
OLD AGOURA
It’s about the quality of life. Located in the incorporated city of Agoura Hills, tucked away in the foothills of Chesebro National Park, Old Agoura answers The Question: How can I have a rural countryside home and still enjoy the convenience of suburbia? Old Agoura is only 10 minutes from Malibu Beaches and close to the 101 freeway, yet seems miles and miles from civilization. The town is family friendly with an active 4H Club and United States Pony Club of America.
There are no Homeowners’ Association dues other than an annual contribution of $25 for the neighborhood BBQ and a few other events. Old Agoura maintains a legal fund to fight over-development; the residents here are quite protective of their spacious lifestyle. All homes are custom, and most cater to the equestrian or to those who simply demand privacy and open spaces. Peace and quiet, and natural beauty abounds.
Old Agoura is in the acclaimed Las Virgenes (all Blue Ribbon Award winners) School District. Neighborhood recreation includes a public arena, baseball field and children’s playground. The rural roads have no curbs, signals, or street lights. Properties are zoned for horses (4 horses per half acre are allowed per conditions.) Old Agoura is surrounded by bridle paths and state park trails.
SANTA ROSA VALLEY
Santa Rosa Valley is a small, rural community located in Ventura County, which encompasses 6.9 square miles-all land. Santa Rosa Valley has a strong “community feel” thanks to its many organized groups revolving around the equestrian lifestyle. Those near the area enjoy the Santa Rosa Pony Club, Santa Rosa Equestrian Park, and Santa Rosa Valley Riders, to name a few. Santa Rosa Valley was initially developed as an exclusively agricultural area. In 2004, the Santa Rosa Valley Trails, Inc. was established. Their mission was to provide financing for the creation of a trail plan for Santa Rosa Valley and to assist homeowners in donating easements for trail riding purposes.
Santa Rosa Valley is bordered by the cities of Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Moorpark. Wildwood Park with hundreds of acres of fascinating trails is just to the south, and to the north are the Las Posas Hills. Residents of Santa Rosa enjoy beautiful ocean breezes and an ideal climate. The climate in Santa Rosa Valley is so ideal in fact, for avocado growing. There are five major avocado orchard companies in Santa Rosa, and of course, many private homeowners growing avocados for their own enjoyment.
SOMIS
Located in the unincorporated area of Ventura County, Somis lies just north of the city of Camarillo. Camarillo is ranked #3 in Sperling’s safest cities for low crime, and #5 best city in the U.S. for telecommuting. In 2000, the population of Somis was 2946. Somis is comprised of one residential “tract”, and many ranches and estates.
The climate of Somis is most enjoyable. Thanks to its proximity to the ocean, cooling sea breezes can be felt year round. Some properties even have ocean views. There are various “mom and pop” establishments in Somis such as the Somis Market, a Mexican cafe, and the “Somis Nut House” which has been selling a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and gift baskets for 53 years. Underwood Family Farms, voted #1 produce stand in Ventura County for the last 10 years, has a second location in Somis. Here, the family can enjoy hayrides, and picking favorite fruits and vegetables year round. Underwood Family Farms also sponsors a yearly Civil War reenactment on its grounds.
Somis is home to the Saticoy Country club which has been dubbed, “the oldest and finest golf club in Ventura County”. Somis is home to many large A circuit show barns and Olympic training facilities, including Michael Lieberg Dressage. Mr. Lieberg, a German National Grand Prix champion, holds the highest certification attainable as a German equestrian professional. His 20 acre facility in Somis is set amidst lemon and avocado groves. Somis is obviously a horse centered community with its 58 other riding and boarding facilities!
TOPANGA
Bring your patchouli, pheasant skirt, and folk music to Topanga Canyon. Don’t have any of the above? Come anyway. You’re sure to find plenty of artsy culture and plenty to do and see here.
Topanga Canyon (State Highway 27) connects the 101 Freeway in the west San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Coast Highway in picturesque Malibu. In the 1920’s many “Hollywood types” came to Topanga and built guest cottages for weekend getaways. Historically known as an artist and musician colony, this bohemian enclave has been home to the likes of Alice Cooper, Van Morrison, Arlo Guthrie, and many more famous musicians. Neil Young composed his “After the Gold Rush” album in his Topanga “treehouse”.
Topanga Canyon is home to Topanga Canyon State Park. This is the largest park in the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy. In fact, it is the largest park in the world to be surrounded by a major city, Los Angeles. Stunning panoramic ocean, mountain, and city views delight hikers, bikers, horseback riders, bird watchers, and mountain climbers. Topanga is extremely conducive to the equestrian lifestyle. Here, you will find Top Line Equestrian Center and plenty other places to board your horse and ride: Fair Hills Farm, Topanga Farm, and Mill Creek Riding Academy to name a few. Topanga has become quite an upscale community with median sales prices far above average for the Los Angeles area. Keeping true its roots, Topanga residents have strong concern for their environment. Topanga is against over development with the goal of preserving the natural and raw beauty of the land.
On the culinary front, Topanga Canyon hosts many unique dining
