Stonepine Estate, nestled amid 330 pristine acres on the gently rolling hills of picturesque Carmel Valley, California, was named for the ancient Italian stonepines that stand sentry over this private estate. Formerly called “The Double H Ranch” it is recognized as the oldest working thoroughbred equestrian farm west of the Mississippi. The estate was purchased by Gordon Hentschel, a resort developer, and Noel Irwin, chairman and CEO of Americantours International, as a wedding present to each other in 1983.
Providing the ultimate in privacy beyond its gated entrance, Stonepine is an established international hideaway and the location of filming, television series, prime time broadcast interviews and muse for novelists. Chateau Noel, the centerpiece of the Estate and the private residence of the Hentschels, is surrounded by four elegant homes and cottages that are available for rental or for special events, corporate meetings and weddings. Amenities are of the highest quality from private chef catered dinners to personal trainers. Stonepine has been an ongoing labor of love for the Hentschels over the past 20 years. Their business acumen and international lifestyle is reflected in the creativity and sophistication throughout the property.
Stonepine estate is twenty-five minutes from Monterey Airport with frequent flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas. Complimentary transportation by Rolls Royce limousine is available from the airport to the estate. Helicopter landing can also be made available on the back lawn.
Resort Grounds
The landscape of Stonepine Estate’s 330 acres encompasses striking golden hills and valleys, much of it untamed and shaded by the venerable native oak trees. Miles of trails for riding, biking and hiking meander throughout the property tucked along the Carmel River valley plateau and rising up to the ridge line of the Santa Lucia Mountains. There are spectacular views all the way to Big Sur.
The formal gardens of Chateau Noel have been used for elegant society wedddings, Concours d'Elegance extravaganzas and major fundraising balls. The wedding gardens, croquet lawn and greenhouse are available for special functions arranged through Stonepine catering.
A proposed Stonepine Vineyard comprised of 30 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot grapes is capable of producing 5,000 cases onsite within three to five years. Another future project under development is the Conservatory/Chapel adjacent to the waterfall, scheduled to be completed in 2008.
Equestrian Center
The Stonepine Estate Equestrian Center’s illustrious past dates back to the early 1930s when it was called the “Double H Ranch” and was considered the foremost thoroughbred breeding farm west of the Mississippi. Established by Henry Potter Russell, a founder and first president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 1937, the ranch was home to some of the world’s finest horses including stakes winners Majestic Prince, Countess Nashville and Bolero Lady. Today, the tradition of equestrian excellence is continued by the Hentschels. The New England style Equestrian Center features a jumping and dressage arena ringed by a four furlong warm-up track that was reconditioned under the direction of Steve Woods, Superintendent of the Santa Anita Racetrack, Del Mar and Fairplex. Adjacent to Stonepine Carmel River bridge is the Pony Field, a jumping and fybar dressage arena. Other facilities include a hunter course and a 3.5 miles cross country riding course.
British Olympic medalist Malcolm Pyrah, U.S. Chef d’equipe George Morris and 3-time member of the British Olympic Team Geoff Bellington regularly come to Stonepine to give clinics to those who want to advance their skills in showing and competition. Year round, the Equestrian Center provides daily lessons in all disciplines including dressage and hunter jumper.
Guests of Stonepine can tour the Estate in a luxurious replica of a 19 century French “Vis a Vis” or take the family on a fun hay-wagon ride through the Equestrian grounds. For the romantic couple a memorable trail ride with a picnic lunch either on the scenic ridge overlooking miles of beautiful valley below, or beside the burbling Carmel River is the ultimate “ Estate Experience”.
Accomodations
Stonepine has both private houses and cottages available for rental. They are equally charming and romantic. A 2-night minimum stay is requested on weekends with a 3 night minimum on certain holidays. Please, no children under the age of 12 in the Gate House or Hermes House. Sorry, no pets allowed on property.
We have a 10 day cancellation policy. Should you cancel your reservation outside the 10 days prior to your arrival, your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% cancellation fee. Should you cancel inside the 10 days prior to your arrival, your deposit will be retained as liquidated damages and will not be refunded. A 10.5% hotel tax and a 10% service fee will be added to the price of the Houses and Cottages