The Holmans Take the Reins

In the 1940s, financial troubles hit Armsby, forcing him to sell his Carmel Valley property. Clarence Holman, the eldest son of the Holman’s Department Store (in Pacific Grove) family purchased the ranch and transformed it into Holman’s Guest Ranch.

Over the years, Holman cared for the estate, converting it from a “gentlemen’s retreat” into a brilliant tribute to Carmel Valley’s unique architecture and natural 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 the town 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 ranch’s grounds. They built guest bungalows and stables, as well as one of the first pools in Carmel Valley.

For many years, visitors who came to experience the peace and tranquility of famed Holman Ranch would eat and imbibe at a restaurant/bar on the property. Local “celebrity” chef, Bert Cutino (of Sardine Factory on Cannery Row), received his start in that very kitchen. The story goes: During the summer of 1952, Cutino needed money to help provide for his family. He worked at the restaurant, washing dishes for 30 cents an hour. One day, underwhelmed at the preparation and execution of the staff’s spaghetti lunch, he refused to eat. Insulted and exasperated, the chef, challenged Cutino to do a better job. He had no formal training—the experience of cooking for a large family.

But he accepted the challenge, and the following day when he served lunch to the staff and Clarence Holman himself, he became an instant hit. “Spaghetti a la Cutino” was a success—made a permanent item on the menu!

Holman Ranch quickly became the center of social life in Carmel Valley, hosting a plethora of “Who’s Who” parties and community events. In the tradition of their predecessors, the Holman’s had the pleasure of hosting Hollywood’s finest: Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford and Marlon Brando to name a few.