Nestled along the stunning and largely undeveloped Gaviota Coast just west of Santa Barbara, California, Rancho Dos Pueblos sprawls over 219 acres that have captivated both history buffs and nature lovers alike. The extraordinary compound has seen centuries of transformation, from Chumash villages to a bustling cattle ranch, a haven for champion racehorses, and even the world’s largest orchid farm. In 2021, real estate developer Roger Himovitz purchased the big spread with the goal of preserving its unique heritage while creating a sustainable future.
Himovitz, known for his conservation efforts, founded the Dos Pueblos Institute soon after acquiring the property for $33 million, Bloomberg reported. The non-profit’s mission is to transform the ranch into a public resource, with programs focused on outdoor education, regenerative agriculture, and endangered species restoration.
However, due to health challenges, Himovitz has now decided to put the spread on the market for $65 million, co-listed by Steve Moritz with Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage, Nancy Kogevinas with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, and George Logan with 22 West Realtors.
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At the heart of the property stands the enchanting Casa Grande, a Mediterranean-style mansion built in the 1920s. The five-bedroom, seven-bath retreat features sweeping ocean views, a swimming pool, and a poker and cigar room. The estate’s second residence, The Ranch House, offers a more laid-back vibe with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, more epic ocean views, and 4,000 square feet of living space.
Currently a successful vacation rental, Rancho Dos Pueblos was used as a filming location in season four of Love Island: USA, Bloomberg reported.
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Beyond the residences, the property’s legacy as a sustainable agricultural site continues to shine. The Cultured Abalone Farm, established in 1989, raises native red abalone and is one of the last onshore operations of its kind in California. Once a thriving dairy farm, Rancho Dos Pueblos also offers fertile ground for regenerative agriculture—whether cultivating citrus or avocados.
The estate also includes several buildings from the 1920s, such as hay barns, stables, and housing for workers, all adding to the ranch’s storied past. There’s also access to an all-but-private beach.
The property’s deep ties to California’s history make it truly special. Rancho Dos Pueblos is where, in 1542, Spanish explorer Cabrillo first encountered the Chumash, marking the spot as “where California was born.” Today, the land is a haven for wildlife, with pastures, a year-round creek, and coastal tidal zones that nurture rich biodiversity.
Click here to see more photos of the oceanfront spread in Goleta.
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