I was raised in a sleepy little town in the Midwest and fondly remember watching my mother toil over her beloved rose gardens.

I’ve read the history of how this area was originally bequeathed to the Serrano Family via a Mexican land grant. That it once belonged to the coastal Indians. I have even heard whispered comments that my family acquired this land by winning a bet on a horse race. That makes me smile. But, I won’t tell.

It began during a trip to Europe nearly thirty years ago. We dreamed of finding a ranch near the ocean, yet still in the mountains. After only two weeks, this dream land was ours.

My late husband and I had the aspiration to build our home as a small village, with quaint little bungalows sprinkled around the rolling hills. We used recycled salvage materials like old doors, windows, brick and lumber, wanting to fill the buildings with many unexpected surprises. I used a local artisan to adorn the wood beams with hand-painted figures that copy the tile murals found during a trip to Portugal. Today those same hillsides are filled with white twinkling lights and many of the treasures we gathered are placed throughout the landscape. Even in the name “Rancho Las Lomas” Rick’s legacy lives on with his initials.

I have seen many inspiring places. Once in Nepal, I stayed in a protected sanctuary with Bengal tigers. They were safe. They were majestic. I found that many cubs born need a refuge where they could live with nobility. Here, they are forever out of harm’s way. All the birds and animals that make up my ever changing cast of residents are sheltered with loving respect.

Today, the stone washed garden pathways are lined with my favorite roses. You will probably find me out tending my gardens. The grounds. The animals. The love in the air. I am so delighted to share my home with you.

Jeannie Lawrence