We Visited The Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad-Read Our Review!

So we stumbled upon The Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, and I'm so glad!

It's off the beaten path unless you live in Carlsbad, and visited the ranch on an elementary school tour.

We were just looking for fresh air, exercise, and new stimuli. At the Carrillo Ranch we found it, and we learned about a great preservationist Leo Carrillo in the process.

Leo Carrillo was an American actor who performed on Broadway, and over 90 Hollywood films. He also played Pancho on The Cisco Kid television series.

Carrillo was born in Los Angeles. He was a seventh generation American. Carrillo's great-great-grandfather, José Raimundo Carrillo was one of these early adventurers who in 1769 rode with Father Junipero Serra. Serra was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest and missionary of the Franciscan Order. He is credited with establishing the Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gourda.

Fast forward to the 1930's, Carrillo bought 97 acres in Carlsbad which was then considered the countryside, and he built this adobe ranch hacienda for his family as a country house. It was all built by hand, and it connected Carrillo to his roots. He often said, "Adobe is my birthstone."

Walking through the ranches breathtaking landscape feels romantic and unique like no other place in the world...

The bougainvillea, agave, prickly pear cactus, palms, and sycamore trees blend into each another, creating a beautiful tapestry. The adobe homes on the property have charm and character. When Carrillo lived at the ranch he had horses, cattle, hens, pigeons, and peacocks (which still roam the grounds). It was very much a working ranch.

At one time this home hosted Hollywood elite like Clark Gable, and you can feel it's warmth from the attention to making guests feel at home with it's intimate amenities: the reflecting pool, bar, guest houses, even an artists cottage built for his wife to create masterpieces.

Throughout the year the ranch which is now owned by the city of Carlsbad, has classes in yoga, youth art, and hosts school children studying California history. It's also a popular spot for photo shoots, weddings, and corporate events.