The History of Steele Ranch
[Adapted from The Natural History of Año Nuevo, Le Boeuf and Kaza, Eds. 1981].
The parcel is situated in an area rich in natural & cultural history. From the mating grounds of elephant seals, to the fresh water streams where salmon run, the area is known for its diversity of habitats for animal, bird and plant species. For thousands of years the rich resources of the Año Nuevo region sustained one of the largest Native American communities in the Monterey Bay region. Knowledge of their culture comes to us from early travelers, Spanish missionaries, settlers in the area, and artifacts which can still be found today at old village sites.
In 1861, Isaac Steele rented a horse in San Francisco and rode south to Rancho Punta del Año Nuevo, searching for lands to expand his family’s dairy operation. On first look, he proclaimed the area “cow heaven” and immediately arranged for a ten year lease with an option to buy the southern portion of the rancho. It must have been love at first sight, for there was never any question that the Steeles would take up the option to buy. Isaac immediately began building his home at Green Oaks Creek and moved into it in 1862. Catherine B. Steele, Isaac’s granddaughter inherited the property after Isaac’s death in 1903. It wasn’t until 1981 that the land was sold and held until now. With initial help from the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), the land has been removed from the speculative market. POST has empowered Pie Ranch and the Green Oaks Agricultural Trust to launch a three year capital campaign to permanently protect the site.
Some details of the current site:
The family farmhouse is approximately 4000 square feet, there are two barns, a corral, a small dairy building, and 2 additional small structures. All of the buildings need structural work and extensive loving rehabilitation. Happily, there is no recent updating to undo in order to recover the original design and aesthetic. There is an active well and pump, and a recently permitted and reconfigured septic system for the main house. The development of the grounds surrounding the farmhouse is in evidence; old roses, a majestic oak outside the back door of the farmhouse and several other guardian trees (including a few palms) grace the homestead. Green Oaks Creek runs along the north side of the property.