Agua Dulce & Acton; It is All About the Lifestyle

Agua Dulce & Action are Truly Special Places

You awaken to the sound of Quail in the distance. The city is forgotten as you take in the view of surrounding mountains. Your morning coffee is highlighted by a pair of Red Tailed Hawks flying overhead. You can finally find some peace and serenity away from the maddening crowds.

Both Agua Dulce & Acton are sleepy little one-horse towns just a few minutes north of Santa Clarita. The small-town country atmosphere lets you kick off your shoes and relax. There are no streetlights…. Just the stars and moon at night. Enjoy a day of wine tasting at the local winery. Or go for a hike at Vasquez Rocks. It is not uncommon to see people riding horses down the street in the central villages of both Agua Dulce and Acton.

 

The zoning is Agriculture and the average lot size is between 2 to 5 acres. The majority of homes are custom built. The elevation is between 2,500 and 4,000 feet. Which gives you a light dusting of snow in the winter and cool summer nights.

If you want to have horses, dogs, chickens or goats, the zoning allows it. You can even build a workshop for whatever hobby you wish. Both Agua Dulce and Acton have their own Community Standards Districts to protect their rural lifestyles.

 

If your passion is horsemanship, there are miles of riding trails, training facilities and local events for you to pursue whatever form of horsemanship you desire. Grow a garden, build a green house, have some chickens or restore old cars in your own workshop. You can explore the culinary delights of Le Chen’s French restaurant or sample the wines of the two local wineries. You are now free to create your own lifestyle at your own special place.

 

Agua Dulce, which means “Sweet Water” in Spanish, was first inhabited by the Tatavian Indians and the Vasquez rocks were their favorite shelter. The park is named after the famous Bandido, Tiburcio Vasquez, who used to hide out at the rocks. Today, the Vasquez Rocks County Park has been featured as the backdrop for many movies and TV shows. It is open every day for hikers and horseback riders.

 

Another 10 minutes north of Agua Dulce lies the sleepy little town of Acton. It is considered Agua Dulce’s sister town and shares the same lifestyle and school district. Acton started as a mining town in the late 1800’s with its two gold mines: The Red Rover and The Governor.  Acton is also known for its agriculture: peaches, pears, honey and the most beautiful lilacs anywhere.

 

Look around you anywhere in Southern California and you will not find a small town rural lifestyle within commuting distance of Los Angeles where horses have the right of way.

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The Historic Monte Cristo Mine is now For Sale

After being family owned for the last 70 years, the Monte Cristo Mine is now being offered for sale. This historical gold mine dates back to the padres who mined the gold for the San Fernando Mission. It is even rumored that the famous bandido, Tibercio Vasquez had mined in the area close to the Monte Cristo.

Rumors of gold circulated as far back as the late 1700’s. A small gold rush hit the area of Mill Creek  above Big Tujunga Canyon in the late 1800’s. Vast amounts of gold were said to exist in the Mill Creek area. One legend surrounds the Lost Padres Mine, which was supposed to be connected with mission San Fernando. Some speculate that the Lost Padres Mine would later become known as the Monte Cristo, the best producer of the Big Tujunga mines.

In it’s heyday, the Monte Cristo was one of the largest producing gold mines of the San Gabriel mountains.

Fred Carlisle brought it to full production in the years between 1923 to 1928. According to the California State Mining Bureau, a total yield of $70,000 was recovered from The Monte Cristo Mine in 1927. Old-timers, however insist the figure was more like $200,000.

For the last 70 plus years, it has been a getaway for a Hollywood movie family to escape from the hectic life of Hollywood. Wood burning stoves, kerosene lamps and the sound of the quail in the distance were the order of the day. The family put a lot of love into The Monte Cristo and enjoyed many years of special times at a special place.

The old mine buildings and mill site are gone but the special place still remains. When you close the gate, the city is gone and the sounds of nature dominate. This secluded mountain getaway is completely self-contained with solar power, internet access, security system and a gravity fed spring that keeps the water tanks full. The property is 25.66 acres of private land and 17 mining claims that encompass 351 acres.

