Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
6200 Flying LC Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-476-1042
More info: website
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a 27 acre spread, which contains 18 of the original buildings in his rancho, including a house, barn, stables, and work sheds in Carlsbad, CA. Near the parking area is a visitors center, with peacocks freely roaming outside.
From the visitors center, you make your way along a dirt trail to the old house, which has a swimming pool and nice landscaping. Nowadays, the house is a popular spot for weddings.
Near the house are the other buildings, including the barn, which will be converted to a small theatre. A windmill stands next to the barn, still spinning in the wind. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is pleasant place to relax and stroll around, as you go back to a rural, more quiet time.
History
Leo Carrillo was an actor, preservationist and conservationist who lived from 1880 to 1961. At the height of his film career, Le Carrillo wanted to find a retreat where he could re-create an Old California-style working rancho.
In 1937 Leo Carrillo came across the Rancho de Los Kiotes in what is now southeast Carlsbad and which was once owned by the Kelly family, very large, long-standing landowners in the area.
Leo Carrillo bought his first 840 acres for $77 an acre and soon began construction of 18 structures needed for his ranch operations. Over time, his spread increased to 2,538 acres.
In 1977 the city acquired a small 10.5 acre remnant with the most critical original buildings. Since then, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park has expanded to 27 acres.
Old Barn Theatre
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park's old hay barn is presently being converted to a 70 seat multi-media theatre where visitors (including students on field trips) will receive their initial orientation to the history of the rancho and the 18 structures still remaining. The Old Barn Theatre will also be ideal for lectures, concerts, retreats and meetings where groups of modest size can enjoy, when desired, a highly sophisticated audio-visual experience.
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