Rancho Chiquita
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Address withheld to ensure privacy.
Malibu, CA
Contact: Gerri Gilliland
Phone: 310/456-7429
www.ranchochiquita.com
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Description
Yes, you can get away from it all in a matter of minutes. A relaxing drive up from the coast takes you to Rancho Chiquita, a 40-acre estate high in the Santa Monica Mountains with a heart-stopping view. From almost everywhere on the property you can look down the canyon past waves of chaparral-cloaked hills all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Or look up at a seemingly limitless blue sky. The quiet and privacy here are absolute.
From the impressive entrance at the Casa Grande, you can see the other estate buildings and grounds just below, as well as the ocean off in the distance. A wide lawn sweeps out from a small hacienda, like a bright green terrace poised above the canyon. It takes no effort at all to picture it dotted with tables and umbrellas, your guests enjoying themselves as the afternoon sun slowly wanes, finally slipping away in a blaze of color.
The Casa itself is an Estancia-style structure, with earth-toned stucco walls, a genuine Mexican tile roof, and a beautiful courtyard, partially shaded by a giant California oak. Paved with hand-hewn canterra stone, this lovely plaza is graced by tiled planters and clusters of bird-of-paradise and bougainvillea. A tiled Spanish fountain gently burbles in the center, while wrought-iron gates and antique wooden doors further contribute to a rustic, Old World ambiance. The Courtyard looks out over the hilltops to the wide ocean beyond, and at night the stars appear even brighter and more numerous from this lofty vantage. This is a sublime area for serving refreshments just before the ceremony.
The estate has many little grace notes, which you can experience by taking a leisurely stroll around the grounds. Bright pink oleander, roses and pots brimming with geraniums flank the house. Right next to the lawn a sundrenched mini-patio exists for the sole purpose of savoring the panorama that stretches all the way to Catalina. On nights when the moon hangs low and full over the hills, your ocean reception is suffused with a soft glow.
A winding path of flagstone steps descends a sloping hillside to the ceremony site—a circle of manicured lawn with a border of dahlias, daylilies, and other multicolored blooms. At one end of the lawn is a simple white gazebo, and with nothing around you but rolling hills and a sweep of coastline, this is a spiritual spot for exchanging vows.
The setting at Rancho Chiquita is an exceptional one, and thanks to owner Geraldine Gilliland the food is equally enticing. She’s an award-winning restaurateur, caterer, party planner, cookbook author and teacher. Her cooking school has been featured in Fine Cooking Magazine, the Los Angeles Times and Bon Appetit, the latter having named her one of the top six chefs in the United States. Many of the dishes Gilliland prepares take advantage of fresh handpicked fruit from orchards on the property. Another noteworthy thing about Gerri is that she’s a lover of animals, and donates proceeds from the site fee to many organizations that help abused animals
Rancho Chiquita is a place set apart. Sites like this are few and far between, so we don’t think you’ll mind making the scenic journey up the canyon to get here. The short trip is more than worth it.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 |
Max. Seated Indoors: Max. Seated Outdoors: 250 Max. Standing Indoors: Max. Standing Outdoors: 250 |
Max. Seated: 250 |
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Fees & Deposits
The rental fee starts at $5,000 and varies according to guest count and type of function. 50% of the rental fee is a nonrefundable rental deposit, and is required to confirm your reservation. A $3,000 refundable security deposit and the rental balance are due 120 days prior to the event. You must secure valet parking services and/or shuttle guests. Note that security staff is required and a permit may be required for music and tenting.
You must use the in-house caterer; a 50% food and beverage deposit is due upon signing the contract. The balance is due 14 days prior to the event, and a final guest count is due 21 days before the event. Dinners start at $50/person; alcohol, tax and an 15% service charge are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily, until 10pm.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided by Gerri GillilandKitchen Facilities: through caterer Tables & Chairs: through caterer Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer Restrooms: CBA through caterer Dance Floor: through caterer Bride's & Groom's Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: no Parking: valet or shuttle Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: no Outdoor Night Lighting: limited Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQs, grills, ovens Cleanup: provided View: Pacific Ocean and mountains Other: event coordination; packages including cake, food, bar, rentals and security are avail. |
Musicw/ RestrictionsWheelchair AccessAccess LimitedSite ViewsLandscaped GroundsMountains Ocean/Bay Panoramic Site TypePrivate HomeBanquet/Events Facility Garden Private Estate RestrictionsAlcohol: providedSmoking: designated areas only Music: restricted, call for details Wheelchair Access: limited, call for details Insurance: extra liability required Other: no rice or confetti |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
310/456-7429
www.ranchochiquita.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Rancho Chiquita
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