Bandy Canyon Ranch
16251 Bandy Canyon Road
Escondido, Ca 92025
(760) 871-6494
Contact Bandy Canyon Ranch
We are on location at one of North County’s hidden jems, Bandy Canyon Ranch. Spanning over 144 acres nestled in the heart of San Pasqual Valley, Bandy Canyon Ranch is truly spectacular! We take you inside this premiere wedding venue and stay cation spot and show you all it’s amenities and splendor. We get the history from General Manager Pauline Gordie who shows us how unique this Ranch really is.
Set deep in Bandy Canyon in Escondido, this Southern California ranch is adorned with 12 charming & private cabins, a dramatic pool for lounging and entertaining, and an authentic 1930’s adobe lodge with two kitchens, antique stoves, and multiple fireplaces. It even has a full equestrian center with 24 horses and an equestrian team with highly skilled trainers that cater to riders of all levels. From private and group lessons to trail rides, they have something for everyone.
If you are looking for a gorgeous, quiet, romantic spot for your upcoming wedding or for a private or corporate event, Bandy Canyon is perfect! They have Terraces and lawn areas with sweeping views of the mountains. The Terraces are nestled in the hillside and hover over their gorgeous vineyard.
The Ranch has historic roots that dates back to the 1870’s.
Some cool facts and dates:
The Main Lodge was the first Weir Brothers structure in San Diego County, built with adobe bricks produced here on the ranch.
The ceiling of the adobe features original beams from the historic San Diego pier
1870 — John D. Bandy, staked his homestead by filing for 80 acres of land in the mouth of the canyon, and perfected his claim on December 12th, 1882, at age of 29.
1875 — Bandy sold his homestead to William H. Thompson, from Nova Scotia. Thompson eventually developed the property into a 450 cow dairy and a 1,000 head cattle ranch.
1881 — Thompson had a cook, Emma Fenton, a widow from Iowa, who had three children. She was unable to care for them so was forced to put them in a San Francisco orphanage. Emma and her frail and ailing daughter, Laura, moved to San Pasqual, where she hired on as a cook and housekeeper on the W. F. Thompson ranch, which was then about 1,000 acres. When Thompson needed another ranch hand, at the urging of Emma, who assured Thompson her son could earn his keep, he sent to the San Francisco orphanage for Emma’s son, seven year old Henry Fenton.
1887 — The land boom went bust. And so did Thompson. The bank took back the property in foreclosure.
1900 — Shortly after 1900, Fenton had saved his money and, at age 28, he was able to purchase 1000 acres of land in the San Pasqual Valley at just $3 an acre.
1951 — Mr. Fenton passes away. The ranch was 4000 acres at the time.
1952 — Justine Fenton, at the age of 44, sold approximately 3,300 acres to the city of San Diego for $1 million. This deal secured valuable water rights in the San Pasqual Valley. Much of that acreage today contains the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
1970 — The 5500 Square Foot Lodge was remodeled and enclosed.
2011 — Bandy Canyon Ranch has undergone a multimillion dollar restoration to its original splendor.
Trust us, you have to check this place out! We are big fans!
