The hummingbird Ranch in Simi Valley, California has a long and storied history. This beautiful ranch property was originally owned by various ranchers and farmers before being purchased by famous celebrities. Today, the ranch continues to be a sought-after property in Ventura County. In this article, we will explore the history of owners of the hummingbird Ranch and provide key details about this iconic ranch.
Original Owners
The land that became known as the hummingbird Ranch was originally inhabited by the Chumash people for thousands of years. In the late 1800s, the land was acquired by settlers as part of Rancho Simi land grants. One of the early owners of part of the hummingbird Ranch lands was Jose De Arnaz, who owned Rancho San Jose in the late 1800s.
In the early 1900s, the lands that would become hummingbird Ranch were used for agricultural purposes like raising livestock and growing walnuts. Some of the early ranchers and farmers who owned parts of the lands were the Strathearn family, the Daily family, and the Tapo family. They used the ranch for cattle grazing, dairy farming, and orchards.
Celebrity Owners
In the late 1960s, hummingbird Ranch was purchased by actor Robert Taylor. He owned the 113-acre ranch from 1969 until his death in 1969. Taylor used the ranch to raise thoroughbred horses.
After Robert Taylor’s death, the ranch was bought by actor and businessman Henry Fonda and his wife Shirlee. The Fondas expanded the ranch significantly by purchasing adjacent lands. They grew the ranch to 412 acres. The Fondas lived on the ranch for over 20 years.
In 2000, the Fonda family sold hummingbird Ranch to Grammy-winning musician Paul McCartney for $2 million. MccCartney was attracted to the ranch’s privacy and serene setting. He expanded the main house and built private recording studios to work on music. McCartney owned hummingbird Ranch for 7 years before selling it.
Current Owner
In 2007, Paul McCartney sold the hummingbird Ranch to the family trust of billionaire and media tycoon Haim Saban for $37 million. The Saban Family Trust continues to own the ranch today. Under their ownership, the facilities and amenities of the ranch have been expanded considerably.
The Saban Family Trust was established by Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl. Haim Saban is a media mogul who has been described as the most powerful person in Hollywood. He has an estimated net worth of $3 billion. The Saban Family Trust owns many assets, with hummingbird Ranch as one of the crown jewels.
The Saban family considers the hummingbird Ranch to be a private retreat and refuge. They do not provide much information to the public about activities on the ranch. However, public records show that they have continued to invest in expansion and improvement of the ranch facilities.
Facilities and Amenities
Under the ownership of the Saban Family Trust, the hummingbird Ranch has been developed into a spectacular property with many amenities and attractions. Some highlights include:
- A 16,000 square foot Mediterranean-style villa
- A guest villa with multiple suites
- A world-class equestrian facility with stables and riding arenas
- Vineyards and private gardens
- Tennis courts
- Pools, spas, and fountains
- A private hiking trail network
- A helicopter pad
- Garages for over 30 vehicles
The Saban Family Trust has clearly invested tens of millions of dollars into making hummingbird Ranch an ultra-luxurious and private estate. They have maintained the original ranch lands, while adding top-of-the-line facilities for recreation, relaxation, and entertainment.
Significance of Hummingbird Ranch
The hummingbird Ranch has great historic and cultural importance for the Simi Valley region. Some key reasons it is significant include:
- It represents the agricultural heritage of Rancho Simi with roots going back centuries
- The lands are an important part of Chumash Native American history
- Iconic Hollywood stars like Robert Taylor and Henry Fonda owned the property during their heyday
- In recent decades, it has been a retreat for elite celebrities and billionaires
- It is one of the most exclusive and coveted estates in Ventura County
The hummingbird Ranch reflects both the ranch history of the Simi Valley area as well as its modern desirability amongst the rich and famous as a place to live the ultimate luxury lifestyle while still being close to Los Angeles. The ranch will likely continue to change hands over decades and centuries to come, but its iconic status is firmly cemented.
Financial Value
Based on comparable sales and the investment into the property by its current owners, hummingbird Ranch is likely valued at over $100 million in its present form. Some key metrics on the financials:
- Purchased in 2007 for $37 million
- Estimated $50+ million invested in improvements and expansion of facilities
- Main villa likely worth $25 – $50+ million alone
- Land value increased significantly in recent decades
- Ultimate luxury estates sell for top dollar prices in California
While the exact appraised value is not public, real estate experts agree hummingbird Ranch is one of the most valuable private estates in California today. It represents the pinnacle of luxury living for those with virtually unlimited means.
| Sale Year | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 1969 | $600,000 |
| 2000 | $2 million |
| 2007 | $37 million |
Comparable Sale Prices
To estimate the current value of hummingbird Ranch, we can look at recent sales of comparable ultra-high end estates in California:
- The Vineyard Estate in Beverly Hills sold for $110 million in 2020
- The Manor in Holmby Hills sold for $119.75 million in 2019
- Chartwell Estate in Bel Air sold for $150 million in 2019
Based on these recent comps, a price exceeding $100 million for hummingbird Ranch would not be unrealistic given its pedigree, facilities, and privacy. The sky is truly the limit for a one-of-a-kind trophy estate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hummingbird Ranch in Simi Valley has a rich history intertwined with both the origins of Rancho Simi and the modern Hollywood entertainment industry. While owned by many prominent figures over the decades, today it is the private province of the billionaire Saban family. They have invested tens of millions into making it one of the most spectacular estates in California. With property values continuing to skyrocket in the area, hummingbird Ranch will likely remain a coveted jewel reflecting both old and new money for decades to come. Its future owners will inherit a truly exceptional Rancho Simi retreat for the ages when it changes hands once again.
