$7,300,000

Alder Creek Ranch: A Legacy of Coastal Stewardship

In an era where true private access to the Pacific Ocean has effectively vanished, Alder Creek Ranch stands as an unrepeatable anomaly. Spanning 266± acres of Mendocino coastline just three hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, this estate offers the ultimate coastal privilege: a private road descending from your own ocean bluffs directly to a secluded beach. Crucially, the ranch remains completely unencumbered by conservation easements. Enrolled in the Williamson Act under Agricultural Preserve zoning, it offers immediate flexibility and serves as a blank canvas for a visionary buyer looking to establish a multi-generational legacy, enact meaningful habitat protection, and leverage significant tax strategies through a carefully structured future easement.

For the discerning buyer of means, this is more than acreage with a view. It is exclusive ownership of a living coastal ecosystem and the freedom to shape its future.

The Defining Asset: Unrestricted Beach Access

A private, low-impact road drops from the elevated bluffs straight to the sand, delivering exclusive access for shoreline observation, beachcombing, surfing, and surf fishing. This coveted access is currently leased to an international equestrian outfitter, underscoring its world-class caliber. Alder Creek Ranch offers an uninterrupted connection to the Pacific that is nearly impossible to replicate in modern California real estate.

Land, Ecology & Stewardship Potential

• 266± Unencumbered Acres: Spanning six parcels under Agricultural Preserve zoning, the property grants the next steward absolute control to design a legacy conservation strategy without existing easement restrictions.
• Dynamic Coastal Ecosystem: The property features a thriving ecological corridor encompassing rolling coastal grasslands, dramatic ocean bluffs, and the vital riparian habitat of Alder Creek.
• Secured Water Rights: Riparian rights on Alder Creek preserve historic water use and secure the future of the estate's hydrological health.
• Drought-Resilient Infrastructure: Domestic water is supplied by a reliable, drought-proven spring feeding a 2,500-gallon storage tank, complemented by private septic systems, PG&E power, and cellular internet connectivity.
• Agricultural Utility: Existing functional barns and outbuildings support current limited livestock grazing and offer a foundation for future regenerative agriculture or native habitat restoration efforts.

Residences & Improvements

The primary residence, built in the late 1990s, is elevated to capture sweeping sightlines of Alder Creek and the Pacific Ocean. The 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is defined by 16-foot vaulted ceilings accented with massive wooden beams, an open floor plan, and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. A chef’s kitchen features a generous center island with a gas range, dual ovens, a walk-in pantry, and custom Oregon Red Alder cabinetry. The primary suite offers abundant ocean views and a walk-in closet lined with custom redwood shelving.

Complementing the main home is a historic early-1900s, two-story, three-bedroom caretaker’s residence situated near the agricultural facilities. Currently tenant-occupied, these structures provide a solid foundation for landscape-sensitive architectural refinement.

Coastal Recreation & Wildlife

Alder Creek flows directly through the acreage to the sea. The main stem below Tramway Gulch opens seasonally (fourth Saturday in May through March 31, subject to low-flow closures) for regulated angling, offering the rare privilege of casting for hatchery steelhead on your own property while releasing wild fish to support the ecosystem. Bordering the protected expanse of Manchester State Beach, the ranch also supports A-zone hunting with over-the-counter deer tags, alongside wild turkey, quail, and dove.

Location & Accessibility

Situated deeply in nature yet conveniently located 2.4 miles north of Manchester and 8 miles north of Point Arena, the ranch enjoys easy access to an organic grocery co-op, a restored theater, and the Point Arena Wharf. Private aviation is accommodated 24 miles north at Little River Airport, with commercial service available roughly two hours away in Santa Rosa. World-class golf is accessible nearby at the Little River and acclaimed Sea Ranch courses.