Discover Santaluz: A Community of Lifestyle and Luxury in San Diego

Tucked into the scenic hills of San Diego’s 92127 zip code, Santaluz is one of the region’s most prestigious gated communities. Known for its Spanish-inspired architecture, resort-style amenities, and strong sense of community, Santaluz offers an unmatched lifestyle that blends tranquility with convenience.

Prime Location Surrounded by Luxury

Santaluz sits at the crossroads of convenience and exclusivity. Just minutes from the coast, Rancho Santa Fe, and Carmel Valley, residents enjoy access to some of the region’s most coveted experiences:

• Michelin-Starred Dining – Nearby culinary destinations include Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar (San Diego’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant) and a growing list of acclaimed restaurants in Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Carmel Valley.

• Luxury Resorts – World-class escapes such as the Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa are within a short drive, offering five-star dining, spa experiences, and luxury accommodations.

• Prestigious Golf Clubs Nearby – In addition to the private, Rees Jones–designed course at the Santaluz Club, residents are just minutes from some of San Diego’s most renowned golf destinations, including The Farms Golf Club, Del Mar Country Club, and The Bridges Golf Club. While each of these clubs requires its own membership, their proximity adds to the appeal of the Santaluz lifestyle.

With Highway 56 nearby, Santaluz is less than 30 minutes from Downtown San Diego and the airport, making it both serene and accessible.

Schools: Public and Private Options

Families in Santaluz are part of the award-winning Poway Unified School District, with access to:

• Willow Grove Elementary School – A top-rated neighborhood school.

• Black Mountain Middle School

• Del Norte High School – Recognized for excellence in academics, athletics, and arts.

Nearby private school options include:

• Cathedral Catholic High School in Carmel Valley

• The Nativity School and Diegueno Country School in Rancho Santa Fe

• Francis Parker School and La Jolla Country Day within a short drive

This combination of public and private excellence makes Santaluz a standout choice for families.

Amenities That Define the Lifestyle

At the heart of Santaluz is its private, Rees Jones–designed championship golf course and the Santaluz Club, which serve as the community’s social and recreational hub. Residents enjoy:

• Miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails

• A resort-style clubhouse, spa, and fitness center

• Tennis, pickleball, and swimming facilities

• Gourmet dining and year-round community events for all ages

The community’s 1,000 acres of preserved open space create a serene, nature-rich backdrop that makes Santaluz feel worlds away—yet still close to San Diego’s best.

The History of Santaluz

The story of Santaluz stretches back more than a century, beginning shortly after the Mexican-American War in the 1880s when the U.S. government acquired portions of three Spanish ranchos that once raised cattle and sheep along the San Dieguito River Valley.

In the decades that followed, ownership shifted to various private landholders, including Peter and Angela Lusardi, who held much of the land from the 1890s through the late 1920s. Soon after, the property captured the attention of Hollywood royalty—silent film icons Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford. The pair purchased roughly 3,000 acres in northern San Diego County, including what is now Santaluz, envisioning it as a rustic retreat. They planted citrus orchards, vegetable fields, and grazing land for cattle, honoring the area’s agrarian roots.

By the early 1950s, the property changed hands once more, with the nearby land northwest of Santaluz becoming the well-known Fairbanks Ranch community. Santaluz itself remained largely untouched until the late 1990s, when Taylor Woodrow Homes, Inc. and DMB Associates, Inc. set out to design a master-planned community unlike any other in San Diego.

Their vision emphasized both luxury and preservation—returning the landscape to its native chaparral, grasslands, and rolling knolls, while creating a community centered around a rustic-yet-sophisticated village green. This design philosophy allowed Santaluz to stand apart, blending carefully planned estates with sweeping open space.

The centerpiece became the Rees Jones–designed championship golf course, a course celebrated not only for its challenge but also for its harmony with the surrounding natural environment.

The developers named the community Santaluz, meaning “sacred light”—a tribute to the distinctive glow that illuminates its hills and valleys. Today, residents describe life here as enjoying the true “luxury of space,” where preserved open land, timeless architecture, and a close-knit community spirit define the experience.

Featured Listing: 7795 Sendero Angelica

Our newest listing captures the essence of the Santaluz lifestyle. 7795 Sendero Angelica is a 6,922-square-foot estate that blends timeless architecture with modern luxury. Highlights include:

• 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths across a thoughtfully designed floor plan

• Architectural details like groin-vault ceilings and expansive windows that bring the outdoors in

• A resort-style backyard with pool, spa, and loggia for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining

• A chef’s kitchen, spacious family room, and multiple gathering spaces ideal for hosting and everyday living

This estate reflects the best of Santaluz—luxury, lifestyle, and community.

Living in Santaluz

With its award-winning schools, nearby Michelin-starred dining, luxury resorts, and resort-style amenities, Santaluz continues to shine as one of San Diego’s premier communities.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Santaluz—or would like a private tour of 7795 Sendero Angelica—the Jason Barry Team is here as your trusted real estate advisor. Contact us today!