East Bay Equestrian Properties Are Still Thriving! WHY?
July 15, 2009 by Jim Walberg · 2 Comments
Jim Walberg’s ANSWER: Specialty / Niche properties are still thriving in the midst of the world financial crisis. The one segment of the luxury properties that are still selling in the East Bay are equestrian estates. There are many reasons for this startling result.
We have noticed that the buyers for these niche properties have all been owners and presidents of regional and national companies. Their “Sports / Hobby” is dressage, polo, and/or hunter-jumper. They are all fanatics about their sport and are still willing to invest cash in their purchase of an equestrian property in spite of the current economic conditions. All of the ones we have represented have put 50% or more down as part of their purchase. We are talking about some serious cash being put into these purchases!
A prime example of this type of East Bay niche property is located close to the top of the Westside of Danville, California’s Las Trampas Regional Park. It is one of the most breathtaking equestrian estates I have seen in a very long time, and it feels as if you are on top of the world. The estate has access to 50 miles of trails within this 5,000 acre park.
The impressive gated entry leads you to the custom designed 5,600 square foot four bedroom main residence, and a 1,000 square foot guest cottage. French doors lead from every room to a spectacular outdoor paradise, offering an array of activities for all to enjoy. As you walk outside every place you stand you are facing Mt. Diablo – the tallest mountain in Central California. You then begin to discover the activities that have been created for you, besides your equestrian facilities; lush lawns, expansive patios, crushed oyster Bocce ball court, shuffle board, and a large gazebo overlooking all of it. There is even a real tree house built into a 200 year old oak tree.
The equestrian facility features a brick “carriage house” 4-stall barn and tack room that perfectly blends into the surrounding oak forest. The riding arena is a mini-dressage sized training center for practicing your pattern work with your prized horse. The horse arena is completely lighted for 24-hour training, and has sand footing designed for the comfort of your horses. They even built a raised brick patio 
for viewing of arena workouts. It is just an amazing place for those who love horses.
This is a typical luxury niche property that is still being sought out by discriminating buyers wanting to find the perfect haven for them in the midst of the chaos that seems to surround most of us each day regarding the economy. This type of property with similar amenities are in the $4 million to $5 million price range.
I had the pleasure of touring this property with the editor of our regional newspaper who is preparing a featured story on it as a “One Of A Kind” luxury estate. To fully appreciate these types of properties you must walk them. The photos generally do not showcase the property in appropriate ways.
Let me know of any of your One Of A Kind properties that may fit into the category of a niche luxury home. Until next time…your East Bay lifestyle detective remains on duty.
Related posts:
- Some East Bay Real Estate Micro-Markets Still Thriving!
- East Bay Equestrian Update: SonRise Equestrian Foundation Changing Kids Lives!
- Horses Were THE Real Deal For East Bay Real Estate In The 70’s
Filed Under: Blog, Buyers, Real Estate, Sellers
Tagged: east bay luxury properties, east bay real estate, Jim Walberg, Las Trampas Regional Park
This is a one of a kind with 100 mile views. Equestrian Property , nothing like it west of the Mississippi. See Blackhorse Ranch, Truckee. 18,700 square foot barn, indoor outdoor panoramic views,, 6200# luxury lodge with 800# guest, Year round estate.
21 acres,