Our Story

Rancho Temescal: History, Heritage & Natural Beauty

Steeped in history and rich in tradition, Rancho Temescal has been a cornerstone of California’s agricultural and equestrian heritage since 1871. Originally cultivated for its abundant fruit orchards, the ranch evolved over the decades, becoming a hub for petroleum production before returning to its agricultural roots. Today, it stands as a breathtaking 6,000-acre working Thoroughbred farm, nestled along the picturesque Piru Creek in Ventura County. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Santa Barbara, Rancho Temescal is not only a premier destination for equestrian excellence but also a sought-after location for film and commercial productions. With its rolling landscapes, historic charm, and vibrant agricultural fields, this hidden jewel offers an unparalleled setting where nature, history, and modern-day enterprise converge

A Family Legacy

Rooted in
Hospitality & Heart

Today, Rancho Temescal has been lovingly restored to its agricultural roots by three generations of the Cohen family. The land now produces avocados, lemons, and a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables. It’s also home to thoroughbred horses, cattle grazing and film productions that make use of the ranch’s sweeping landscapes.

Over the past 25 years, the Cohen family has grown, with each member taking on meaningful roles in nurturing and expanding the ranch. Hospitality runs deep in their DNA. Tim’s background in hotels and restaurant management is how he first won over Shannon, a seasoned events and meeting planner for Fortune 500 companies—like any great sales guy, he got to know his client well.

Their two adult sons, Cody and Cole, have been instrumental in bringing new energy to the property. From birthday bashes and foaling parties, to orchard wine dinners and celebration of life gatherings, the ranch is always buzzing with activity.

Cody recently returned from a corporate career in Michigan to support the ranch’s marketing efforts, while Cole came back from Arizona—after working in the hotel industry—to enhance operating systems and lend a hand across the ranch.

Rancho Temescal isn’t just a venue. It’s a living, breathing family affair—where history, hospitality, and heart come together.

Rancho Temescal, founded on September 13, 1871, was purchased from the Del Valle Brothers in 1887 by David C. Cook, who also founded the town of Piru. Born in 1850 in New York, Cook became a leading publisher and significantly developed the ranch, planting over 1,200 acres of various fruits and irrigating the land with an extensive system.

Known as the Piru Fruit Rancho, it gained fame for its quality fruit shipments. In the early 1900s, the ranch shifted focus to petroleum, being owned by companies like Pacific Western, Getty, and Texaco, and it became home to over 1,000 cattle. Today, Rancho Temescal has been restored to its agricultural roots, producing avocados and lemons, with thoroughbred horses enjoying the lush pastures fed by Piru Creek.

Who We Are

Hidden Gem of
Ventura County

Rancho Temescal is a pristine 6,000-acre working Thoroughbred farm in Ventura County, California. Located within an hour’s drive of Los Angeles, Pasadena, or Santa Barbara, this spectacular ranch straddles the winding Piru Creek below Santa Felicia Dam, which forms Lake Piru. Rancho Temescal is a state-of-the-art “Thoroughbred Farm” and an ideal “Location” for the film and commercial industry, featuring rugged mountainous terrain, roads, trails, ravines, old farm buildings, flowering meadows, fishing streams, and over 600 acres in agricultural production. Known as “The Hidden Jewel of Ventura County,” Rancho Temescal—privately owned since 1871—has a rich history that has helped shape the prosperity and proud reputation of the Heritage Valley.

In addition to its vibrant agricultural and cinematic offerings, Rancho Temescal also serves as a breathtaking venue for weddings and special events. Couples can exchange vows amidst the stunning natural landscapes. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the ranch provides a unique and romantic setting, ensuring that every moment is memorable. With ample space for outdoor festivities, unmatched scenic beauty, and a touch of historic charm, Rancho Temescal is the perfect place to begin a lifelong journey together.

