Explore 11-acre, ocean-view Santa Cruz home — a haven of biodiversity — for sale
A couple who produce stories for National Geographic have put their 11-acre Santa Cruz estate — a glorious biodiverse refuge — on the market for $4.25 million.
Rancho Refugio is surrounded by a state park, a national monument and a marine sanctuary. Named for a nineteenth-century Spanish land grant meaning “Place of Refuge,” the property offers fantastic views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean from its perch 500 feet up and two miles inland.
“I’ve represented remarkable properties, but Rancho Refugio offers a rare and profound connection to the land,” listing agent Tim Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty said in an email.
Renowned documentarians Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom have published acclaimed books about wildlife and natural places around the world, enriched the coastal prairies, meadows, wetlands, woodlands and redwood groves on their property to attract an abundance animal species and wild flora.
Now, more than 150 species of plants — including native varieties supporting hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators — as well as 22 species of raptors, bobcats, coyotes, deer and fox, and rare types of birds and amphibians thrive at the nature sanctuary the couple has created.
Resurgence of nature
The husband-and-wife team documented the revival of nature on their property with stories and images in a project called “Bay of Life,” which highlights Monterey Bay as one of the foremost hotspots of biodiversity in North America.
“We have documented many of the most beautiful places on our planet for National Geographic. But every time we come back from abroad, we marvel at the place we call home,” Lanting said in a statement.
Anchoring the couple’s property is a charming, 2,400-square-foot contemporary Craftsman home sitting on flat open land. A courtyard connects the residence with a 1,800-square-foot guest house, surrounded by extensive gardens, patios and decks for outdoor entertaining.
“This home is a harmonious blend of architecture, art, craftsmanship, and nature, and for us, it is a place of serenity,” Eckstrom said.
The beach is just a few minutes from Rancho Refugio, Santa Cruz is 15 minutes away and San Francisco takes about an hour and a half to get to by car.
Additional features of the property, which is available for the first time, include:
Land and habitat
- More than 2,000 square feet of decks, stone pathways and paved terraces;
- An open-air Jacuzzi overlooking meadows and redwoods;
- Gardens with Mediterranean, drought-tolerant species and native coastal plantings;
- A wildlife pond that attracts frogs, salamanders and numerous birds;
- Ability to build additional structures.
Main house
- Inspired by Pasadena architects Greene & Greene, known for their Arts & Crafts bungalows, the residence has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, century-old redwood beams, Douglas fir, maple and copper accents and stained pine flooring throughout;
- Four gas fireplaces;
- A chef’s kitchen with granite countertops and custom cabinetry;
- Dining and living rooms built with elevated views of trees and meadows;
- Primary suite with ocean-view soaking tub;
- A garden room opens onto a Japanese-style courtyard highlighted by stonework and native plantings.
Guest house and studio
- The guest house has a flexible living area that features panoramic views of the ocean, in addition to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, custom library shelving, laundry and kitchenette;
- The caretaker’s studio is 400 square feet with a full kitchen, bathroom and sleeping loft;
- Through French doors leading to a deck, the studio offers views of Wilder Ranch State Park.
Additional Structures
- A 1,000-square-foot garage/workshop has lots of storage and remote-operated roll-up door;
- Detached greenhouse;
- Utility sheds.
Infrastructure and power
- All primary buildings come with high-speed internet and wi-fi coverage;
- Private well;
- Five storage takes with a total of 22,500-gallon capacity;
- 500-gallon propane tank serving generator, heating systems and kitchen appliances;
- Low-flow irrigation.
Fire safety
- The estate is rated in top 1% of defensible rural properties in Santa Cruz County by CalFire, according to Coldwell Banker;
- There are two on-site fire hydrants and 1,000 feet of professional firefighting hose and dual pressure pumps;
- Fireproof composite roofing covers the main residence and guest house with metal roofing on the workshop and studio;
- Siding is reinforced by copper and sheet metal;
- Ember-resistant screens, and a perimeter sprinkler system, give extra peace of mind.
This story was originally published August 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
