Hidden away off the Ortega HWY and reminiscent of simpler times, this 60-acre equestrian ranch offers serenity unmatched. Surrounded by the federally-preserved Cleveland National Forest, this incredible retreat lies within the boundaries of the 40,000-acre San Mateo Canyon Wilderness & southern Santa Ana Mountains. A beautiful escape rarely available, the property presents immense opportunity. Upon arrival, a post & beam mountain-lodge home welcomes you. Very custom in every sense from the skillful millwork throughout, hand-crafted doors, artisan windows & furnishings to the live Oak tree growing through the interior, the 4,500 SF old-frontier home is a true work of art. Harmonious with the native surroundings, the main house features 4 bedrooms (3 suites), a large primary suite w/fireplace, 1/2 bath, a spacious kitchen & pantry, game room, beam-ceiling living room with scenic views, 2-story fireside dining with prominent stone-cladded fireplace, western bar, mezzanine, laundry room. Several decks offer relaxing outdoor retreat shaded by the surrounding Oak trees. Amazing grounds include a vast (irrigated) lilac grove, pool & pool deck, various citrus trees and a farm-to-table fruit & veggie home garden. Beyond the main house: guest house (current recording studio), glampsite with 5 canvas “Denver” tents, furnished honeymoon suite, camp bathroom, outfitted camp kitchen with several high-end amenities + pizza oven. This incredible venue offers a multitude of uses with potential to host large events, weddings, retreats, etc. Established equestrian facilities: Accommodation for 50+ horses, 100-yd (square) training pen, 50-yd (circular) pen, horse walker, 6 horse pens, several turnouts, 3 massive paddocks (both w/feeders & water), tack rooms, 4-stable barn, horse wash bays, foaling & rehab stalls, modular 4-rail horse corrals, all with major space beyond to ride and enjoy the native lands abound. Enchanting grounds spanning 60 acres of natural beauty including miles of beautiful scenic trails, year-round creeks & waterfalls, mountaintop vistas with expansive views and the distant ocean horizon, large grassy pastures with oak trees where the horses can run free. Other key values: heavy-duty ranch equipment, artesian water well & pump from natural spring, multiple solar arrays, generators, batteries, containers, water tanks, newly re-roofed, new septic system. For those in pursuit of complete serenity with close proximity to the coast, this is it.