In 1968, the Occidental Petroleum Company purchased a large portion of the lands owned by the Rees T. Jenkins Land & Livestock Company. On the west side of the Madeline Plains, they subdivided thousands of acres into 20-acre parcels they named Moon Valley Ranch. The first unit was recorded on July 12, 1968. The Company’s advertising of the region made it too good to be true. “Now you get it all at Moon Valley Ranch: prime recreation land, within 4 miles of a 2,500 acre lake, in Northern California, the next recreational capital of the West and profitable investment property almost certain to appreciate as California’s recreation-hungry population continues to explode . . .And what a price now you can buy 20-acre parcels for less than $199 an acre–$150 down, $29 monthly.” Their portfolio expands on all the nearby wonderful recreational areas, such as skiing and golfing at Westwood, though they did not mention that Westwood was some seventy miles away. Also they did not disclose the fact that the golf course at Westwood was only proposed. The Company was correct in their advertisement that is was “The magnificent, away-from-it-all Moon Valley Ranch” to “land-that-time-forgot.” Moon Valley Ranch is a perfect example why there are disclosure laws in the real estate industry today. Numerous folks still invest in that property, purchasing parcels site unseen, only to realize that they bought a lot on a sagebrush plain or a rocky hillside covered with juniper trees.
Interesting to know the background! I had suspicions ? Around 30 years ago we bought a 20 acre parcel from one our clients who needed the extra cash to purchase a home in the SF Bay Area. A supposed win-win with a land investment. I see they seem to be going for more than we paid for it, but still nothing happening to it. How can I find our parcel to see if more than rattlesnakes are squatting on it! I’ve tried google maps, etc. but no luck. We did see it way back when, and thought to visit it next week while in the area.
Curious to know if you’ve done anything with the land or gone to visit?
We are currently building out our property at Moon Valley! Do you have plans to build or sell? Heck, we could be buyers!
I recently purchased property in Moon Valley.
How’s your build going, made progress?
The land is beautiful. I recently purchased 21.5 acres and i imagine it looks like it did in 1968.
If you want to locate your land download an app called Landglide. I was able to download it, text, and make calls at my property. Usually offer a free 7 day trial and its $99 a year if you keep the app. As you move a blue dot is you moving on the map, found my borders, four corners etc