The architectural tone and style of all future development in Rancho Santa Fe were set by Rice’s adaptive creation of a picturesque Spanish village. Rice went on to design many residences in Rancho Santa Fe and maintained overall design review control on behalf of the Land Improvement Company for many years.

In 1928, Ranch property owners formally adopted the Rancho Santa Fe Protective Covenant. The Covenant formally restricted and controlled the use, development, and maintenance of all land and improvements within the Ranch in perpetuity. Its adoption marked the culmination of the process of institutionalizing the planned community concept which had originally begun in the form of deed restrictions in 1921.

The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club is located just north of the Village. The Club is owned by the Rancho Santa Fe Association and available for use by all of its members. The original course, designed by Max Behr, opened in 1927 and underwent an extensive renovation in 2002. This world-class course is an eighteen hole, 7,073-yard par 72 courses recently redesigned by David Fleming.

Rancho Santa Fe gained popularity between World War I and World War II, especially following the construction of the Del Mar Racetrack. Bing Crosby is credited as an early settler, hosting annual clambakes on the golf course at the Club. The present-day luxury home development, The Crosby Estates, stands on the site of his former estate.

In addition to many notable Hollywood figures, such as Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, who played important roles in the founding and popularization of the resort town, Rancho Santa Fe has continued to be the home of many notable high-profile people.

Rancho Santa Fe, known locally as ‘The Ranch,’ is a popular equestrian community for those who love horses. There are many private facilities in Rancho Santa Fe that offer memberships with boarding capabilities and lessons. There are over 40 miles of riding trails located throughout Rancho Santa Fe.

With an average residential lot size in excess of two acres, rural Rancho Santa Fe is distinguished by its open spaces. Sidewalks and streetlights are banned from residential areas. Winding driveways lead to traditionally styled Spanish, Mediterranean or Ranch style homes flanked by fragrant, citrus and native foliage. Elaborate landscaping protects the privacy integral to the Rancho Santa Fe way of life.

Communities within Rancho Santa Fe include Rancho Santa Fe Covenant, Fairbanks Ranch, Del Rayo Estates, Rancho Santa Fe Groves, Del Rayo Downs, Hacienda Santa Fe, Morgan Run, Rancho Santa Fe Farms, Rancho Del Rio, San Diegueno Hills, Whispering Palms, Rancho Valencia, Del Mar Country Club, Roxbury Estates, The River Estates, The Crosby Estates, Cielo and Rancho Santa Fe Lakes, just to name a few.