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 A large elegant pond edged by redwoods surrounds the welcoming sun-drenched decks of the main lodge, providing absolute serenity, and a place to welcome friends. In addition, just down the path, wonderful wooden dance floors and a bandstand are situated among the tallest trees in the world. This extraordinary family gathering area has been the scene for decades of big parties, family weddings, and special fundraising events. It is this fabulous natural stage that now awaits a new century of entertainment.
The Island Farm’s vast open fields appear as they did when the area was the territory of the Ohlone native people, and later, a part of the original Mexican land grant, Rancho San Gregorio. The light, sounds, and moods of this tremendous setting discreetly evolve throughout the day, until the last songbird, Swainson’s Thrush, signals nightfall. The large reservoir, nestled into oaks and madrone trees in a high field, attracts abundant wildlife. The rich forms of forest, canyons, low valleys, and mountains provide the Island Farm with its natural privacy, creating an intimate world of its own.
The Island Farm’s aura gives the feeling of being far away. Indeed, in 1919, it took a full day or two to travel from the San Francisco Bay side to this glimmering spot in San Gregorio. The Island Farm’s very existence is a surprise. Its wild natural setting, however, belies the reality that this extremely peaceful retreat of hundreds of acres is only a 30-minute drive to Sand Hill Road, gateway to Silicon Valley, and also, nearby Stanford University.
VISUAL TOUR: Click images to view enlargement
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