EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY HOTSPOTS
where to buy and build in 2025
By Lindsey Vorwith
It’s a known fact that we are losing our Southern California horse properties. The land is more valuable to developers and growers per capita than it is to equestrians. One by one, our Southern California farms are sold and turned into housing developments and/or expansive nurseries. It can make finding that ideal horse property seem daunting, or even impossible, but there are still some communities that protect the equestrian way of life, two of which are La Cresta and Elfin Forest.
La Cresta is an idyllic equestrian community full of gorgeous ancient oak trees that is located in the Santa Rosa Plateau. You will find 5-acre minimums, rolling hills, sprawling ranches, and horse trails for miles. It is a picturesque community in which I’ve been finding myself spending a lot of time lately. It has been around for years but is still considered a bit of a hidden gem as there are many people who do not know about it. However, it is slowly being discovered by Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego locals. We are seeing more and more equestrians move to this area because it is truly one of the last horse communities where you can still find a ton of value. The community of La Cresta is home to all types of equestrians such as Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Western, and casual trail riders. There even used to be a regulation polo arena which is rumored to be being restored. The people of the community host regular equestrian group meet-ups and organized trail rides. It is the true definition of community.
In La Cresta, you will find a multitude of different types of equestrian properties starting from the low $1Ms. You will find boutique horse properties perfect for the equestrian enthusiast all the way to large-scale working ranches. Many properties include incredible mountain views while also having flat, usable land perfect for horses. You will find large covered arenas, grass pastures, and ponds. One of the biggest draws is the proximity of the homes to the horse trails that wrap around the entire community. On top of that, the access to the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is unmatched. There you will find 9,000 acres of open space to roam. If you are looking to build your dream equestrian estate, La Cresta just might be the perfect place for you as there are still plenty of vacant lots ready to customize. Land in La Cresta starts in the mid 200’s.
Another great equestrian community in which to buy is in the enchanted Elfin Forest. Elfin Forest is a rural community located in southwest Escondido. It borders Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, and San Marcos and is located within the acclaimed Roger Rowe, Rancho Santa Fe School district. Elfin Forest offers the best that Southern California has to offer, with the beach being only a short drive away and also a guarantee of privacy, as every lot in this community comes with a two-acre minimum. You will find “dark skies” perfect for sitting outside under those starry nights, stunning sunset views, peaceful rolling hills, and the potential for an ocean view. The community features horse trails throughout, along with access to the Elfin Forest Recreation Reserve where you will find 750 acres of exploration. You can also access the Olivenhain trail system as well as the Rancho Santa Fe trails.
Nestled within this charming and tight-knit community of Elfin Forest, you'll find an array of boutique horse properties, ideal for avid trail enthusiasts. Many properties feature stunning arenas and exceptional barns tucked amidst the scenic beauty. With limited vacant land remaining, those looking to build should act quickly to secure a lot. Homes in the area typically start in the low $2 million range. Among the notable properties is the iconic estate atop Paint Mountain, renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree views, opulent finishes, a rotating dining table, and a unique indoor-outdoor swimming pool. For those seeking a coastal equestrian lifestyle, Elfin Forest offers an extraordinary place to call home.
There is a perfect property out there for everyone, it is just a matter of preference. If you're looking to build the ultimate equestrian property, the land and community of La Cresta are well worth exploring. For those seeking a coastal equestrian lifestyle that offers the best of both worlds, Elfin Forest might be the perfect fit. No matter which area you choose, Southern California's equestrian community is truly exceptional. The resources available through the Luxury Equestrian Network are here to support all your equestrian needs.
Photographs by Nxt-Gen Media, Aerial Canvas and Julie Davidson
