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Alta Vista Ranch's 130 acres are a consolidation of 2 parcels (70 acres in the Sawyer subdivision and 60 acres in the old Rancho Paso de Robles). The Sawyer subdivision was originally surveyed in 1913 and Rancho Paso De Robles in 1891. At the turn of the 20th century the ranch was owned by Julia Hollywood and was known as the Hollywood ranch. While Ms. Hollywood was resident of Los Angeles she gained notoriety, locally, for hosting numorous wild parties(1900's style). Ms Hollywood built the original structures on the ranch. One of which, the barn, is still standing and is in excellent condition. She also planted the original almond orchard between 1918 and 1920. |
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In the late 1950's the ranch was sold to James and Della Stifton of Fresno. Jim was a retired Army officer and ran the ranch, according to his only remaining relative, as if it were a military operation. Under the Siftons the orchard was expanded and groomed, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle and horses) were added, a dam/spillway and 1+acre lake was contructed and the main house was built on the highest point of the ranch with commanding views of the countryside. After Jim died, Sella ran the ranch until she was physically unable to keep up. The ranch fell into disrepair and was unoccupied for over 7 years when it was purchased by Doris and Ken Bray.
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