A stop over on the Pacific Rim Trail, surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest and several reservations, it's a surviving glimpse of Old California. The original "parlor rooms" - all adobes and some over 100 years old - are hard to get, but beautiful. We've stayed there many times - as did my parents and grandparents (not too sure about my great-grandparents).

The horseback riding trails and open spaces are without parallel, the 18-hole golf course is not hemmed in by homes and the hot springs are rejuvenating. The area affords the highest peak in San Diego County, the casinos, the old mountain town of Julian and the Mt. Palomar Observatory. Nothing else compares.

Our favorite seasons are fall, winter and spring.

Andrew Kincaid 562.714.0794 mobile

Buyers beware of this project! It is truly a beautiful area as far as nature goes - but the structure for ownership and management has faltered badly over the past 22 years.

Ranch Interests are being abandoned by Owners - Illegal decisions by the Association and Developer entities in prior years have brought about a declining # of Owners with a corresponding rise in dues. Questions being raised whether Board policies are designed to "expropriate" owners fee simple interests.

On 1/17/04 the HOA Board voted to "assess" Owners of record to make up a shortfall in the budget. Year round occupancy runs at 32% - 33%. Special assessments will occur again in 2005 & 2006!

Board finally secures independent reserve study years after approving it. Professional company recommends an immediate special assessment for owners of $2 million. PLUS they need another $3 million + to bring reserves to what they need to be.

Deferred maintenance poses health and safety concerns. Watch where you walk around the resort - and do not let children near windows in units. They are a guillotine for the unwary.

I would suggest leasing an Owner's Interest before buying - try project for a while and monitor usage patterns to ascertain if $320/month dues are worth it for you. (Dues expected to rise again in 2007.) (11/05 - looks like dues heading towards $320/month plus special assessments!!

There is a very good chance the Ranch will change ownership structure or be sold in the coming year... 11/05. 69% of owners voting in recent ballot said "YES" to selling the Ranch. 31% said "NO". Approximately 300+ owners did not vote. Turnout tripled amount of owners voting in 9/05 board election...

In August 2004 Board of HOA voted to enact a policy that would allow Owners to deed back their UDI's to the HOA. Details to follow - but best guess is that maybe 40 - 50 Owners will be abandoning the project en masse (up to limits allowed). UPDATE: Board recently enacted policy stating an owner can pay the HOA $4000 and "give" the HOA the fee simple interest in the property.

This contrasts with potential of each owner receiving approximately $25,000 for their fee simple interest (UDI) if the Ranch were sold....

Confusion and extremely dysfunctional leadership reign as Board votes not to meet again until January 2006.

Deception and disinformation everywhere....

Nature has made this a wonderful place - it is what has happened above ground with humans that has tainted this development. Rating reflects abuse of Timeshare Owners rights over the years. Bad karma. Indian curse still rides with the land...

My advice - WAIT AND SEE.

Patrick Roche Ranchowner/Broker 888-845-8262

Don't expect to be pampered. Though you will love this vacation spot. The weather is awesome. The golf course is a blast. The bar is slow, but fun. Most rooms come with fire place, go during the winter and read a few books. No TV or Phone, it is truley relaxing.