National Geographic collaborators put up their 11-acre ranch in Santa Cruz for sale, valued at $4.3 million.
Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom's Nature Sanctuary, Rancho Refugio, Up for Sale
Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom, the renowned creative couple known for their work with National Geographic, have listed their Santa Cruz estate, Rancho Refugio, for sale at $4.3 million. The property, which they've cherished for three decades, has been transformed into a nature sanctuary[1].
Situated on 11 acres, Rancho Refugio is a home to over 150 species of plants and animals, including coyotes, deer, and rare birds. The diverse on-site habitats include seasonal wetlands, redwood forest, oak woodland, and coastal prairie, providing a haven for various wildlife.
The main residence, a two-bedroom, two-bath contemporary Craftsman inspired by Greene & Greene, boasts natural accents such as century-old redwood beams, stained pine flooring, and Douglas fir and maple touches. The primary suite features a bathroom with a soaking tub that offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
A courtyard connects the main house to a two-bedroom guest house with its own kitchenette, laundry, and library shelving. A smaller caretaker's studio, complete with a full kitchen, bath, and a sleeping loft accessible by ladder, is also on the property.
The estate includes a garage/workshop, a detached greenhouse for seasonal cultivation and propagation, a hot tub that overlooks the meadows, and a wildlife pond that attracts frogs and birds. Much land on the property is still available for various uses.
The property, listed with Tim Allen at Coldwell Banker Realty, also features 2,000 square feet of decks, pathways, and paved terraces, providing ample space to enjoy the estate's unique, carefully curated nature setting.
While the reasons for selling Rancho Refugio were not detailed in the available information, it's clear that the estate has been a special personal retreat for Lanting and Eckstrom, who value preserving the natural environment. The listing price likely reflects this unique setting and the estate's location in Santa Cruz.
[1] Source: [Link to the original article or website]
- A potential new owner may be interested in financing their investment in the artfully crafted main residence with its nature-inspired accents, surrounded by diverse home-and-garden landscapes teeming with wildlife, such as Rancho Refugio, a renowned nature sanctuary currently available for purchasing in Santa Cruz.
- Alongside the primary residence's features, buyers of Rancho Refugio may find the luxurious lifestyle opportunities appealing, like growing plants and nurturing wildlife in the detached greenhouse during the seasons, savoring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the soaking tub, and exploring the estate's various habitats that foster a rich array of plant and animal species, making it an idyllic retreat in the world of real-estate opportunities.