Your family and friends can now enjoy this private paradise only an hour’s drive from the city. Forget that the city exists and create your own reality at this special place. There are 3 self-contained RV’s and a cabin for everyone to stay. There is even a tractor, generators, tools and equipment to keep you busy with your projects.

The Angeles National Forest surrounding the Monte Cristo is now a National Monument. It does not allow any new mining claims to be filed but honors all existing mining claims and respects full private property rights for existing private property.

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Life on the Water at Valencia Bridgeport

I woke up early this morning just to watch the sunrise on the water. I am amazed at how vibrant the colors are during the transition between dark and light.

There is a light chill in the air as I listen to the sounds of the wildlife around the lake. The birds are chattering away as they must be planning their day

The sunrise doesn’t care if we watch it or not. It will keep on being beautiful, even if no one bothers to look at it. What a wonderful experience to watch the world wake up.

The community of Valencia Bridgeport has embraced a nautical theme creating charming homes around a picturesque 15 acre lake. It creates a lifestyle unlike any other Valencia community.

Plan an afternoon escape in a romantic rowboat. Or enjoy the many miles of Biking and Walking paths around the lake.

Bridgeport is an intimate village where you can walk nearly anyplace you want to go. A lakefront Paseo will lead you to the school, park, pool and community center. It is also connected to the 25 mile Valencia Paseo system where you can walk or bike to town center.

Two miles of shoreline Paseos also follow a river trail system through a nature preserve that protects the fragile wetlands. You might hear the croak of a frog or a family of ducks. Bridgeport is home to all sorts of families – people, as well as wildlife.

The private Lake Club is Valencia’s largest and most comprehensive community center, open only to Bridgeport residents. The 7,000 square foot building wraps around the scenic courtyard and features a banquet hall that can seat up to 200 people overlooking the lake. Imagine planning your next wedding, birthday or social event at this lake front facility. Whatever the occasion, the waters of the lake reflect the joy of Bridgeport living.

The neighborhoods of Bridgeport offer a distinct living experience. Some homes enjoy lakefront addresses, while others are oriented to maximize views of the lake. Watch the 4th of July fireworks from your deck that are presented every year at town center.

You can even ride your bike to work and leave your car at home.

Yet every Bridgeport resident is able to take advantage of the numerous recreational, retail and employment opportunities of the surrounding master-planned community of Valencia.

Valencia Bridgeport is a wonderful place to call home.


The Valencia Summit Lifestyle

The first rays of sunlight stretch across the clear blue morning sky. From atop the Valencia Summit, you see lights flicker and fade as the community awakens below you. And you wonder how you could of lived anywhere else.

I took a walk this morning in the 80 acre nature park on the Valencia Summit. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and I was amazed at all of the wildlife. Hawks, Rabbits, Squirrels and even an occasional Road Runner. The crowded city was forgotten and I felt I was in the country.

The regular crowd was out walking too. People with their dogs, children, Seniors and the fitness groups.

The Valencia Summit was originally the “Beverly Hills” of Valencia. Even though it was developed in the 80’s, it is still the best location in town. Five minutes from the freeway and within walking distance of the Valencia mall, but still an “Island in the Sky’ as far as being a special place.

The Valencia “Paseo” (pathways) system hooks up all of Valencia with walking pathways of scenic beauty without ever having to cross a street. Click here for a copy of the Valencia Paseo map.

Swimming pools, Tennis Courts and club house are just some of the amenities set in an area of scenic beauty. The low HOA fees of central Valencia have been known to offer the most at the least price.

The homes are a mixture of different styles;

The San Marino Collection is a touch of Mediterranean romance.  Homes with red tile roofs, high ceilings, arched openings and interior Atriums.

The Chelsea Collection artfully blends traditional country ambiance with new style architecture. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, open rooms, glass enclosed wood fireplaces and three gar garages welcome’s you home to your country cottage on the Summit.

The Windermere Collection have been described as Elegant, Stately and sophisticated. As the largest homes on the Summit, they were created to enhance your enjoyment of life’s pleasures.

The Stratford Collection is a gated community of large townhomes set on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the Oak studded nature park.

Living on the Summit, among the scenic splendor of lush park lands and the spectacular views of the Oak studded arroyos, is a lifestyle that can’t be beat