Owned by philanthropists and racehorse owners

“Del Dios Ranch presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most expansive tracts in coveted Rancho Santa Fe,” listing materials boast of the sprawling 61-acre estate.

“Approached via a very long driveway surrounded by mature landscaping and a brook, the home is far removed from the main road,” affording even more privacy in the already-exclusive enclave — the listing reminds prospective buyers that “Rancho Santa Fe has consistently ranked on a short list of highest-income communities in the United States.”

The 8148-square-foot residence, originally built in 1972 or 1973 following a three-year construction process, “is a magnificent redwood, glass, and marble structure, with foundations and framework of poured-in-place concrete commanding 360-degree views from its private hilltop location.”

Designed by noted late architect Fred Briggs, the home “is distinguished by soaring, vaulted ceilings, with walls and beams of redwood that was milled on the property.” Features include radiant-heated marble floors, extensive glasswork including large windows and skylights, and other interior appointments selected by the famed “mid-century modern” designer Arthur Elrod.

An entire wing and nearly 4000 square feet under roof are “dedicated to a magnificent indoor pool and spa,” while the master suite, comprising more than 600 square feet on its own (at the time this space would have housed a large one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment), is secluded on a private second level. Three more en-suite bedrooms occupy their own wing of the ground floor.

Outdoor amenities include a private lake, guest house, tennis court, and equestrian facilities including a full barn with architectural finishes matched to the main residence.

The estate also includes a working orchard with “acres of producing Valencia orange groves.”

Del Dios Ranch was owned by the late couple Roland and Ramona Sahm. Mr. Sahm, who passed in 2003, started the manufacturing firm Elixir Industries; he and Mrs. Sahm were philanthropists and thoroughbred racehorse owners. The family’s trust is handling the sale.

When Del Dios was first listed for sale in 2016, the asking price for the then-210-acre parcel was $85 million, which would have set a record for the highest sale price in San Diego County. The Sahm family had expressed hopes that a new buyer would keep the ranch intact, as the estate comprised several parcels that had been added to an initial 50-acre spread over the years.

Instead, following a year on the market with no takers, the listing was allowed to expire and the property was re-listed in August 2017, this time including just the main structures and about 61 acres of land. It carries an asking price of $30 million that remains unchanged to date.