Moore’s grand, Spanish colonial–style home, completed in 1924, has been beautifully preserved and now anchors The Santa Lucia Preserve. As it celebrates its centennial, the Hacienda is the social epicenter of the community, which is one of the most acclaimed private golf and equestrian clubs in the country.

The community’s allure owes in part to its natural environment and the unique arrangement that was established to conserve it. Thanks to a partnership between landowners and the nonprofit Santa Lucia Conservancy land trust, 90 percent of the 20,000-acre property is permanently protected, making it the only golf and equestrian community in the United States with an endowed 18,000-acre nature conservancy. What’s more, the community borders several other conserved areas, such as Los Padres National Forest and Garland Ranch Regional Park, creating an expansive haven for native flora and fauna.

The result is a natural wonder that feels a bit like a year-round summer camp for both children and adults. “Yes, we have a world-class golf course and facilities, but what is really unique is the access to all this pristine nature,” says Jen Anello, senior director of sales and marketing, resident and member experience. “It’s the land that draws people here, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure, and they want to spend more and more time enjoying it.”

There are fewer than 300 homesites on the entire property, with an impressive 44-acre average. Most of that acreage is also protected against development, making every homesite a private natural sanctuary set inside a larger private reserve.

Members of the clubs at The Santa Lucia Preserve have access to just about every outdoor pursuit imaginable, headlined by a private Tom Fazio golf course that has been rated one of America’s 100 Greatest by Golf Digest. Also on property are close to 100 miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, plus 42 miles of paved roads that wind up and down dramatic hillsides, through canyons and past towering redwoods and oaks—and are immensely popular with resident cyclists.

An 18-acre recreational lake offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, firepits and lakefront safari-style glamping tents. A multi-discipline equestrian center has world-class boarding facilities and trail horses for member rides. The Preserve also has a state-of-the-art fitness center; a pool complex with a two-story waterslide, lap pool and hot tubs; and a tennis center with clay, hard and pickleball courts.

With all of its protected space, The Preserve is teeming with wildlife, including colorful acorn woodpeckers, wild turkeys, hawks, eagles, black-tailed deer, foxes, bobcats and even the rare mountain lion. Of course, the community’s commitment to the environment goes beyond protecting open spaces. The golf course’s sustainability measures include composting daily clippings and converting its fairways and practice facility to drought-tolerant Bermuda grass, which is irrigated with 85 percent rainwater held within storage ponds. A new, $1.2 million, cutting-edge floating solar-panel installation provides most of the golf club’s electricity, while reducing evaporation and dramatically increasing water savings.

The course reflects the natural terrain of the Santa Lucia Mountains, with mature oaks, grassy meadows and flowing streams. Fazio is especially well-known for dramatic par-3s, often with substantial elevation changes. A perfect example is the sixth hole: When designing the hole—now known simply as the “Fazio”—he found the perfect natural setting for a green site with a dramatic mountain background. For the final hole—known as the “Watson”—eight-time major champion Tom Watson suggested the tee location for a dramatic drive and use of a natural amphitheater for the green complex.

The Preserve Golf Club also includes an extensive practice facility with a driving range, short-game area, target greens and a wedge zone. Not surprisingly, the club has been named one of the Top 100 Residential Courses in the country by Golfweek, and one of the 25 Best Golf Communities in North America by Golf Magazine.

As pristine as the community’s location is, The Santa Lucia Preserve is just three miles from the main gate to charming Carmel by the Sea, 15 minutes to the Monterey Airport and a quick drive to Pebble Beach. With its unique setting—and its ethos of community, culture and conservation—The Preserve offers members an unrivaled club experience in the heart of the Monterey Peninsula.