This gorgeous ranch house reimagined by Mindy Gayer Design seamlessly blends traditional and transitional styles nestled on a sprawling 2.7-acre idyllic property in Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County, California. Since acquiring the property, the homeowners poured their hearts into further transforming it into a family home that offers functional comfort and timeless beauty.

It’s the family of five’s forever home, and they plan to continue to dream up even more for the property to make it even more magical. The property features a main residence, guest cottage, art studio, and barn.

Above: The entry of this California ranch house was completely updated from its original, humble design. The designer employed a custom steel front door to not only elevate this home but also add a defining architectural element. A collection of artwork on the wall above the custom bench features a mix of new finds, family pieces, and pieces picked up from the homeowner’s travels. On the opposing wall is an oak console table along with a woven mirror.

Above: Located just off the entry is the living room, brimming with natural light courtesy of large windows that are original to the home. The original wood-burning fireplace was reimagined to be an attractive focal point in the room, featuring a natural stone surround. The abstract artwork on the fireplace wall is a custom-commissioned piece that provides a distinctive touch to the space.

What We Love: This California ranch house was completely transformed to offer light and airy living spaces that are warm and welcoming. The designer did a fabulous job of creating a forever-family home with spaces for gathering and entertaining along with creative and play spaces for the kids. We love the soothing neutral color palette, beautiful mix of materials, and customized details throughout.

Tell Us: What details in the re-design of this family home do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of California: A Moroccan inspired home designed to feel like a vacation in San Diego and Tour an updated Spanish home in Rancho Santa Fe with a fresh twist.

Above: The kitchen features a 15-foot island, the focal point of the space. The island is white oak with a natural stain. The backsplash material on the rage wall is Calacatta marble, honed. The plumbing fixture and cabinetry hardware are unlacquered brass.

Above: A doggy station was integrated at the end of the kitchen island. The niche is clad in Calacatte marble, honed. It also features a convenient unlacquered brass water filler.

Above: The kitchen is a mix of traditional and modern elements, featuring a subtle curved plaster hood and a Lacanche range. 

Above: A charming arch detail leads one into the walk-in pantry where you will find putty-hued cabinetry, unlacquered brass hardware, and zellige tile backsplash. Around the corner is plenty of open shelving for storage.

Above: The kitchen nook features a cozy space for family meals. This space also provides a casual gathering spot for visiting friends, providing a view of the kitchen and family room. Classic wall paneling in varying widths helps to define the space. The homeowners are coffee aficionados, so the project team created an espresso station with a built-in hutch to store mugs and additional dinnerware.

Above: The home bar area was designed to be a hub for entertaining — the perfect spot to make a drink and allow guests to feel right at home. An integrated wine refrigerator and ice maker are ideal for storing and serving beverages. Adding an elegant touch to this space is the marble countertop.

Above: The family room is located adjacent to the kitchen. A coffered ceiling with tongue and groove paneling was designed to define this open-concept space. An oversized sectional sofa offers plenty of space for gathering. The addition of an oak coffee table and console brings warmth into this space. One of the designer’s favorite pieces in this space is the moss mound-filled hourglass planter. The artwork above the console table is a commissioned piece, a scene from Paris to remind the owners of their European travels.

Above: The casual dining room is located just off the bar area, featuring French doors with breathtaking views of the backyard. Tongue & groove ceilings and beams define the space living, giving it an understated aesthetic. The oak dining table was custom fabricated, while the area rug is vintage.

Above: The powder bath blends traditional and transitional design details. Highlights include a custom vanity with an integrated Calacatta slab sink with an apron front detail. The walls are tongue and groove paneling and patterned wallpaper, while the flooring is wood in a herringbone pattern.

Above: This serene owner’s bedroom is located on the second level. The space captures lovely views of the backyard and verdant gardens. To bring the outdoors in, the designer added custom-reeded wainscot wall paneling for texture, accented in a muted green hue. The headboard is custom upholstered, paired with oak nightstands and rich leather bedside sconces.

Above: This spa-like bath features luxe finishes throughout, including a steam shower, full-height slab walls, and a custom brass shower glass enclosure — handcrafted by artisans in Los Angeles.

Above: A mix of materials includes polished nickel bath fixtures and aged brass accents. A soaking tub sits in front of a picture window, framing the beautiful backyard and softened with white linen Roman shades.

Above: The custom vanities are composed of white oak and paired with aged brass hardware.

Above: This girl’s room was transformed to accommodate their new baby sister. The two big girls share this room, where the white spindle bed with a trundle below gives them plenty of space at bedtime and tucks away during the day for playtime.

Above: In the nursery, a collage of heirloom family art is paired with other collected pieces for a gallery wall. A cozy reading nook is a favorite space for the girls to hang out with their baby sister.

Above: The girl’s bathroom features a kid-sized toilette, a utility basin sink with a custom pink underside, and a bathtub. The walls feature a mix of classic horizontal nickel gap millwork and pink wallpaper.

Above: The backyard of this California ranch house was designed as an oasis, meeting the owner’s desire to have plenty of outdoor living space to host family gatherings, parties, and weekends by the pool.

Above: The art studio features a covered patio area just outside the front door. This space plays double-duty as alfresco dining and outdoor crafting for the kids. The original stone fireplace was preserved, while a cluster of woven pendant lights adds a touch of whimsy to this outdoor haven.

Above: Tucked away on the California ranch house property is this charming guest house. Inside, you will find a full kitchen, family room, guest bedroom, and ensuite bath. This space was designed to feel like a home away from home for family and friends. Tucked between a pair of original trees is a kids’s picnic table and tree swing.

Above: In the kitchen of the guest house you will find a hand-painted backsplash tile, adding a touch of whimsy. The countertops are soapstone, providing contrast with the greige painted, custom cabinets. White oak and wood accents bring warmth into this space.

Above: The original ranch house v-groove ceilings and beams were repurposed for the family room. This inviting space features a custom built-in entertainment unit, slipcovered linen sectional, plush pillows, and beautiful accessories.

Above: The hotel-inspired bedroom is ideal for hosting overnight guests. Situated just off the family room, paneled walls provide a tailored aesthetic for this space. The bed was custom-designed, paired with oak nightstands and a jute rug.

Above: The en-suite guest bath boasts hand-painted tile flooring, Moroccan wall tiles, and mixed metal finishes. Guest towels are stored in the custom oak vanity.

Above: This quaint art studio is situated just off the backyard. Designed as a creative space for the homeowner’s young daughters.

Above: This space is feminine and colorful and was designed to transition with the girls as they grow older. Custom cabinetry provides storage for art supplies. Custom linen pinboards hang on the wall above the oversized custom bench, perfect for displaying their artistic skills!

Above: This cozy and charming playhouse was constructed for the homeowner’s young daughters to use for play dates and afternoons on the ranch.

PHOTOGRAPHER Roger Davies