The Covenant

Golf community of 1,740 homes on 6,200 acres. Homes range from 1,700 – 15,000 sq. ft. priced at $1.5 - $22 million. Most lots are 2+ acres. There are 85 condos starting at $800,000.

The Covenant refers to the original planned community of Rancho Santa Fe. At the center is a small village, library, civic center, school, community center, garden club, and the only hotel, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Aesthetics and architecture within the Covenant are protected by an Art Jury.  There is a lack of streetlights, sidewalks, and traffic lights, but an abundance of winding roads that slow traffic and contribute to a relaxed lifestyle.

Rancho Santa Fe is proud of its rich heritage and, in 1989; Rancho Santa Fe was designated as a State Historical Landmark. Originally an Indian Rancheria, the land called “Rancho San Dieguito” was granted to Juan Maria Osuna, the mayor of San Diego in the mid – 1800’s. His family gradually sold off the land and, in 1906, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway purchased all of the land to plant eucalyptus trees for use for railroad ties. When the trees proved unstable for ties, the Santa Fe Company hired architect Lillian Rice to plan and design a horse-oriented residential community. She favored the Spanish Colonial Revival style. In 1917, the completion of the Lake Hodges Dam brought water to the area, and construction began in 1922.

Rancho Santa Fe gained popularity between World War I and World War II. After the construction of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Bing Crosby was one of the Ranch’s “early settlers,” hosting annual clambakes on the golf course at the club.

The Covenant is the home of the Rancho Santa Fe Elementary and Middle Schools, highly – ranked public schools that are a big attraction for families.

Known for its horses, The Covenant features 45 miles of private riding/hiking trails, as well as the RSF Riding Club and Saddle Club. Some of the finest horse trainers in the country live here, and the area was the site for the equestrian events during the 1984 Olympics. Polo is a popular pastime.

Only the residents of The Covenant are permitted to belong to the RSF Golf and Tennis Club, located in the heart of The Covenant and regarded as one of the premier golf venues in the western United States.

School Information:

·         Rancho Santa Fe Elementary, Rancho Santa Fe Middle School.

·         Torrey Pines High School, San Dieguito Academy, and Canyon Crest Academy.