What we Do

Cultivating Excellence in
Agriculture, Equestrian Care,
and Scenic Productions

Frequently Asked Questions

Event FAQs

Corporate

Can we bring our own food to the event?

Let’s discuss, however we have a preferred vendor, Command Performance Catering, who can handle all your needs.

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Yes, let us know what you may need help with.

Do you require liability insurance for our event?

Definitely, all vendors and required to provide a certificate of insurance in addition to your own policy.

How close are Hotels to Rancho Temescal?

There is the Mountain View Inn in Piru, otherwise, we suggest either Ventura (25 minutes) or Santa Clarita (15 minutes) for your guests.

How many events does the venue allow in a day?

ONE! This is your day, and we will focus on YOU.

What about alcohol? Can we bring our own in?

Due to liability reasons, alcohol can only be served by our approved vendor.

What permits does your facility have?

Rancho Temescal complies with Ventura County Zoning Ordinance 8107.46.3 a.(3) & c. (2) allowing for up to 10 large events (350 persons) and an unlimited number of events under 100 persons per calendar year.

Pricing

Can we bring our own food to the event?

Let’s discuss, however we have a preferred vendor, Command Performance Catering, who can handle all your needs.

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Yes, let us know what you may need help with.

Do you require liability insurance for our event?

Definitely, all vendors and required to provide a certificate of insurance in addition to your own policy.

Do you require Security Personnel at our celebration?

Yes, for everyone’s safety, we require professional security services from our preferred vendor, Sandman Security

What permits does your facility have?

Property

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Yes, let us know what you may need help with.

Do you require liability insurance for our event?

Definitely, all vendors and required to provide a certificate of insurance in addition to your own policy.

Do you require Security Personnel at our celebration?

Yes, for everyone’s safety, we require professional security services from our preferred vendor, Sandman Security

How close are Hotels to Rancho Temescal?

There is the Mountain View Inn in Piru, otherwise, we suggest either Ventura (25 minutes) or Santa Clarita (15 minutes) for your guests.

How many events does the venue allow in a day?

ONE! This is your day, and we will focus on YOU.

What about alcohol? Can we bring our own in?

Due to liability reasons, alcohol can only be served by our approved vendor.

What permits does your facility have?

Special Events

Can we bring our own food to the event?

Let’s discuss, however we have a preferred vendor, Command Performance Catering, who can handle all your needs.

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Yes, let us know what you may need help with.

Do you require liability insurance for our event?

Definitely, all vendors and required to provide a certificate of insurance in addition to your own policy.

How close are Hotels to Rancho Temescal?

There is the Mountain View Inn in Piru, otherwise, we suggest either Ventura (25 minutes) or Santa Clarita (15 minutes) for your guests.

How many events does the venue allow in a day?

ONE! This is your day, and we will focus on YOU.

What about alcohol? Can we bring our own in?

Due to liability reasons, alcohol can only be served by our approved vendor.

What permits does your facility have?

Weddings

Can we bring our own food to the event?

Let’s discuss, however we have a preferred vendor, Command Performance Catering, who can handle all your needs.

Can we throw rice or anything at the Bride and Groom?

Sorry, only shower them with Love, or a pair of Doves. No confetti, birdseed, rice, or paper or … can be used.

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Yes, let us know what you may need help with.

Do you require liability insurance for our event?

Definitely, all vendors and required to provide a certificate of insurance in addition to your own policy.

Do you require Security Personnel at our celebration?

Yes, for everyone’s safety, we require professional security services from our preferred vendor, Sandman Security

How close are Hotels to Rancho Temescal?

There is the Mountain View Inn in Piru, otherwise, we suggest either Ventura (25 minutes) or Santa Clarita (15 minutes) for your guests.

How many events does the venue allow in a day?

ONE! This is your day, and we will focus on YOU.

I love horses, can guests pet them during the event?

While they are completely irresistible, we do not allow guests access to the horses. We would like everyone to leave with the same number of fingers they came with, especially their “ring finger”.