A team of experts—from architect to landscaper—considered every detail of this remarkable Southern California estate, creating a true turnkey home meticulously curated to align with the rhythm of life.

The Covenant—the original prestigious heart of Rancho Santa Fe—was so named for the protections its founders established to ensure that the natural landscape and architectural aesthetics of the area were maintained. Given its dedication to classic style, abundant natural light, refreshing openness, cool breezes, and a life lived outdoors, this magnificent estate—built in 2024 on 3.66 hillside acres—certainly upholds those aims. 

Rancho Santa Fe, California| Ernie Carswell & Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

With its august limestone façade, hand-troweled finishes, and reclaimed French terra-cotta roof tiles, the home could easily be mistaken for an enduring manor in the European countryside. But looks can be deceiving, as the adage goes, and the interiors resolutely exemplify relaxed, luxurious modernity. 

From the start, the team of designer Barbara Lee Grigsby, architect Josh Kordasiewicz of Axon, and the experts at Neri Landscape Architecture considered every detail of the estate, from structure and building materials—including some irreplaceable antique and reclaimed elements—to furnishings, fixtures, artwork, accessories, and plantings. The result is a singularly rare offering—a true turnkey home meticulously curated to align with the rhythm of life.

The vast main residence is an inspiring collection of generously scaled rooms that combine dramatic volume and a warm, welcoming ambience. The heart of the home is the light-filled great room, which features a soaring ceiling buttressed by antique wood beams, wide-plank French oak floors, a fireplace crafted from reclaimed brick, and steel-framed windows and doors that create an effortless connection with the outdoors. The Christopher Peacock kitchen and family room are ideal for quiet, casual moments. Surfaces of marble, quartzite, and limestone meet alluring wood cabinets hand-brushed with European oil paint, creating an eye-catching range of hues and textures. Cooks of all skill levels will appreciate superior-caliber appliances from La Cornue, Sub-Zero, and Miele; a bar; and a convenient, discreet butler’s pantry.

Secluded in its own wing, the owner’s suite is oriented to capture views of rolling hills and wide-open sky. A custom fireplace, an array of built-ins, automated amenities—including a hidden television—and a lavish bath with heated floors, polished-nickel fixtures, towel warmers, and both a shower and a soaking tub create a sense of luxury and indulgence. The dual boutique-caliber dressing rooms boast exceptional cabinetry, custom hanging systems, and other thoughtfully integrated storage. The three guest bedrooms are equally stylish and well appointed, each enjoying an en suite bath, a walk-in closet, and access to a terrace or garden. Accommodating long-term visitors or multigenerational living, the freestanding guesthouse benefits from its own kitchen, living room, fireplace, bedroom, bath, and wraparound porch with swings.

In such a remarkable, lovingly maintained place, outdoor living is de rigueur. The centerpiece of that open-air lifestyle is a swimming pool and spa whose infinity edge creates a serene waterfall. Enveloping it are a patio with a custom fire pit; an alfresco living area and kitchen with a fireplace, a grill, a rotisserie, and stainless-steel cabinetry; and thoughtful landscaping that includes meadows threaded with stone paths, olive trees, and handsome split-rail fencing.

This is turnkey living in its truest form. Even everyday essentials—glassware, dishware, cookware, and linens—have been painstakingly chosen in keeping with the aesthetic. Whole-house water filtration, a central vacuum system, fire suppression, multizone heating and air conditioning, solar infrastructure, integrated audio, motorized shades, and Lutron automated lighting ensure that the details of everyday life unfold quietly, reliably, and with enviable ease.

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