History of Westlake Village

Settled snugly in the northern foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains in western Los Angeles County, crossing over into Ventura County, Westlake Village is nine miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 38 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. 

About 3,000 years ago, Chumash Indians moved into the region and lived by hunting game, gathering grains and acorns. On-going excavations, archaeological sites, and polychrome rock paintings in the area provide a glimpse into the social and economic complexity of the ancient Chumash world.

In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries traveling north on the route that became known as the El Camino Real. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition wrote: "We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water."

When the Spanish finally did settle the area, they were given huge land grants, the largest of which was Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. When Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, California became a territory of Mexico, and a few more land grants were given.

When California was admitted into the union in 1850, most of the land that later became Ventura County was divided among only 19 families.  The picturesque future Westlake Village site among rising knolls, arroyos, and ancient oaks was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes.  In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching.

According to Patricia Allen, historian and family descendant, Andrew Russell beat the competition in buying the land by racing across 6,000 acres on a fifteen-minute trip in a buckboard and sealed the deal with a $20 gold piece. The price per acre was $2.50!  

The area continued to be known as the Russell Ranch although it was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson.  The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue its successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast acreage as a movie ranch.  Many movies and television shows were filmed here including "Robin Hood," "King Rat," "Laredo," and various episodes of "Tarzan," "Buck Rogers," "Gunsmoke," and "Bonanza." 

In 1963, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000 acre ranch for $32 million and in partnership commissioned the preparation of a master plan for a "city in the country." Prominent architects, engineers and land planners participated in designing a unique, integrated community that has become a nationally acclaimed model for the planned community concept.  "The city in the country" was named Westlake Village and soon became recognized as one of America's most successful suburbs and finest areas to live, work and raise a family.

Today, a population of close to 8,900 reside within this beautiful, natural environment of award-winning neighborhoods, thriving businesses and enviable lifestyles.  The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angles and Ventura County line.  The wisdom of the master planners in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the area is evident today in the consistent growth and vitality of Westlake Village.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Westlake Village, please call Tamara at 805-750-6577.