Ray Kroc was an entrepreneur who turned McDonald’s into the fast-food industry powerhouse that it is today. His ranch in Santa Ynez Valley, California, is now on the market, listed for $29 million. The estate sits on a massive 554 acres, and it boasts a number of different residences and recreational amenities, including barns, bunkhouses, corrals, a conference hall, and a main lodge.
This is the Founder’s Building with a large bricked driveway leading to the main entrance and garage door across from the circular garden. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The front of the Founder’s Building is adorned with a large circular garden filled with flowering shrubs and grass. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The main entrance of the building is adorned with a decorative wooden bench on the side of the main door that matches well with the gray exteriors. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the main door of the Founder’s Building adorned with potted plants and wall lamps that bring color to the gray tones. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Upon entry of the Founder’s Building, you are welcomed by this foyer that opens up to a large open hall surrounded by windows. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the conversation pit in the middle of the large hall with a fireplace in the middle. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The wooden walls of the second level indoor balcony is adorned with various decors and wall murals. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a look at the indoor balcony and walkway of the second level that has wooden railings to match the wooden walls with built-in shelves. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the view of the massive hall and living room area from the vantage of the indoor balcony. You can also see here the tall beamed ceiling. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the simple dining area of the building with a wooden dining table surrounded by wooden chairs. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the spacious bedroom that has a large gray bed and a beige sofa complemented by the wood-paneled walls and gray carpeting. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the large mosaic stone wall across from the bed that houses the fireplace. On the side is the dresser and the wall-mounted TV. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This bedroom has a simple bed flanked by wooden bedside tables that bear table lamps. These are then complemented by the large wooden wall at the headboard. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This bedroom has a large wooden four-posted bed that matches with the beams of the shed ceiling and the console table on the side. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The bathroom has a large bathtub housed in a large brown marble structure that matches perfectly with the wood-paneled walls and beamed ceiling. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the bar that has a large dark wooden bar with carvings that matches with the pillars. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the home office that has wood-paneled walls to match the ceiling. These are then complemented by the large window, red armchair and red curtains. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the back of the Founder’s Building that has a small pool surrounded by lounge chairs and has a nice view of the ranch. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the view of the ranch that can be seen from the vantage of the back of the Founder’s Building. You can see the vast land and its vegetation. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the wide driveway and walkway leading to the main lodge flanked with decorative river stones and grass lawn. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the front of the main lodge showcasing the large mosaic stone chimney and the lush landscaping of shrubs and trees on the side. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The main lodge is adorned with a pond on the side bordered by mosaic stone walls and lush landscaping. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a look at the front area of the main lodge showcasing a miniature garden in front of the large glass wall. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the main entrance of the main lodge with a shed ceiling, mosaic stone walls and pillars and a set of concrete steps leading to the walkway adorned by potted plants. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the main entrance of the main lodge that has a large wooden main door flanked by glass walls and a bench on the side. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Upon entry of the main lodge, you are welcomed by this foyer that has a large mosaic stone wall on one side and topped with a chandelier that matches the main door. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is another view of the hall that houses three different living room areas under one tall beamed ceiling. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This area between two living rooms is fitted with a game table perfect for card and board games surrounded by comfortable chairs. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the formal living room area that has a bright beige sofa set surrounding a glass-top coffee table. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a look at the living room area that is facing the massive mosaic stone fireplace on the far side that reaches to the top of the tall ceiling. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the curved sectional sofa facing the large stone fireplace along with a glass-top coffee table. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the game room that has a large pool table in the middle that matches the hardwood flooring. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the spacious commercial kitchen with a large peninsula, wooden cabinetry and stainless steel structures that house appliances. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the massive dining area with dining sets, chandeliers and a spacious hardwood flooring. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This bedroom has two large beds, white walls and a beige carpeted flooring illuminated by the windows. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a simple bedroom with two beds and a wooden dresser across from them adorned by a table lamp and a potted plant. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the wet bar of the main lodge that has a wooden bar that matches the hardwood flooring and a set of stainless steel kitchenette. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a look at the library with a wide driveway, a large lawn and a flagpole in front. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the library exterior showcasing the main entrance flanked by tall trees. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The library interior has a tall cove ceiling with pendant lights hanging over a large wooden table and chair reading area. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the edge of the library interior with a large mosaic stone wall that houses the fireplace. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the recreational area that various amenities including this picnic area by the large grass lawn. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The recreation area also has a volleyball area with sand bordered by graveled soil and grass and shaded by tall trees. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The recreation area also has a pool surrounded by walkways of mosaic beige stone fitted with lounge chairs and bordered with white railings. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the poolside area that has various sitting areas and a landscaping background of stone and shrubs. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the other view of the pool with a background of tall trees that bring complement and shade to the area. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The recreation area of the ranch also has a professional-size tennis court adorned with tall pines in the background. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The recreation area also has a large fishing pond surrounded by walkways and adorned by large trees in the background. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is an aerial view of the massive ranch showcasing the driveways, the trees and the land. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the aerial view of the Founder’s Building showcasing the circular driveway and the pool area. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Born in 1902, Kroc worked his way through various jobs, as many did in the early 20th century. For many years, he worked as a salesman for various products, but it wasn’t until a restaurant visit in 1954 that he saw an opportunity to create a restaurant system specifically to provide consistently high-quality food with uniform preparation.
This visit was to a restaurant that had purchased a product he was selling, and it was one of the first to prioritize focus on just a few items that would allow more efficient quality and quick service.
Kroc had what was, at the time, a unique philosophy that included both franchisees and suppliers. As we know, his method was effective, and within four years, McDonald’s had sold its 100 millionth hamburger.
His ranch, the J & R Double Arch Ranch, is home to a little bit of everything. The main lodge alone is 17,000 square feet and features 20 bedrooms and a 100-guest dining room. Its large kitchen is set to entertain and provide for guests to lounge in the 3,000-square-foot living room.
The nearby Founder’s Building offers even more. While it only has two bedrooms, it is home to a private library, a full gym, and several offices. The design style trends towards rustic, with high ceilings, thick wood beams and carved pillars, and modern fireplaces that bring a touch of a mountain lodge feel without overwhelming the Southern Californian climate just outside the sprawling windows. The warm, wood-paneled walls are inlaid with various murals and decor, adding even more character.
The grounds include a beautiful oval pool, a pond with mosaic stones, and several landscaped garden spaces, with views out over the ranch and the surrounding hills. The main lodge sits tucked into greener vegetation, with tall windows that let in soft filtered light to complement walls of stone reaching to the high beamed ceiling in the living spaces. The open concept lends itself well to multiple living rooms, dotted in between with space for lounging, game tables, pool tables, and card and board games.
This lodge also features a commercial kitchen with functional cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The accompanying dining room features numerous chandeliers and spacious hardwood flooring, with seating available for up to 100 people. Here, you’ll find a second, large pool and several other recreational spaces, including a sand volleyball court, professional tennis court, and a fishing pond.
The 554-acre ranch, which sits in the Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, also includes five single residences, two bunkhouses. Kroc first purchased it in the late 1960s, and it is now on the market for $29 million.
