Perched high above the River Valley within the coveted, guard-gated community of Fairbanks Ranch, sits this Rancho Santa Fe Italian Villa: 16864 Circa Del Norte. Designed by acclaimed architect Allard Jansen and built to exacting standards by Oakhurst Builders, this home exudes quality and craftsmanship seldom found today.

From the hand-cut Italian limestone exterior and exquisite 11-foot-tall entry doors flanked by sconces from a carriage house in Italy, to the hand-dyed hardwood floors and custom-crafted doors and windows, each space in this special Rancho Santa Fe Italian Villa has been thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed.

In addition to captivating panoramic views, this stunning Rancho Santa Fe Italian Villa offers 6800 square feet of luxurious living space, including 4 bedroom suites, library, office, gym and 5.5 baths. Entertain guests in the formal living room with lovely ceiling detail and custom wood doors leading to the inviting front patio. A two-sided hand-carved marble fireplace is shared with the adjacent library, which boasts shelving to the ceiling.

Host intimate parties in the formal dining room with its charming fireplace clad in hand-thrown tile by local artisan Laird Plumleigh, and French doors leading to a private garden and patio designed by landscape architect Michael Theilacker.  A delightful fountain featuring the Green Man, mythical lord of gardens and forests, is the centerpiece of this inviting outdoor space.

Any chef will appreciate the gourmet kitchen by Design Studio West of La Jolla. This well-appointed space boasts vintage one-of-a-kind light fixtures, custom cabinetry, honed granite counter tops and top-of-the-line European appliances including three dishwashers and three ovens.

The kitchen is open to an inviting breakfast nook and spacious family room with distinctive wood beams, custom-designed fireplace, wet-bar and numerous doors and windows bringing the outside in. An interior tower leads into the main floor master bedroom with stunning views, an attached gym and a spa-like master bath with custom light fixtures crafted exclusively for this property by Gibson Lighting.

Just outside, the contents of the stunning vanishing-edge pool appears to flow over the promontory’s ridge. Trellis-covered patios offer expansive areas for lounging or entertaining, and the lush, mature landscaping — most of which is drought-tolerant – adds to the feeling that you’re ensconced in the Italian countryside.

Nearby, a truly unique detached stone tower, built to maximize the breathtaking views, boasts a temperature-controlled wine cellar below, a covered loggia with stone fireplace, and an executive office above, with custom built-ins, a bar with refrigerator, and a balcony affording the best views around. With such an incredible location, unbeatable views and an immaculate interior, this Rancho Santa Fe Italian Villa is truly a unique residence and a perfect place to call home.