PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

The 277-acre D&H Stornetta Ranch in Point Arena stands as a rare jewel along the California coast—a breathtaking blend of productive agricultural land, ecological significance, and historical legacy. Held by the Stornetta family for over a century, this extraordinary property is now available for a new steward to carry forward its storied tradition. Opportunities like this are not just rare; they are singular. Few properties anywhere can match the Ranch’s unparalleled combination of fertile farmland, vital ecological habitat, and soul-stirring views of the Garcia River Estuary, Point Arena Lighthouse, and the boundless Pacific Ocean.

A Landscape of Unmatched Beauty and Productivity

Perched above the confluence of the Garcia River and the Pacific, the D&H Stornetta Ranch commands a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and agriculturally rich. The Ranch is bisected by the Garcia River, creating two distinct pastoral zones: the North Block (approximately 100 acres of dry farm ground and grazing paddocks, housing, and infrastructure) and the South Block (about 150 acres of mixed irrigated and dry farm ground). Together, these blocks yield 1-2 cuttings annually, producing 3.5-12 tons per acre, and have historically supported 70-100 cow units through rotational grazing. These figures vary with environmental conditions, but the Ranch’s fertility is sustained by a century-long practice of manure dressing and rotational grazing—a blueprint for sustainable agriculture.

From the Ranch’s headquarters to its scenic vista points, the views are nothing short of spectacular. The Garcia Estuary, where the river meets the sea, shimmers under the coastal sun, with the iconic Point Arena Lighthouse standing sentinel in the distance. This marriage of productive farmland, a vital river ecosystem, and the Pacific’s majesty creates a holding that is truly unmatched.

Ecological Heart of the Coast

The Garcia River, flowing between the North and South Blocks, is not just a scenic feature—it is an ecological lifeline. One of the last naturally reproducing populations of coho salmon on the Pacific Coast thrives here, alongside Chinook salmon, pink salmon, and steelhead trout. The river’s riparian corridor is a haven for diverse wildlife, its lush foliage providing refuge for countless species. The Ranch’s commitment to ecological stewardship is evident in its history: when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife requested the cessation of river diversion for irrigation to protect critical fish habitat, the Stornettas adapted, preserving the river’s vitality. While the North Block relies on dry farming, the South Block’s irrigation needs could be met by drilling an agricultural well, ensuring continued productivity without compromising the river’s ecosystem.

A Legacy of Pioneer Spirit

The story of D&H Stornetta Ranch is the story of California itself—a tale of grit, vision, and connection to the land. In 1874, Antonio Stornetta arrived from Switzerland, dreaming of a dairy empire. After years of hard work in Marin and Sonoma, he settled on the Mendocino coast, leasing the Lewis Morse Ranch. By 1917, he purchased the land, laying the foundation for a family legacy. His son Dewey and Dewey’s wife Rose carried the torch, passing it to their son Henry and his wife Gloria in 1966, thus naming the Ranch “D&H” for Dewey and Henry. Today, their children—Toby, Robert, and Maxine—steward the land, ready to entrust it to a new caretaker. This is not just a property; it is a living testament to the pioneer spirit that shaped the West.

Infrastructure Built for Purpose

The Ranch’s infrastructure is a study in functionality, designed to serve the land and its people with unpretentious durability. The Main Ranch House (2,100 SF, 4 bedrooms, 1 bath) is a quintessential farmhouse, exuding history and humility. Its sturdy walls and lived-in charm offer a canvas for those seeking a deep connection to the land, free from the distractions of modern excess. The Guest House (1,000 SF, 2-3 bedrooms, 1 bath) carries the memories of the Stornetta children’s youth, solid in structure but ready for a remodel to restore its full potential.

Supporting the Ranch’s operations are numerous outbuildings, each a testament to its agricultural heritage:

• Cow Feeding Barn: 4,500 SF
• Milk Barn: 1,040 SF (mid-1950s Grade A dairy barn, a regional first)
• Hay Barn: 7,650 SF (original wooden barn with stalls and hay storage)
• Creamery: 140 SF (milk can storage)
• Potato Barn #1: 1,140 SF (with storage shed)
• Slaughter House: 250 SF
• Potato Barn #2: 1,700 SF
• Horse Barn: 1,150 SF
• Shop: 600 SF
• Garage: 350 SF

Water Resources

Water is the lifeblood of any ranch, and D&H Stornetta is well-equipped. A domestic well on the North Block yields approximately 15 GPM, with undeveloped springs offering additional potential. On the South Block there is a substantial well that supplements the domestic water needs of the City of Point Arena through a lease arrangement with a 3rd party that is set to expire in 2027. This lease is up for renewal, presenting opportunities for future planning.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

The D&H Stornetta Ranch is more than a property—it is a legacy, an ecological cornerstone, and a chance to own a piece of California’s soul. With its fertile fields, critical river habitat, and timeless infrastructure, it offers a rare chance to steward a landscape of unparalleled beauty and significance. For those who value history, sustainability, and the profound connection between land and life, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Explore the Ranch further through its map link and step into the next chapter of its extraordinary story.