Hummingbird Nest Ranch is a luxury resort located in Patagonia, Arizona that has become well-known as a popular vacation destination for celebrities and the wealthy elite. The stunning 3,500 acre property features a main lodge, guest casitas, horse stables, shooting ranges, hiking trails, and a private airport. With its remote location offering privacy and seclusion, Hummingbird Nest Ranch has hosted high-profile figures and exclusive events over the years. But behind the scenic landscape and luxurious amenities lays an intriguing history and ownership tale.
The Early History of Hummingbird Nest Ranch
Hummingbird Nest Ranch was originally founded in 1968 by Edmund and Flora Mae Burke. The Burkes were entrepreneurs and philanthropists from Chicago who purchased the initial 1,000 acres of land in the Santa Cruz Valley of southern Arizona. They decided to establish a high-end retreat destination and built a guest ranch facility they named Hummingbird Nest after the many hummingbirds seen on the property. The landscape of mesquite-lined riverbeds and grassland at the base of the Santa Rita Mountains created an ideal setting for their vision of a luxury ranch resort.
Over the next decade, the Burkes continued acquiring additional adjacent parcels to expand Hummingbird Nest Ranch to almost 3,500 acres. By the mid-1970s, the resort featured a main 8-room hacienda plus three guest casitas that could accommodate up to 24 people. For the next 20 years, the Burkes operated Hummingbird Nest Ranch as an elite getaway, hosting celebrities, politicians, business moguls, and other affluent guests who enjoyed the beauty and seclusion of the Santa Cruz Valley.
Expanding the Property: Bob and BJ Cordry’s Ownership
In 1991, Bob and BJ Cordry purchased Hummingbird Nest Ranch from the Burke family. The Cordrys were entrepreneurs and philanthropists based in Las Vegas. They had a vision of enhancing the luxury facilities and amenities to make Hummingbird Nest Ranch into a premier, world-class resort property.
Shortly after acquiring Hummingbird Nest Ranch, the Cordrys began investing substantial funds into extensive expansion and improvement projects. This included building a spacious new main lodge, adding a pool, constructing an equestrian center with stables, developing shooting ranges, installing disc golf courses, creating hiking and biking trails, and more. They also continued buying surrounding parcels to enlarge the total acreage to over 3,500 acres.
By the early 2000s, the enhancements were complete and the reimagined Hummingbird Nest Ranch reopened as a luxury retreat befitting its beautiful natural setting. The Cordrys had succeeded in turning the ranch into a first-class destination with enough activities and amenities to occupy guests for weeks without leaving the property. To operate and manage this expanded resort, the Cordrys brought in Discovery Land Company, a developer and manager of high-end private residential communities and resorts.
Discovery Land Company Takes Over
In 2004, Discovery Land Company purchased Hummingbird Nest Ranch from the Cordrys, adding it to their collection of exclusive luxury residential resort communities. Discovery Land was founded in 1994 by Mike Meldman and Ben Weprin, two real estate investors and entrepreneurs. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Discovery Land is behind some of the world’s most prestigious resort communities catering to affluent clientele.
With the acquisition of Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Discovery Land continued to position the property as a premier destination getaway and corporate retreat. They made some additional enhancements, such as building a private airport to conveniently fly in luxury clientele. The company also gets credit for putting Hummingbird Nest Ranch on the map for high profile individuals and VIP gatherings.
Over the years, Hummingbird Nest has hosted special events like celebrity weddings, exclusive concerts, corporate retreats, family vacations, and private parties. Guests have included high-wattage stars, top business executives, royal family members, politicians, and more who value the privacy, luxury amenities, and natural beauty of the remote ranch setting.
The Tech Billionaire Owner Today
Today, Hummingbird Nest Ranch is owned by Eric Schmidt, the billionaire tech mogul and executive chairman of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Schmidt, with a net worth estimated at $22 billion, purchased the property in February 2021 for a reported $61 million.
This acquisition added Hummingbird Nest Ranch to Schmidt’s impressive portfolio of luxury homes and ranches around the world. It also marked the highest priced ranch sale in Arizona real estate history. For Schmidt, who had previously stayed at Hummingbird Nest as a guest, owning the famed ranch property was a dream come true.
Since acquiring Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Schmidt has continued to use the property as a personal retreat and to host family and friends. With Discovery Land Company still responsible for management and operations, the rustic-luxury guest ranch also remains available for vacation getaways and exclusive events.
While the public can’t access the gated Hummingbird Nest Ranch, its status as a celebrity haven and billionaire’s playground will no doubt continue to draw intrigue. This special piece of Arizona real estate has certainly come a long way since its origins as the Burke family’s humble guest ranch established back in 1968.
Key Facts About Hummingbird Nest Ranch
- Founded in 1968 by Edmund and Flora Mae Burke
- Originally spanned 1,000 acres in Patagonia, Arizona
- Purchased in 1991 by Bob and BJ Cordry
- Cordrys invested in extensive expansions and amenities
- Total acreage grew to over 3,500 acres
- Discovery Land Company acquired the property in 2004
- Eric Schmidt bought Hummingbird Nest Ranch in 2021 for $61 million
- Schmidt is former Executive Chairman of Alphabet/Google
Notable Facilities and Amenities at Hummingbird Nest Ranch
- 12-room main lodge
- 5 luxury guest casitas
- Private airport with 5,800 foot runway
- Stables housing over 20 horses
- Shooting areas and sporting facilities
- Hiking trails
- Helipad
- Riverfront access
- Fitness center
- Pool
- Spa
Select Past Celebrity Guests at Hummingbird Nest Ranch
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Eric Schmidt | Former Google CEO |
| Tom Hanks | Actor |
| Mariah Carey | Singer |
| Mel Gibson | Actor |
| Val Kilmer | Actor |
| Whitney Cummings | Comedian |
| Clive Davis | Music Producer |
| Jeff Bezos | Amazon Founder |
Conclusion
Hummingbird Nest Ranch has come a long way from its origins as a family guest ranch to now being an ultra-luxury retreat owned by billionaire mogul Eric Schmidt. Its list of facilities, amenities, and elite past guests are a testament to its reputation and status as a coveted hideaway for the rich and famous. While not accessible to the general public, Hummingbird Nest Ranch remains a place of fascination as an example of the exclusive experiences money can buy. Moving forward, it will continue as Schmidt’s personal playground and a prime location to host exclusive events and entertain his influential network of friends, business associates, and guests.
