About 26353 Old Julian Highway
Spanning 170 acres of open San Diego countryside, Ballena Vista Farm is an extraordinary union of luxury, land, and independence. Rising with quiet authority, this working estate commands panoramic valley, mountain, and coastal views in every direction, and the privacy is absolute. At its heart is an award-winning vineyard of more than 35 acres, recognized by the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association for the best grapes two years running. Existing structures and room to expand make a future winery a natural next step, whether you dream of a private label or a full estate operation. Crowning the hilltop, the custom home, a collaboration between designer Joseph McCarter and builder David McGuinness, reflects exceptional craftsmanship and upscale finishes throughout. Its Tuscan-inspired rotunda is clad in fossil-imprinted stone, and the living room fireplace is built entirely of stone gathered from the property itself. A carved volcanic-stone sink from Bali and a dedicated pool nook add character that can’t be replicated. Above it all, the stargazing tower offers skies with virtually no light pollution and, on clear days, a glimpse of the ocean. Outdoors, spend afternoons by the resort-style cascading pool. Evenings come alive at the well-appointed outdoor kitchen with its fireplace and hillside views. Fruit trees fill the grounds near the home, including exceptional blood oranges, lemons, limes, plums, and pomegranates. A one-bedroom guest house sits across the sprawling lawn with its own driveway entrance. Beyond the main residence, three adobe casitas ranging from two to three bedrooms and eight additional dwellings offer ample space for family, guests, or staff. For equestrian buyers, the estate is exceptional. A former thoroughbred breeding and training facility, it was home to 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another. The championship-caliber amenities include an on-site quarter-mile training track, a 38-stall main barn with office quarters, an 8-stall stallion barn, multiple stables, hay barn, riding arena, round pens, numerous paddocks, and well-maintained pastures, with capacity for over 240 horses. Sustainability is built in. A private well system and one of the largest residential solar fields in San Diego County support a lifestyle that runs largely on its own terms. Behind it all is a devoted team of experienced caretakers who know this land intimately and would welcome the chance to stay on, ensuring the estate continues to thrive from day one. Whether it’s a country retreat to complement a coastal home, a working vineyard, or a world-class equestrian destination, Ballena Vista Farm offers a lifestyle beyond limits.
