At this $4 million estate for sale near SLO, vineyard owners lean heavily into conservation
Robert Lieff, owner of a 250-acre vineyard estate bordering Los Padres National Forest in the heart of the California Central Coast, has always leaned heavily into his role as environmental steward of the land.
The estate, Alamo Creek Ranch in Santa Maria recently hit the market for just a tad under $4 million. Lieff bought the 150-year-old property, which sits about 30 miles south of San Luis Obispo, in 2003.
“It was then 2,300 acres with condor nests and a herd of elk on the back part of the untamed land on which still lives many wild animals today with natural spring waters (and) ancient trees,” his wife, Susan Lieff, said in an email.
Moved by the land’s natural beauty — its wildlife, oak woodlands and rolling hills — Robert Lieff put all of the land in a conservation easement to protect it forever, she said.
“The back part of the ranch is never to be built on, nor planted and Robert sold this part of the ranch,” Lieff, a co-owner, said. “There is deeded access to that portion of the ranch whenever we wish to go exploring or driving around.”
The rugged back country runs up to the cultivated landscaping around the property’s 3,000-square-foot main home. The house, with beautiful views of the vineyards and mountains, has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, wrap-around porches and stone fireplaces. The gourmet kitchen is open. There’s flexibility for a third bedroom space in the main house.
“With a rich 150-year history, this historic property offers unparalleled opportunity to own a legacy estate that artfully blends agricultural and residential living,” the property listing states.
At the heart of Alamo Creek Ranch, 8680 Alamo Creek Road, is a 40-acre vineyard, producing premium grenache, syrah and sauvignon blanc grapes, according to the property listing.
“Alamo Creek Ranch had belonged to a well-known nursery owner who used the finest root stock to plant a 40-acre vineyard, which we have today,” Susan Lieff said.
The varietals are cultivated by using sustainable farming practices, such as low tillage and owl boxes and native turkeys for natural pest control. The vineyard includes both cordon and cane trellised vines, some of which are own-rooted, “offering unique connection to the land and terroir,” the property listing states.
The vineyard is complemented by 7,000 cubic square feet of refrigerated wine storage.
“We sell most of the grapes, often to Napa wineries and Southern California wineries,” Lieff said about the vineyard. “We are not a winery; we do, however, make our own wine from our grapes.”
The Lieffs operate Lieff Ranch winery in Rutherford, California in Napa County.
Outside the main house, an inviting pool sits with Los Padres National Forest as a backdrop.
The grounds also have a charming, restored, 100-year-old 1,666-square-foot guest house that features custom stonework. Inside, there are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den and stone fireplace.
In addition, the listing offers a 1,128-square-foot ranch manager’s residence with two bedrooms, two baths, and a recently remodeled kitchen.
“Lots of organic materials (were) used in all three houses,” Lieff said.
Some of the best features of the Alamo Ranch property are “the views, privacy and high production of grapes,” listing agent Lindsey Harn of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno said in an email.
“This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of L.A., Orange County or the Bay Area,” she added.
The property listing sums up the offering: “Whether you’re looking to produce your own premium wines, embrace rural luxury living, or steward a historic and ecologically significant property, Alamo Creek Ranch offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
