Inside Santa Lucia Preserve - One of America's Most Exclusive Communities

by Michael Satterfield - 10/05/2021 (updated 12-21-2021)

Just outside of Carmel California is a community like none other, Santa Lucia Preserve, this private enclave is one of the most exclusive developments in the United States. It isn't likely that you have ever heard of The Preserve, tucked back in the Santa Lucia mountains the 20,000-acre property is limited to just 300 home sites with 90% of the land being managed by the Santa Lucia Conservancy as a nature preserve. 

At the heart of the Santa Lucia Preserve is the Hacienda at The Ranch Club, originally the country home by 1920s playboy George Gordon Moore. The classic Spanish Colonia style hacienda features the club's restaurant, bar, and guest rooms for club members and their guests. This classic home embodies everything you would expect of the roaring 20s, including polo grounds (now a serene meadow), an 18-acre lake, stunning barns, and incredible views. Some have said that Moore was the inspiration for the character of Jay Gatsby, due to the fact that Tommy Hichcock Jr., who played for Moore's polo team, was the inspiration for Tom Buchanan. But with the onset of the great depression, Moore was forced to sell the estate to the Oppenheimer family who used the property for ranching until it was purchased by developers to become The Preserve.  

I would be staying the night at the Hacienda in a king suite. The well-appointed room featured an amazing view of the former polo fields and the lawn which would be hosting the club's annual Concours & Cocktails event during Monterey Car Week. After unpacking I headed out to explore the extensive property with Jen Anello, Director of Sales for the Santa Lucia Preserve. 



Our first stop would be The Preserve Golf Club, a private 365-acre Tom Fazio designed golf course that features some of the most stunning views in all of California. The course is challenging and served as a local qualifying location for the US Open this past May. Universally praised by golf media, The Preserve has made the

Golf Digest Top 100 Courses in America 13 years in a row and was ranked in the top three golf communities in America by Travel & Leisure. Membership is available to residents and non-residents by invitation. The course was designed around the natural topography and vegetation, combined with the remote location, it might just be the most serene golf course I have ever been on.

Back in the MX5, we head to what were originally the polo barns, today they are the pool and sports center which offer year-round programs for residents. Outside are multiple tennis courts, batting cages, horseshoe pits, and swimming pools. Inside you'll find a state-of-the-art gym, multipurpose room, and luxurious locker rooms. You can also pick up a map of the nearly 100 miles of private hiking, bicycle, and equestrian trails. The full-service stables have horses available for Ranch Club Members to ride as well as offering private boarding, several equestrian-focused events, and trail rides are organized for members throughout the year. 

Moore's lake is another unique amenity that The Ranch Club Members enjoy. A white sand beach with gas firepits and chairs offers a beach-like get away without having to leave the property. Lakeside staff can provide members with fishing gear, kyacks, life-vests, and other watersports equipment. Overlooking the lake are large canvas glamping tents that offer a luxury camping experience that can be booked for special occasions or just for an adventure by the lake. 

So what does it cost to live the Santa Lucia Preserve lifestyle? Homes range from $4,200,000 to over $9,000,000, with buildable lots costing $800,000 to $2,000,000. Homeownership is separate from the purchase of Ranch Club and/or The Preserve Golf Club membership and The Preserve offers a number of options including Traditional, Legacy, and National memberships. There are annual dues, minimum spending requirements, and maintenance fees, which can all vary depending on the membership type and land ownership.

While the property and amenities were amazing, the most impressive part of my experience at Santa Lucia Preserve was the people. The level of service from the Ranch Club to the golf course was unparalleled and the interactions with members I saw showed that staff members, while they may have work to do, are passionate about the mission of  The Preserve and are truly a part of the community. 

No other private community I have visited can be compared to Santa Lucia Preserve, the luxury of space, the quality of the amenities, and the level of service is something that is hard to convey, but for those in the market for a luxury retreat or simply a change of pace, Santa Lucia Preserve should be on your list. Less than an hour and a half from the Bay Area and just 20 minutes from Monterey, it offers both serenity and access that few communities can.

For more information or to book a tour of Santa Lucia visit santaluciapreserve.com.