Council to Consider 32-Home Development at The Oaks

The San Juan Capistrano City Council is set to consider approving a 32-home development at the city of The Oaks, once owned by Joan Irvine Smith of those Irvines.

Located off Ortega Highway at 31000 Avenida Siega, the Oaks is currently a 20-acre horse jumping, training and breeding facility founded by Smith. 

Developer Davidson Communities of Del Mar plans to keep the equestrian facilities, although reducing their capacity in half to 50 horses.

“The center will continue to offer equestrian training and boarding. Some of the existing equestrian structures will be demolished and approximately 296 trees will be relocated on the site,” says a staff report in describing the project. “Three new structures are proposed within the equestrian facility, including an employee casita, ranch house and barn.”

The homes themselves are planned for lots at least 10,000 square feet. The design style evokes ranch-equestrian-farmhouse themes.

Davidson is the third builder to try to develop the property since Irvine put it on the market in 2011.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Capistrano.