Ever heard of a film called The Gay Desperado?
Didn’t think so. How about a fifties television show, The Cisco Kid?
Someone by the name of Leo Carillo starred in both, and his ranch is about 25 miles north of San Diego. I was really surprised to learn that Carillo was in his 70s when he did the TV show, because he rides a fast horse in the episodes and looks much younger. You can watch a film about him in the old barn that’s now a visitor center.
Carillo took an existing 1880s ranch and renovated the buildings and landscaping from 1937-1940. He wanted a retreat from the hubbub of Hollywood. The ranch is open to the public–free admission–and it’s kind of like going back in time.
Carriage House, Tack Shed and Cantina. I took the photo of the cowboy hat from the last post here.
A close-up of the cantina window.
I love this kind of cactus.
The house or hacienda is pretty modest by today’s standards.
The pool cabana and pump house, which looks like a garden shed up close:
Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were guests of Carillo’s.
A detail on one of the courtyard walls of the hacienda.
I am unable to pass a bougainvillea without photographing it. Especially when it’s in late afternoon sun.
More on Tuesday. . . .have a great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
I remember watching the “Cisco Kid” on B/W television when I was a child. I loved it and remember the character “Pancho” vividly.
In England? That is pretty amazing.
“Oh Poncho! Oh Cisco!” I remember this phrase and think it was the signature closing of every TV episode. Thanks for the memory, Carole … I was such a fan way back then.
Wow, who knew? The clips they showed in the visitor center made Pancho look kind of silly, but he probably had a lot of fun with it. Especially in his 70s!
The photo of the cacti is marvelous. All the wavy lines and pattens draws me right in. I love photos that I can get lost in.
And that pool and cabana are just calling me!
Thanks so much, Jackie. It was very tempting to jump in that pool!
I can see why he would want to live there. What a retreat!
It’s such a nice little oasis.
That’s a nice place. So picturesque. The cacti are wonderful.
🙂
What a wonderful place to visit and I wish it was my home. Someday!
Think you’ll move back to California?
Glad I stumbled upon this post (and your lovely blog)! I live very nearby, in Temecula, & keep seeing references to the Carrillo Ranch but had no idea it was so historic & gorgeous. I’ll have to visit soon.
Thanks for stopping by! The ranch is definitely worth seeing.