Just south of the San Dieguito River Valley, lying in the original map of Southern California's Rancho San Dieguito, there is a community of exclusive estates called Fairbanks Ranch. History has it that Theodore Reed, a movie director for the legendary screen idol Douglas Fairbanks Sr., discovered the area around 1920 and suggested that Fairbanks Sr. purchase the property for investment purposes. In 1924 Fairbanks and his actress wife Mary Pickford bought 800 acres with the intent of growing oranges. They planted several thousand citrus trees and acres of beans, tomatoes and grain to feed cattle that roamed the area. Fairbanks hired William Smart, a full time manager, to oversee the property and harvest over 300 acres of Valencia oranges. A dam was constructed to capture the waters from the Lusardi Creek and still exists today as part of the extensive park-like grounds of the community.

Fairbanks called the property "Rancho Zorro" (fox ranch) after his famous film role. He later hired Wallace Neff to design a dream home that was to become the Fairbanks country retreat. Unfortunately, in 1936, before they broke ground on their dream home, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were divorced. The house was built on property overlooking the lake and is now called "Casa Zorro". Fairbanks kept the ranch and later married his second wife, Lady Sylvia Ashly. After Fairbanks died, Lady Sylvia married the legendary film actor Clark Gable. Lady Ashley felt the ranch was too secluded, but maintained the property as an orange grove until 1952 when it was sold.

In 1977 Ray Watt, a Santa Monica developer inspired by the exclusive ambience of Rancho Santa Fe, purchased the property to develop an elite community of estates, calling it "Fairbanks Ranch". Watt decided that this unique site deserved the finest in planning and development, subdivided the 1240 acres into 618 sites and started sales in 1981. Protective covenants have been adopted to safeguard the quality, privacy, beauty and harmony of the land and its romantic heritage.

Custom-built estates are on well-manicured lots range from 3500-16,000 sq. ft. with prices from $1.7-$16 million. Lot sizes are ½-10 acres.

• Solana Santa Fe Elementary School, Earl Warren Middle School

• Torrey Pines High School, San Dieguito Academy, and Canyon Crest Academy