Water, Water, Water
Water flows easily at Koontz Ranch. A private well pumps approx 330 gallons per minute, filling a storage tank of 42,000 gallons. A shared neighborhood well, managed by Las Lomas Water System, can supply 100 gallons per minute, with storage for 42,000 gallons. The private domestic well can pump 25 gallons per minute with storage for 21,000 gallons. The ranch also owns a one-third interest in a neighboring inactive domestic well and water easements to another neighboring undeveloped well site.
Water is free except for electric costs. The entire ranch can be irrigated at one time with these water sources and large pumping capacity. The owner irrigation times typically include the low Time-Of-Use utility off-peak hours (Midnight - 6am) reducing his electric costs substantially.
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Residence
The 2393 sq ft, 3BR/2BTH residence is located on top of a plateau, with commanding mountain and valley views. The comfortable home has a large master bedroom, large living/family room, formal dining, library and large kitchen with double convection, microwave and warming ovens, and large subzero frig and freezer. The cement patio is an ideal outdoor setting to enjoy living and entertaining on top of the world.
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Grove Management
The owner/manager uses advanced but simple-to-use web based process control software to irrigate and fertilize the orchard. Sensors throughout the ranch measure soil moisture and "evapotranspiration" (ET) is measured onsite to 1/100th of an inch, with emails of ET sent to the owner and his agronomist daily. The irrigation schedule is primarily based on ET supplimented by soil moisture data and bi-weekly in-field soil core samples, and not a weekly or monthly schedule as is more commonly practiced. Using a laptop computer, the manager can irrigate and fertilize from anywhere on the ranch or in the world. (Please see attached write-up under Property Documents on the homepage).
The avocados are typically picked over a 3 - 4 month period according to size. The owners have had success in practicing girdling on the avocado trees to significantly increase fruit production. Extensive facilities are utilized for storage, batch control, mixing and injection of chemicals and multiple nutrient fertilizers into the irrigation water.
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Orchard & Income
Approximately 30 acres are planted with 55 mature trees per acre. Trees are pruned to maximize sun exposure and maintained to an optimum height for picking. (Please see financial sheet under Property Documents on the Homepage).
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Butler Building
A large butler building is the perfect ranch workshop and provides apartment like quarters for a permanent employee.
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Reservoir
Rain runoff is collected in a large reservoir. Water has been used to irrigate the ranch and also replenish the aquifer. Owners have built inlet and outlet to protect reservoir from erosion. The reservoir makes a great swimming hole and has concrete picnic tables and benches with provision for power and umbrellas at each round table.
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Solar Power
The residence is run primarily on solar power. Two large 12x16 foot solar sun tracking arrays put out approximately 3,000 watts on a sunny day. Generated power is stored in two large multi-cell steel encased storage batteries then two inverters convert the DC to AC utility power. System status is monitored and presented as another display in the web-based monitor and control system.
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Wind Power
A 1500-watt wind turbine on a 55-foot mast generates power from available wind. It serves to supplement the photovoltaic power.
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Fire Protection
Commercial fire hydrants attached to the large storage tanks protects the residence and other structures in case of fire. Rain bird and under-deck sprinklers also protect the residence. Fire hydrants are located at strategic ranch locations.
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Generators
The ranch includes two heavy-duty military/commercial grade diesel generators, including a 100 KW generator capable of powering the owner’s ag well and ranch utilities. The lights never go out and Koontz Ranch! The second generator used to power the domestic well produces 10 KW. The generators are located on owner easements on neighboring ranches and cannot be heard at the main residence.
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Location
Koontz Ranch is located at 7810 Bradley Rd in Somis CA, accessed via a 30-foot ranch owned entrance road with an additional 30-foot adjoining easement that creates a 60-foot road access.
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Additional Building Site
The owner’s architect designed a 4000 sq. ft. estate residence, a hilltop site was developed at the top of the property taking full advantage of spectacular 360-degree views. An expired permit from the County of Ventura exists for the un-developed residence, building site, road access and utilities.
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Property Tours
Be sure to visit our Google Earth map tour, plus video and photo tours at the right side of the home page. For a private tour call Paul Ward today at (805) 479-5004
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