Hottest Architectural Styles in Rancho Santa Fe

The beauty and exclusivity of Rancho Santa Fe make it a coveted residential community in San Diego. Architectural styles within its ten square miles echo the history of its rural landscape with Spanish Colonial and native southwest tribe designs. From intimate bungalows to spacious Mediterranean-style homes, here’s what to expect from Rancho Santa Fe architecture.

Nothing is more iconic in southern California than the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The architectural design spread with the Panama-California exposition in 1915 and quickly became the prominent style in the San Diego area. By the mid-1920s, architect Richard Requa took inspiration from Mediterranean styles and revamped the Spanish Colonial Revival style into what’s known as the Southern California Style today. In Rancho Santa Fe, these designs are seen in private homes and larger buildings like The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

Natural-toned stucco walls, s-shaped or mission-shaped red tile roofs, and multi-paned windows mark this architectural style. The exterior is decorated with additions like stucco vents, elaborate chimney tops, iron and wood brackets, and railings. Outdoor spaces are integral to this style and usually come in the form of a courtyard. Although the exterior walls are typically left undecorated, towers of all shapes mark stairwells and entryways.

Also known as the Pueblo style, the Adobe Ranch style is another popular design in Rancho Santa Fe. This style draws from indigenous inspiration, echoing the distinctive cliff dwellings of Southwestern Native American tribes. As its name suggests, these buildings are traditionally made of adobe but may also use concrete or stucco. In the 1920s, this style was revived and incorporated more ornate designs.

Adobe Ranch-style homes feature an earth-toned stucco exterior, round corners, and vigas jutting from walls. The design focuses on natural materials in its brick or wooden flooring, while most homes also have spacious covered porches. Fireplaces and hearths are tucked into the interior’s corners. In revival designs, this Rancho Santa Fe architecture style may include multiple stories, dramatic arched entryways, and asymmetrical silhouettes.

The Mission style in the San Diego area has a history dating back to the first established mission in 1769. Spanish colonizers' presence limited other countries' influence, allowing the architectural design to dominate. Like Spanish Colonial Revival and Adobe Ranch styles, Mission-style homes use natural building materials like stone, adobe, timber, and mud bricks to form its structure. The use of bulky materials makes for a thick and imposing design.

The walls of these buildings are entirely plastered with natural materials, which provides a stark contrast to the dark wooden beams used as ceiling supports. Colorful tiles decorate the otherwise simple design. Roofs are shingled with red tiles, and arched entryways and windows mirror the arched aesthetic. The focal point of Mission-style homes are their interior patios featuring gardens and fountains.

Rancho Santa Fe architecture overwhelmingly features designs that harmonize with the surrounding landscape and mild weather. The Mediterranean Revival style follows this focus to a tee with its ornate design and lush grounds. This style first came to the United States in the late 1800s and pulls from various influences. Mediterranean homes lean into different subcategories inspired by the Spanish Renaissance, Beaux-Arts, Italian Renaissance, and Gothic styles.

Buildings in this design feature large symmetrical facades with stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and arched windows. Homes can be one or two stories high with wrought-iron or wood balconies along upper levels. The interior features a rectangular floor plan and high ceilings for a spacious and relaxed ambiance. Properties are surrounded by lush gardens that emphasize the comforts of indoor and outdoor living.

Another very popular style in the area is the Craftsman home. Many homeowners sought craftsman homes in more compact iterations between 1905 and 1930. The style popular in Rancho Santa Fe is the California Bungalow or the Craftsman-style bungalow, which originated in Pasadena. The British Arts and Crafts movement influenced this design, celebrating individual artistry.

Homes in this style are built with a mix of materials. Low-pitched roofs with exposed rafters are supported by tapered columns and hang over a front porch. The double-hung windows line symmetrical home fronts that nod toward Frank Lloyd Wright's designs. The interior layout is usually closed with many rooms or smaller sizes. However, it’s common for Craftsman homes in the area to be remodeled for a more open look.

Originating in the west, Ranch style homes rose in popularity with the invention of the car, allowing properties to be more spread out and further from the heart of town. With the advantage of extra sprawl, Ranch homes are typically wide and broad with an attached garage. Ranch homes were prominent between the 1930s through the 1970s, but homeowners showed decreased interest with rising land prices in the 80s.

This architectural style is easily distinguishable for its low-set single-story design. Low-pitched roofs overhang an off-center entryway forming an asymmetrical design. Materials used vary and include brick, stone, stucco, or board and batten. The front façade also features a large picture window with wrought iron detailing, window-box planters, or shutters. The design quality depends on when it was built as prewar ranches were created more carefully than postwar creations.

Rancho Santa Fe architecture is highly inspired by the indigenous and Spanish colonial influences of California’s west coast. Natural designs of buildings complement the native landscape with materials like adobe, wood, and stucco. Many of these styles have been reimagined to incorporate ornate styling, multiple stories, or elaborate displays of nature. What results is a breathtaking tableau of architectural beauty tailored to Rancho Santa Fe’s rural surroundings. 

The best way to appreciate these designs is in-person. If you’re interested in starting a home search in the area, contact experienced agents Gillian Gillies and Prentiss Van Den Berg to guide you through Rancho Santa Fe.