West Hills equestrian estate surrounded by boulders seeks $3.5M

A West Hills equestrian estate, surrounded by massive sandstone boulders on what once was part of a historic western movie location, recently hit the market.

The asking price is $3.495 million.

Set on over 8 acres, the two-story house — completed in 1981 and updated — spans 3,152 square feet and has three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling, wood-framed glass sliders open to wraparound patios and beyond.

Rock waterfalls and scenic observation points of the San Fernando Valley create a serene, park-like atmosphere in this rocky terrain.

This slice of the Santa Susanna Mountains has historically served as a backdrop for film shoots since the 1920s, starting with the Bell Moving Picture Ranch. When the original owner sold off the land, it became known as the Berry Ranch. By 1950, carpenter Tony Stimolo purchased six acres of the ranch and built the Bell Movie Ranch, a privately owned western movie set with a replica frontier town that operated until the late 1980s.

“Our land was used and part of the Bell Movie Ranch shoots and the Berry Ranch shoots,” said Matthew Witek of Compass, the co-listing agent. “There is still a tiny bit of scaffolding built into the rock on the far end of the land, where the camera guys shot the running scenes for ‘Zorro’ as they raced down Studio Road. At the time, there were no houses up here.”

Records show the property last sold in March 2009 for $1.25 million.

The current owners made upgrades.

Inside, rustic log walls, restored antique wood floors, exposed beams, and reclaimed barn woodwork create a bright, airy space with a modern organic aesthetic.

Next to the kitchen, which has high-end appliances, open shelves and a large island with seating, is a dining area.

The primary suite occupies a private wing upstairs, complete with a fireplace and “artisan” bathroom with a soaking tub and a separate shower.

It shares the second floor with an A-frame-style guest room and office open to canyon-facing decks.

There are views from every room.

The equestrian facilities outdoors include three professionally graded and sanded corrals, two run-in sheds to shelter horses and a tack room conveniently located next to the wash bay.

The grounds include raised vegetable beds, cactus gardens and water features.

Other highlights include a storage basement, 500-gallon backup water tank and wall-mounted EV charger.

A large garage has been converted into a versatile live/work space, while the larger of the two parcels at 5 acres offers three prime build sites for future expansion.

Jonnelle Lewin of Compass shares the listing with Witek.