Stonepine Estate, Carmel Valley, California

HISTORY

With its natural setting among the oaks and pines of California’s beautiful Carmel Valley, Stonepine is a 400-acre estate of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance. The estate was built in 1929 by Helen Crocker Russell—heir to the San Francisco banking family—and her husband, Henry Potter Russell. They named it Double H Ranch. Blessed with the temperate climate and the natural beauty of Carmel Valley, Stonepine’s hundreds of rolling acres have a rare combination of classic European architecture and authentic California ranch experience. The centerpiece of Stonepine Estate is Chateau Noel. The chateau is a Tuscan-style villa that was designed by famed architect Francis Burrall Hoffman in 1929. It has served as both a luxury hotel and a private residence, as well as a gathering space for families, a site for celebrity weddings, and a film-shoot location. Stonepine is a former Relais & Chateaux Purple Shield holder. It hearkens back to the era of Gatsby and is home to world-class accommodations, equestrian stables, impressive gardens and a variety of outdoor activities. With the Carmel River running through the property, Stonepine has an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. 

EQUESTRIAN

The New England-style Stonepine Equestrian Center, aka Double H Ranch, was once the oldest thoroughbred farm west of the Mississippi. For more than ninety years, it has offered boarding and training facilities for up to fifty horses at a time, in different regimens. These include Western, Hunter-Jumper and Three-day Eventing as well as Dressage. There are two jumping and dressage arenas, a four-furlong track and much more. The two barns, one at the training ground, the other near Carmel River have dressage, show jumping, western pleasure, and racing. There are miles of wooded trails to explore. Double H Ranch has numerous event spaces and accommodations on the grounds, including three separate residences, a game room, a bar, and an events pavilion.

OLIVE GROVE & VINEYARD

Stonepine’s Tuscan olive oil blend is made from 400 trees in an orchard that were planted ten years ago. The varietals of olives include Frantoio, Maurino, Manzanilla, Kalamata and Cortina. They create a blend that is consistent with the traditions of old-world Italian table oil. Stonepine’s future vision includes a 12-acre Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyard and winery to be cultivated just outside the main gates of Chateau Noel.