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Cathedral-like 1972 estate asks $20M

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A blend of California redwood, glass, and concrete on 50 acres

By Megan Barber
A multi-tiered redwood house with stone exterior sits next to a concrete pergola and yard. Photos by Austin Ashline, courtesy of Linda Sansone and Linda Daniels of Willis Allen Real Estate

Located in the ritzy neighborhood of the Covenant in Rancho Santa Fe, California, Del Dios Ranch is a 50-acre retreat that was once one of the 25 most expensive homes for sale in the U.S. In 2016 the property was listed for $85,000,000 (back then it encompassed 210 acres), but after a series of price drops and periods off the market, the four-bedroom, nine-bath property is now asking $19,995,000.

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The home was designed in 1972 by the late modernist Fred Briggs, a Southern California architect known for his lavish residences and for designing the Main Beach—and the much-photographed lifeguard tower—in Laguna. The main house is a sprawling structure made from California redwood and glass, with foundations and framework of poured-in-place concrete. Interior designer Arthur Elrod, better known for his designs in Palm Springs, added midcentury touches to create a temple-like oasis that accentuates the home’s cathedral-like ceilings.

Those vaulted, exposed-beam ceilings dominate the interior, but the home also features radiant-heated, grout-free marble floors, mammoth fireplaces, and glass skylights. An almost 4,000-square-foot wing is dedicated to an indoor pool and spa, while the master suite takes center stage on the second level. Other perks include a Valencia orange grove, lake, guest house, tennis court, and equestrian facilities. Love what you see? 7010 El Camino Del Norte is on the market now for $19,995,000.

A cathedral-like living room has a concrete fireplace in the center and lounge areas all around.
The main living room features vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace made from rare white bronze.
A spacious kitchen features wood cabinets, a large center island, and marble floors.
All of the home’s interior cabinetry—including this open kitchen—was made from wood milled on site.
A dining room has a glass table and blue chairs around it.
Like elsewhere in the home, the concrete pillars in the dining room were poured on site.
An indoor pool house has a large pool, concrete pillars, and vaulted ceilings.
The home’s adjoining pavilion features an almost 4,000-square-foot pool and spa with arched skylights and a bar at one end.
An office has a desk, glass coffee table, armchairs, and fireplace.
The home office features another impressive fireplace and views out to the verdant gardens.
A white bed sits next to cream chairs in a cathedral-like ceiling.
The master bedroom encompasses a private suite on the second floor, with access to a deck.

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