Although he maintained his main residence in Santa Monica Canyon, west of Los Angeles, Leo Carrillo also wanted a hacienda and a foothold in San Diego County. In the hills above present day Carlsbad, Leo Carrillo built his dream home and lived the life of an early California Don. Leo Carrillo was a well-known actor and showman best known today for his last role, playing Pancho to the Cisco Kid in the popular 50s TV series. Carrillo’s family arrived in San Diego in 1769, and he was a descendant of Don Juan Bandini, the Estudillos and other early San Diego residents. In addition to his ties to San Diego his father was a judge in Santa Monica and his great grandfather was Governor of Alta California in 1837-38. Another member of his family was mayor of Los Angeles.
In 1937, Carrillo purchased a ruined adobe and 2,538 acres of land in North San Diego County and began constructing his dream rancho as a weekend retreat. He built a low slung adobe house, a swimming pool with a white sand beach, a barn, a bunkhouse and added 600 head of cattle and horses.
Once complete Carrillo invited his Hollywood friends to join him for “fandangos” and enjoy his hacienda. Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Duncan Reynaldo, Jane Withers, and many more celebrities visited and enjoyed Carrillo’s legendary hospitality.
Carrillo died in 1961 and his daughter continued to live on the ranch until 1978. The ranch fell into disrepair and Carlsbad began to change into the current community ofhomes and business parks. The Carrillo Ranch Partnership acquired most of the land and began developing it for residents. However, 10.5 acres including the house and outbuildings were deeded to the City of Carlsbad for a park. In 1990, Alan Kindle created the Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc. in order to help the city develop Leo Carrillo Historic Park. Thanks to his efforts, Rancho de los Quiotes, is open to the public and maintains an award winning educational program and schedule of events.
The house and outbuildings have been repaired and once again the rancho looks as it did when Carrillo and his family owned it. Walking tours are laid out and tour guides are available on weekends Saturday. 11 am to 1 pm; Sunday, Noon to 2 pm and allow visitors to see the inside of the house and hear its history. Some of the original furnishings have been found and returned to the house. The park has hiking trails and is replanted with native flora and a flock of peacocks roams the grounds. The house is available to rent for parties, weddings and other events. The Old Hay Barn serves as a visitor center and a small theater that screens a video about the history of the ranch.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is located at 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92009; 760-476-1042