Discover Fairbanks Ranch 

Rancho Santa Fe’s Premier Luxury Enclave

Nestled in the rolling hills just inland from Del Mar and Solana Beach, Fairbanks Ranch stands as one of Rancho Santa Fe’s most coveted gated communities. With sweeping estates, natural beauty, and resort-style amenities, this enclave offers a lifestyle that blends elegance, security, and family appeal.

Community Snapshot & Real Estate

The Fairbanks Ranch community spans approximately 1,200+ acres and includes around 600 custom-built homes.

Homes often sit on generous lots — typically 1 to 5 acres — with many featuring lush landscaping, private pools, and architectural detailing.

The HOA (association) dues are reported around $900/month, which includes services such as 24-hour security, common area maintenance, trash pick-up, and alarm monitoring.

Because inventory is relatively scarce (given the limited lot availability and high demand), homes in Fairbanks Ranch tend to hold value well. For perspective, current association fee listings show a high end of $905/month.

Unmatched Amenities for Every Generation

Lake, Greenbelts & Trails

The community includes a spring-fed lake (or twin lakes in some descriptions) with scenic walkways, paddle boating, rowboats, and catch-and-release fishing.

A private island gazebo sits in the center of the lake, often used for small gatherings and as a picturesque community feature.

Over 20 miles of walking / riding / bridle trails wind through the community, linking homes, greenbelts, and open spaces.

More than 75 acres of park-like grounds are maintained throughout, giving the feel of a landscaped natural preserve.

Children’s Playground, Courts & Recreation Zones

A thoughtfully designed playground (with swings, slides, climbing structures) sits within the recreation zone, along with picnic areas, barbecues, and open lawn spaces.

The recreation zone also features sand volleyball courts, half-court basketball, and fitness pathways.

For racquet sports lovers, the community offers five tennis courts (some lighted) and multiple pickleball courts (reports vary: four or more courts) for both casual play and organized leagues.

Equestrian Center / Horse Trails

An equestrian center is a centerpiece of Fairbanks Ranch’s identity. The facility includes riding arenas, turnout fields, trailer parking, and direct access to the bridle trail network.

The equestrian area is sizable: reports cite a 10-acre equestrian center with three arenas, six turnouts, and roughly three miles of fenced horse trails.

Some homeowners may keep private horse facilities or stables on their lots, but the community equestrian infrastructure supports owners without the need for expansive barns on individual parcels.

The clubhouse and surrounding grounds can be reserved for private events, such as lunches, weddings, or gatherings.

Within the community, residents also enjoy weekend coffee socials, wine & charcuterie happy hours, and seasonal holiday events.

Security & Gated Access

Fairbanks Ranch is a 24-hour guard-gated community with staffed entry gates and roaming patrols.

The community is served by dual gates (North Gate and South Gate). The North Gate is closer to Del Rayo Plaza and coastal access; the South Gate provides a more secluded route.

A special residents-only back gate provides direct access for families heading to Solana Santa Fe Elementary School — a coveted convenience for families with young children.

Schools & Family Appeal

One of the strongest draws for families is the close proximity to Solana Santa Fe Elementary School (within the Solana Beach School District). Many families appreciate that there is a private back-gate access from Fairbanks Ranch for safe, direct student access.

After elementary school, students typically attend Earl Warren Middle School and then Torrey Pines High School (or Canyon Crest Academy by lottery) in the San Dieguito Union High School District.

In short, Fairbanks Ranch combines luxury living with serious family infrastructure — amenities, security, and educational access — making it an ideal setting for raising children.

Why Buyers Fall in Love (and Stay)

• Thoughtfully designed scale. With only about 600 homes across 1,200+ acres, privacy is preserved without isolation.

• Amenity depth. Many luxury communities offer a few features; Fairbanks Ranch offers an all-encompassing lifestyle in-place.

• Strong value retention. Scarcity of land, tight architectural controls, and consistent HOA stewardship help preserve property values over time.

• Lifestyle and community. Whether your interest is equestrian, tennis, boating, or peace and privacy, the community supports a wide range of passions.

Local Experts Who Know the Community Best

When buying or selling in Fairbanks Ranch, having a real estate agent who deeply understands the neighborhood — not just its listings — is invaluable. Two top agents stand out:

Susie Mikolajewski (Barry Estates – Luxury Coast Group): Susie has lived in Fairbanks Ranch and raised her own children in the community. Her local roots, combined with more than 20 years of experience in Rancho Santa Fe and neighboring areas, give her an insider’s perspective.

Sean Barry (Barry Estates – Luxury Coast Group): Sean was raised in Rancho Santa Fe, giving him lifelong familiarity with the area, its history, and its lifestyle nuances.

Together, Susie and Sean offer clients more than transactional expertise — they bring emotional intelligence, insider knowledge, and a genuine love for Fairbanks Ranch.

Final Thoughts

Fairbanks Ranch isn’t just a collection of grand homes within a gated boundary. It’s a living, breathing community designed to enrich its residents’ lives — whether that means sharing lemonade with neighbors, riding down tree-shaded trails, paddling across a mirrored lake, or sending your child safely to school through a private gate.

If you or someone you know is considering luxury living in Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch deserves a close look. And if you’d like help navigating listings, comparing floor plans, or arranging a private tour, Susie Mikolajewski and Sean Barry are among the most trusted guides you’ll find.

Susie Mikolajewski
Luxury Coast Group Barry Estates
DRE# 01130001
[email protected]
619-997-2611