Hidden Valley Real Estate Profile

 

This is one of those places where you suck in your breath, let out a low whistle and think, "So this is how the other half lives." Nestled in the mountains, Thousand Oaks' Hidden Valley might be called the millionaires' bargain club.

What It's About

First, let's talk about what it isn't. It isn't the Sherwood Country Club, the premier golf community right next door that has drawn the likes of hockey giant Wayne Gretzky and Memphis Grizzly Mike Miller. Although many Hidden Valley residents no doubt play on the Lake Sherwood golf course, what they go home to is far more genteel, ranchy and less manicured.

Residents of Hidden Valley's 60 or so homes -- including 10 in the gated White Stallion community -- are horse ranchers, gentleman farmers and hobbyist winemakers mixed in with captains of industry who just want a nice place to raise their kids. There is even a sprinkling of longtime homeowners living in more modest houses than the Mediterranean and English country mansions that are now emblematic of Hidden Valley.

Lots are a minimum of 20 acres, and the settings are straight out of a Grey Poupon commercial: long circular driveways, polo field lawns, tennis courts and service entrances.

Some History

Perhaps the most famous resident -- at least the richest -- is octogenarian David Murdock, who has repeatedly made Forbes magazine's list of the planet's wealthiest people. He owns Dole Food Co., the world's largest producer of fruits and vegetables. Murdock built the Sherwood Country Club and is responsible for much of the area's development. He lives on a 2,000-acre estate -- the biggest parcel in Hidden Valley -- high atop a hill overlooking land he developed.

Long before Murdock purchased the land in 1984, the Sherwood lake area already had a vivid history. Originally known as Lake Canterbury, the 165-acre lake got a name change after the area was used in the filming of "Robin Hood" -- starring Douglas Fairbanks -- in 1921, and people began calling it Sherwood Forest and Maid Marian Park.

Who Goes Here?

This is a celebrity-studded neighborhood -- Jamie Foxx bought here recently, joining Tom Selleck and former Major League Baseball player Todd Zeile and his wife, 1984 Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Julianne McNamara.  Many of these names sought homes in White Stallion Estates.

Sophia Loren owned a ranch here for many years but has since sold La Concordia; Sylvester Stallone was one of the original Hidden Valley owners.

Housing Inventory

Only six properties are on the market right now. Some land parcels are also available.

2300 White Stallion Road is a magnificent 13,200 square foot Italian Estate nestled behind the exclusive gates of White Stallion Estates.  The property sits on 20 acres of horse property and includes many luxuries amenities. 2300 White Stallion Road is currently listed for $9,995,000 by Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills.  Please contact Jade Mills in regard to this property and other White Stallion Real Estate or Hidden Valley Real Estate.

Report Card

Hidden Valley children can attend public schools in the Conejo Valley Unified School District. Westlake Elementary scored 908 out of a possible 1,000 in the Academic Performance Index Growth Report for 2007. Colina Middle School scored 886; Westlake High scored 835.

Adaptation, Ann Brenoff | Times Staff Writer | Los Angeles Times

 

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