 |
Beginnings
The
story of Holman Ranch begins when California was still part of
Mexico. Under the Crown of Spain, the ranch was part of the
lands bestowed to the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio
Carmelo. When the government of Mexico secularized the mission
lands, Don Jose Manuel Boronda, one of the first ranchers in
Carmel Valley, was granted the Los Laureles Rancho – 6,625 acres
that included what is now Holman Ranch. Their ranch passed
through many hands until it was acquired by the Pacific
Improvements Company in 1882.
In 1921, the ranch was subdivided into 11 parcels, including
what is now the 392-acre Holman Ranch. In 1928, Gordon Armsby, a
San Francisco businessman, was attracted to the rich farmland
and leisurely pace of Carmel Valley, and purchased 600 acres in
the Los Laureles area of the Valley, including Holman Ranch.
The next year, Armsby hired Clarence Tantau, of Del Monte Hotel
fame, to design the home on his new property. Tantau and Armsby
decided on a classic Spanish-style hacienda. They erected
impressive stone walls, using local Carmel stone. They installed
Mexican handmade terra-cotta roofing and hand-honed, oak-beamed
ceilings. Nestled in a stand of mature oaks, nicknamed “Casa
Escondida,” or “Hidden House,” the estate served as an exclusive
hideaway for Hollywood celebrities, including Charlie Chaplin
and Theda Bara. |
|
|
Enter the Holmans
In the
1940s, Armsby suffered financial hard times, forcing him to sell
his Carmel Valley property. Clarence Holman, eldest son of the
founder of Holman’s Department Store in Pacific Grove, purchased
the ranch and converted it into Holman’s Guest Ranch. Over the
years, Holman transformed the estate into a shining tribute to
Carmel Valley’s unique architecture and natural outdoor beauty.
He grazed prized white-faced Hereford cattle and joined his
neighbors on cattle drives to Salinas. The ranch had the only
rodeo arena in Carmel Valley and was used for many years by the
Carmel Valley Horsemen’s Association. Along with his wife
Vivian, Clarence began remodeling and expanding the facilities
using native stone and oak from the ranchs grounds. They built
guest bungalows and a stables facility.
For many years, a restaurant and bar served the many visitors
who continued to escape the stress of their lives, running to
the peace and tranquility of Holman Ranch. Bert Cutino, famed
local chef of the Sardine Factory on Cannery Row, received his
start in the kitchen at Holman Ranch. During the summer of 1952,
Cutino started washing dishes for 30 cents an hour to help his
family. When a chef prepared spaghetti for a staff lunch at the
ranch, Cutino was unimpressed and refused to eat it. The chef
challenged him to do a better job. With no formal training, but
homespun experience cooking for a large family and “making
raviolis at 5 years old,” Cutino accepted the challenge. When
the staff, including Clarence Holman, was served “Spaghetti a la
Cutino” at lunch the next day, Holman declared, “Don't serve
this to the staff, put it on
the menu!”
Holman Ranch quickly became the center of social life in Carmel
Valley, with numerous parties and community events held there.
The Holmans also continued the tradition of hosting Hollywood
celebrities, including Clark Gable, Vincent Price, June Allyson
and Marlon Brando. |
|
|
Vivian’s Reign
When
Clarence Holman died in 1962, his wife Vivian maintained the
multitude of social and community activities, determined that
the ranch would never be subdivided, and that it would remain a
part of Carmel Valley life. There were rodeos and horse shows,
daily trail rides, barbecues and fiestas. The popular Fiesta de
los Amigos, the ranch’s birthday celebration, was an annual
highlight, often attracting more than 2,000 people. Until her
death in 1981, she was a gracious hostess for her famous guests
as well as for the multitude of less-celebrated but
no-less-welcome friends who naturally found their way to the
gates of Holman Ranch. |
|
|
Deterioration & Regeneration
Following Mrs. Holman’s death in 1981, Holman Ranch was
purchased by Dorothy McEwen in 1989. Maintaining its historic past as a private residence and event
facility, she restored and outfitted the house to accommodate
celebrations of any kind. Dorothy brought the traditions of
ranch life and hospitality back to Holman Ranch, restored the
hacienda and hosted all types of events. She rekindled overnight
accommodations in the guest cottages, founded The Stables,
planted vineyards, and had aspirations of opening a 25,000-case
winery. She continued Vivian Holman’s passion for community
involvement and hospitality until her death in 2005. |
|
|
El Nuevo Patron
After
the ranch was left to an uncertain fate once more, Thomas and
Jarman Lowder learned of the property and purchased Holman Ranch
in 2006. Recently retired, Thomas decided to spend the remainder
of his years in beautiful Carmel Valley. Who could blame him?
The Lowders have just completed restoring and refurbishing the
property to its original grandeur. They have maintained its Old
World charm, while providing modern conveniences such as heat,
air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and an integrated sound
system. Their daughter Hunter runs the special-events
department. She is looking forward to sharing her family’s
gorgeous property with you.
As you can see, Holman Ranch has always been a unique location,
not only for the breathtaking views and natural beauty but as a
private residence that opens its doors to the public for their
special events. |
|
|
A Place to Celebrate
The
romantic setting of Holman Ranch, the charm of the gardens, and
the serenity and privacy of the estate make this a perfect site
for weddings and other festive occasions. Holman Ranch is
definitely a place for celebrating. |
| |
|
