The History of the Ranch
The Ranch at Half Moon Bay, formerly known as Strawberry Ranch, receives its name from old Mariner Maps that guided early shipping and fishing vessels along the California Coastline. The patch of land was known as Strawberry Hill because of the abundance of wild strawberries growing along the cliffs.
The first floor of The Ranch at Half Moon Bay was constructed in the early 1900's with bricks retrieved from the San Francisco earthquake aftermath. Most of the original buildings are still intact including the original brick floor. Rum and whiskey runners during the Prohibition Era used the isolated structure for storage and redistribution of their products to San Francisco and the Peninsula. During World War II the US Navy and the Coast Guard occupied The Ranch at Half Moon Bay and it was used as a communication center for gun emplacements that stretched along the San Mateo coast. After World War II a Stanford University professor secured the property and used it as a weekend retreat.
In 1960 Rheinhold Schaar acquired The Ranch at Half Moon Bay and brought his landscaping talents to the land surrounding the ranch. His endless hours spent in beautifying the entire parcel of land are in evidence today. During the life of The Ranch at Half Moon Bay each owner has added space, redesign and personal touches to compliment the unique setting of one of the most unusual homes on the California Coast. The Ranch at Half Moon Bay was declared an official Historic site by the City of Half Moon Bay and is now used as a Events Center for a variety of conferences, weddings and celebrations.
Corporations, private companies and governmental organizations use The Ranch at Half Moon Bay as a learning and training site in the development of strategy and personal growth meanwhile innumerous couples celebrate or renew their vows in front of the exuberant landscape.