Peter Strauss Ranch

30000 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, United States Phone: +1 805-370-2300

About

This enchanting oak woodland has long been a source of dreams, visions and memories. Inhabited for thousands of years by the Chumash people, this area became part of Rancho Las Virgenes after Spanish colonization. The original coast live oak, used as the marker in the 1881 land grant survey, still stands just west of the swimming pool. The upside-down letter "T" is still evident in the bark. The "vision of enchantment" continues at this site today with hiking, concerts, picnics, and art exhibits. Explore this peaceful refuge and create some memories of your own. Dreams - At the turn of the century, Harry Miller purchased the ranch as a weekend retreat from his residence and automobile factory in Los Angeles. His patented master carburetor and "Miller Specials," featured at Indianapolis 500 car races, brought him fame. In 1926, Harry built many structures including the stone ranch house, the "look out tower" and the aviary. The Depression and his attempt at aircraft-engine development resulted in financial ruin, the loss of the ranch and an end to his dreams. Visions - In the mid 1930s, Warren Shobert and Arthur Edeson purchased the ranch, transforming the place into "Shoson"‹a fairyland of charm and a paradise for children and adults. Later, a dam was constructed on Triunfo Creek, creating a small lake. The resort was renamed "Lake Enchanto." Competition from other, larger amusement parks and resorts led to the decline of "Lake Enchanto." It fell into disrepair and closed around 1960. Memories - Actor Peter Strauss was deeply moved by the area's natural beauty while filming the mini-series "Rich Man, Poor Man" at Malibou Lake in 1976. He purchased the property and restored the site to its original splendor, living here until 1983. Due to his sensitivity and concern for the natural environment, Strauss sold the ranch to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. The National Park Service purchased the ranch in 1987 as part of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, dedicated to the preservation of our natural and cultural history. What to look for today The Peter Strauss Trail affords a 0.6-mile easy, round trip hike. This pleasant trail is suited for the novice hiker. It traverses chaparral and oak riparian habitats. Late winter and spring are the best times to view native plants in bloom. Flora includes yellow star thistle, golden yarrow, foothill penstemmon, horehound, coffeeberry, buckbrush, peony , poison oak, and many others. The Terrazzo Dance Floor / Patio was made in 1939 of imported Italian terrazzo tile with a pointed star to commemorate Hollywood. The patio was a popular place for Big Band concerts and dancing in the 1940s. In the 1950s, country singers such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and the Mandrell Sisters performed here for a local television station. The largest swimming pool on the west coast was built here in 1940. It had a capacity for 650,000 gallons of water and could accommodate up to 3,000 people. Built during the same era was Lake Enchanto Dam. This dam created the centerpiece of Lake Enchanto making it popular for fishing, rowing and swimming. The dam was breached in the late 1960s by severe flooding. Part of the dam structure still exists in the creek bed near the picnic area.