Estancia La Jolla History Overview

Estancia La Jolla’s story begins tucked away on the coastal bluffs of La Jolla, where a dream has evolved into a legacy. Originally made as a sanctuary for fine horses and open land, this estate grew with the spirit of the California coast—wild, elegant, and timeless. Today, its story lives on in every detail, where past meets present in a luxurious retreat that invites guests to step into a piece of history.

What began as a vision to create a premier equestrian estate in La Jolla has blossomed into a rich heritage, where the past and present intertwine.  In 1948, Bill and Ruth Black purchased 248 acres of blufftop land, transforming it into a thoroughbred horse breeding and training facility they named Blackhorse Farm. The grounds included a half-mile exercise track and several lush paddocks. Among the horses housed was Cover Up, a celebrated chestnut stallion who won the $100,000 Hollywood Gold Cup in 1947. The Blacks leased him from his owner, Zack Addington, at a stud fee of $1,500, adding prestige to their growing equestrian enterprise.

As the years unfolded, the vision of the land began to shift, paving the way for a new chapter in its history. By the 1960’s, the Black family’s beloved land had been passed to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), with a heartfelt request for its use to benefit both the La Jolla community and the university. Decades later, in 2003, Destination Hotels & Resorts envisioned a new chapter for the land and revealed plans to build Estancia La Jolla, a 210-room hotel that would honor the property’s rich history. Opening in 2004, the hotel was designed with a California Rancho style, drawing inspiration from the Spanish estates of the 1800s. True to its name, “Estancia” meaning “estate” in Spanish, the hotel blends relaxed coastal charm with historical elegance, creating a seamless connection to the past while offering modern luxury.

How it connects to present day Estancia:

Today, Estancia La Jolla continues to honor the legacy of Blackhorse Farm. The stories of Bill and Ruth Black, of Cover Up, and of the land that once thrived with the sound of hooves are embedded in the very fabric of the hotel. As guests walk through its halls or dine in the restaurant, they are not just experiencing a luxurious stay—they are stepping into a piece of La Jolla’s rich history. Our lobby and The Trading Post Café & Bar still embody the spirit of the original 1940s stables, offering guests a captivating glimpse into the property’s storied past. The high-set windows, a distinctive feature preserved from the old stables, allow natural light to flood the space while providing a unique perspective on the building’s history. Additionally, our Baja-inspired restaurant, Mustangs & Burros, has been thoughtfully transformed from its 1940s origins as a tack room, seamlessly blending historic ambiance with rustic elegance. Through its thoughtful design and rich storytelling, Estancia La Jolla ensures that the legacy of Blackhorse Farm continues to live on, allowing visitors to experience a unique blend of history, tradition, and luxury with every visit.