French country estate on Clubhouse Drive

In order to be allowed on the grounds to look at many of the homes featured in Unreal Estate, you’ve got to produce a bank statement proving that you’re wealthy enough to actually buy the property. This “French country estate” at 6398 Clubhouse Drive in tony Rancho Santa Fe is no exception.

The home, built on 2.4 acres in 2002, has six bedrooms, eight baths, and 9337 square feet of living space. It sits at a slight elevation above the exclusive Del Mar Country Club and overlooks holes four and five of the club’s golf course, as well as one of the course’s lakes.

“The slate roof and stone [driveway] pavers enhance the French Country architecture of this remarkable estate,” boasts the property’s listing description. Pass through the solid walnut front door, and intricate European design details are immediately evident, including the “substantial multi-layered crown mouldings and Versailles patterned oak hardwood floors” in the entry foyer and throughout the house. The walnut-paneled library houses one of four marble fireplaces inside the residence.

Other indoor amenities include a gym off the master bedroom, a wine-storage room with a 5000-bottle capacity, and a great room outfitted with a theater area with a secondary sitting area with a bar. The great room opens to the chef’s kitchen, with “Brazilian sea foam green granite” counters, antique-finished cabinetry, and Thermador appliances.

Outside, lawns surround the home, while the formal gardens include a European-style rose garden and a separate “Zen/meditation garden” that houses “rare and unique species, waterfalls, and a soothing Koi pond.”

The backyard has several entertaining options, including a patio with seating around a large outdoor fireplace and decking around the pool and spa on the property’s lower level. The 1250-square-foot pool features a raised back wall mounted with three “hand-carved Italian stone lion head fountains” as well as six bronze medallion fountains that empty into the pool.

The property’s undeveloped eastern edge slopes down to meet a nature preserve. According to the listing, “an independent vineyard management company” was hired to survey the soil quality and climate of the home and found that the site would be ideal for planting up to 1500 vines of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Cabernet Franc grapes.

The estate also comes with a detached guest house and five-car garage.

Public records show the current owners as John and Kathleen Urquhart, who purchased the property before the home was built. The property’s assessed value, including the land and buildings, is just over $2.6 million.

The estate was listed for sale in early November, with an asking price of $16,950,000.