The Sea Ranch

Image by Donna Martinez, courtesy of dwell.com

 
The Sea Ranch

by Sweiskloss
September 4, 2025
Set on a 10-mile windswept stretch of the Pacific coast in Northen California lies a community dedicated to living in harmony with nature and preserving the area’s rugged beauty. Welcome to The Sea Ranch, an idyllic community of more than 2,000 homes on 7,000 acres interspersed among cypress hedgerows, redwood forests, sprawling meadows and the majestic ocean (thesearanchlodge.com).

Developed in the mid 1960’s on a former sheep ranch in Sonoma County, this planned community is “internationally known for its distinctive architecture, the sensitivity to its land planning, and community-based stewardship of the natural environment” (tsra.org). Al Boeke, while working for Oceanic Properties, assembled a group of like-minded architects, designers and landscape professionals to create his vision of a Utopian community designed to be natural, simple and “blend with, rather than go against, the environment” (tsra.org). Taking into consideration the local ecology, winds, climates, plantings, and the existing topography of the land, the master plan sought to alter the natural landscape as little as possible.

Image provided by Kate Reggev, courtesy of dwell.com

Landscape architect and master planner Lawrence Halprin defined the guiding ethos as “living lightly on the land.” Establishing a sense of community was another key component -- there would be no fences, lawns or gardens, just shared open spaces and shared stewardship.

Climate Consideration

Original Hedgerow Houses integrated into the cypress hedgerow with sloping roofs, image courtesy of tsra.org

Designs were informed by climate considerations. Given the coastal area’s strong winds, angled shed-style roofs lack overhanging eaves and slope to deflect wind. Some homes are grouped together and tucked into hedgerows for further wind protection. Several of the homes incorporate living roofs, furthering integrating the structures into the landscape and fostering the ideals of environmental responsibility.

Local Materials
Incorporating local materials was also paramount. The Redwood or Douglas fir-clad exteriors are unpainted, left to weather and blend into the landscape. According to their website, “building materials should be drawn from nature: rough and simple” and reinforce natural forms and scale. Landscaping features only indigenous plants, no lawns or gardens (dwell.com).

Spectacular Views
Providing unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, dense forest or rolling meadows, thoughtful placement of windows capture the majestic scenery. Interiors are also efficiently designed with built-in furniture and multi-functional spaces. High ceilings create a sense of openness and allow for plenty of natural light. The absence of fences between properties also maintain the sense of openness and provide access to a network of trails that explore the area’s architecture, marine and wildlife, ponds, forests and beaches. Design guidelines also prohibit streetlights to minimize light pollution and allow for clearer views of the night sky.

Condominium One
Condominium One, a single complex containing individual units, was the first building constructed at The Sea Ranch and set the aesthetic for the community. Appearing to almost rise from the bluff on which it is perched, in 2005 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Sea Ranch Chapel
Another notable structure is The Sea Ranch Chapel, a non-denominational chapel featuring a whimsical design with a winged-like roofline. Seeming to appear from a fairytale, the tranquil space incorporates cedar, redwood, a “leaf-sprouting chandelier, and stained-glass windows, with their eruption of flowers” (altaonline.com).

The Sea Ranch Lodge
After undergoing a massive renovation, The Sea Ranch Lodge, one of the oldest buildings, offers guests the opportunity to experience this idyllic setting. The rooms reflect the original intentions with updated amenities. Uncluttered spaces shift the focus onto the natural materials including locally sourced wood and showcase regional artisans’ crafts. The monochromatic color palette compliments the landscape while furniture selections blend mid-century modern and rustic pieces with organic forms.
Other notable houses include: Hines House, set on two lots, is comprised of two separate structures and often referred to as the “big house, bunk house” (dwell.com); Lawrence Halprin’s cliff-hugging residence with windows that frame spectacular views in every direction; and the simpler smaller sized Walk-in Cabins.

Image courtesy of tsra.org

The community also includes recreational facilities, the Knipp-Stengel Barn hosting plays and meetings, One-Eyed Jack’s outdoor playground, an airstrip, and an equestrian center to name a few. As new homes are added to The Sea Ranch, they all adhere to the community’s strict design guidelines. Most importantly, the homeowners “share a sense of … deep connection to the land, commitment to the founding principles, and an extraordinary spirit of volunteerism and community involvement” (tsra.org).
 
Laura McMahon