"National Geographic filmmakers put their 11-acre Santa Cruz property up for sale, priced at $4.3 million"
Article: Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom's Nature Sanctuary in Santa Cruz
Frans Lanting and Chris Eckstrom, a renowned husband-and-wife creative team known for their wildlife photography and storytelling for National Geographic, have put their 11-acre nature sanctuary in Santa Cruz, California, up for sale. Known as Rancho Refugio, the property has been their home for three decades and is a testament to their deep connection with nature.
The estate, listed for $4.3 million with Tim Allen at Coldwell Banker Realty, consists of two legal parcels totaling 11 acres of flat, usable land. The property features meadows, woodlands, and redwoods, hosting over 150 species of plants and abundant wildlife such as bobcats, coyotes, deer, foxes, and rare birds and amphibians.
Key features of the estate include over 2,000 square feet of decks, stone pathways, and paved terraces designed for entertaining or quiet reflection. An open-air jacuzzi offers a relaxing soak while overlooking the natural meadows, redwoods, and a dark-sky vista. Gardens combining Mediterranean drought-adapted plants with native coastal species create a beautiful blend of colours and textures. A wildlife pond attracts frogs, salamanders, and various birds, adding to the estate's natural charm.
The main residence is a 1913 Craftsman-style home, clad in stone, with a living room anchored by a river-rock, wood-burning fireplace, and an updated kitchen that opens onto a deck with a small outdoor seating area. The primary suite in the main residence boasts a bathroom with a soaking tub that looks out on the Pacific Ocean. A two-bedroom guest house connected to the main house offers its own kitchenette, laundry, and library shelving.
A smaller caretaker's studio is also on the property, complete with a full kitchen and bath, and a sleeping loft accessible by ladder. A garage/workshop and a detached greenhouse are additional amenities available on the estate. The on-site habitats include seasonal wetlands, redwood forest, oak woodland, and coastal prairie.
Lanting and Eckstrom have carefully enhanced the estate to nurture local flora and fauna, embodying their commitment to celebrating biodiversity. Notably, they have been involved in projects like Bay of Life, which highlights the Monterey Bay area's ecological richness.
Tori Latham, a digital staff writer at the website, shares that the couple considers Rancho Refugio their favorite spot among all the places they've traveled to. Latham, who was previously a copy editor at The Atlantic and has written for publications including The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter, describes the estate as a serene natural retreat that reflects Lanting and Eckstrom’s creative work and deep connection to nature.
As of July 2025, the property is represented by Tim Allen Properties, though specific listing or pricing details were not provided in the sources. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Tim Allen at Coldwell Banker Realty for further information.
In spite of their nature sanctuary, Rancho Refugio, being put up for sale, the estate's potential buyers might find it an attractive investment in real-estate, given its 11-acre area and rich biodiversity. One could consider this property as an opportunity to undertake diverse financing avenues, making it a promising venture in the realm of investing.
