780 Forrest Gate Rd, Campo, CA 91906

Property Description

Own the original Castle Rock Ranch! Property is next to the rock outcropping called Castle Rock, which is the beginning of the Pacific Coast Trail that goes up the coast to Canada! This 39 acre cattle and horse ranch contains the original ranch house built in the 1880s and added to throughout the years. Several guest houses and outbuildings around the ranch. Beautiful property with views of hills and valleys, lush vegetation. This was a working ranch until very recently. See Supplement for history. The Castle Rock Ranch is situated along the wouthern edge of Campo Valley. Kumeyaay Indians lived in the valley for thousands of years and called it Milquatay. European settlers arriving in the 1800's changed the name to Campo (Spanish for grassland). The first U.S. Mail route in southern California passed in front of the property, as did the stage coach road, and train tracks from Yuma to San Diego. Always a horse and cattle ranch, the current 39 acre Ranch was initially an 80 acre homestead, deeded in the early 1860s The Castle Rock Ranch brand is still in use today. The original homesteader built a two bedroom home and a windmill along a shady draw at the base of the Castle Rock promintory. The area continues to be a flyway for a wide variety of birds, and home to native quail and other wildlife. In 1941 the United States government purchased the lower 40 acres of the ranch, when it created Camp Lockett. The US Army Calvary trained here and patrolled the U.S.-Mexican Border on horse back. Troops included the 28th regiment and 10th calvary - the renowned Buffalo Soldiers. As recently as 1946 a border crossing station was in use south of the ranch. SD Co records still list the Castle Rock Ranch address as simpley "Old Border Station Road". The main house remains sheltered by ancient Oak trees. Stone mantels and stained glass crafted by local artist Shirley Perkiss (deceased former owner) enhance the main house. Other improvements made over the years include additions to the original house, barns, out buildings, guest cottages,, fenced pastures, a modern well, metal rail corrals and a roping arena where Jack Driscoll and Shirlley hosted community gatherings. Points of interest in Campo: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, the Motor Transport Museum,. the Gaskil Brothers Stone Store, and a newly constructed Equestrian Center. Equipment: Range/Oven Other Fees: 0 Sewer: Septic Installed Topography: RSLP