5 California Retreats from Ocean Views to Ranch Acreage

Commanding full ocean views across Monterey Bay—stretching to Moss Landing and Monterey—350 Highland Avenue feels like a private lookout above Santa Cruz’s Upper Westside. A freshly painted exterior, gated electric entrance, and driveway with custom exterior lighting set an intentional arrival. Inside, the great room is washed in natural light, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and high ceilings that keep the horizon in constant view. The grotto kitchen features an island gas cooktop and connects to a formal dining room. A spiral staircase leads to four rooms and two full bathrooms. Downstairs, a double-sided fireplace anchors a cinema/play or billiard room, half bath, bar service room, and an exclusive wine cellar. Outdoors, sliding doors open to a pool, hot tub, sauna, and patio—made for BBQs, entertaining, or quiet sunsets.

From its elevated setting in Carmel Valley, this single-level residence unfolds with sweeping mountain-to-sea views, stretching from the Santa Lucia Mountains to the water beyond. Natural light moves easily through tall windows, accenting tray ceilings and the clean continuity of wall-to-wall oak floors. Designed to keep the landscape close, the main living areas are oriented around the scenery—inviting quiet mornings, unhurried afternoons, and evenings that linger. At the center, a chef’s kitchen balances serious function with a view: granite counters, a Wolf gas range, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator, all opening seamlessly to the primary gathering spaces. Whether cooking, hosting, or simply watching the light shift across the ridgelines, daily life here stays connected to Carmel Valley’s peaceful surroundings.

From its elevated setting in the western foothills of Glenn County, Chamberlain Ranch unfolds across low, rolling hills on both sides of County Road 306. The land ranges from roughly 935 to 1,700 feet in elevation, creating a varied, open landscape well-suited to grazing. Water is a defining feature here: three large ponds sit on the property, complemented by a strong spring used for livestock and domestic needs. A small 2 bedroom, 1 bath home provides a simple base camp, with a small barn nearby for practical ranch use. To the west, the ranch borders Bureau of Land Management ground, extending the sense of space and adding room for recreation. Days here follow the contours of the hills—quiet, expansive, and rooted in the essentials of land and water.

Within the exclusive, gated community of Quail Meadows, this premier building site offers a rare chance to create a residence in one of Carmel’s most storied settings. Quail Meadows spans over 600 acres, with roughly half preserved as open space and the remainder thoughtfully divided into fewer than 60 multi-acre parcels. Centered around meadows, hillsides, and a picturesque lake, the community feels intentionally spacious, designed for quiet drives and long views. The parcel itself is held by the same estate for 20 years and includes a large building envelope, inviting an ambitious vision without crowding the land. Located approximately two miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea and adjacent to the renowned The Quail resort, hotel, and golf club, it sets the stage for days that move easily between nature and town.

Size: 3.00 acres

On one of the most sought-after streets in San Jose’s Rose Garden, this Spanish Mediterranean residence pairs old-world character with everyday ease. The setting keeps you close to it all, with an easy commute and nearby fine dining, plus world-class shopping at Santana Row and Westfield Mall. Inside, aged hand-hewn beams, vaulted ceilings, and a real fireplace create warmth and depth, while fine crafted wood doors with iron accents, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and beautiful custom themed tile reinforce the home’s distinctive detailing. Custom wood shutters add a tailored finish throughout. Outdoors, an incredible pool is joined by a raised spa that spills into the water, setting the tone for unhurried afternoons. A separate casita with a full bath—outside the recorded square footage—offers flexible space that can adapt as life evolves.