New Beginnging for an Old Oasis in Julian
Butterfield Ranch Resort Reopens Under New Ownership
By Jim Evans

Butterfield Ranch has ammenities such as a lounge, pool and air strip to entice travelers to its door.

Dave Grice enjoys a challenge, and he certainly found one when he purchased the old Butterfield Ranch in Julian.

Grice, a third-generation builder who emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States in 1985, specializes in residential and commercial renovations. Ramona residents may be familiar with his recent renovation of the Mussey Grade Village.

"The property was closed and neglected for several years," explained Grice of Butterfield Ranch.

"Most of the landscaping was badly damaged by the lack of irrigation, and many of the buildings and amenities were vandalized, so we are in the process of renovating everything and initiated an on-going maintenance program."

The "we" Grice refers to is his wife and business partner, Linda, former general manager at Riviera Oaks Resort in Ramona's Country Estates. Linda has been working with him on the project for the past 12 months.

The Butterfield Ranch Resort is an 87-acre high desert mobile home, RV resort and campground located at the edge of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on the historic route used by the Butterfield Overland Stage Route (S2) on the outskirts of Julian, less than 30 miles from Borrego Springs.

Dave Grice (pictured) and his wife Linda have been working on the Ranch for the last 12 months. Photos by Jim EvAns

The property is a virtual oasis in the middle of the desert with its mature trees and green foliage visible for miles in every direction.

The ranch was built in the early 1970s and was a popular family park and seasonal destination for snowbirds. Many residents of Julian and San Diego also maintained second homes on site. There are 251 RV spaces, 51 single-wide permanent spaces, and 20 double-wide permanent spaces.

"There is even storage space for owners who need a place to store their RVs," Grice explained. The campground is open year-round with no membership fees, he added.

Pull-thru RV sites, tent camping, full RV hook-ups and mobile home spaces are just some of the amenities offered. On site are two large clubhouses - each equipped with a fireplace, large screen TV and pool table - three large swimming pools; two spas; laundry facilities; children's playground; barbecue areas; multiple showers and restrooms; meeting room; convenience store; and horse corrals with shade covers; among others.

The ranch also has an eclectic collection of antique wagons and farm implements reminiscent of the old stagecoach days, and there is even a unique private landing strip - more than 3,700 feet long - for private planes and gliders.

Perhaps in response to a previous fire years ago due to arson that burned much of the old restaurant, Grice has gone the extra mile by purchasing his own fire truck complete with a 500-gallon tank as a safeguard, and the property has its own well.

The resort is spacious enough to host large groups including churches, motorcycle clubs, equestrian clubs, car clubs, class reunions, off-road vehicles, hikers, dog shows, aviation clubs, rock hunters, naturalists and more. Even paintball players are welcome - there is a special area designated for them adjacent to the airstrip.

The newly renovated resort has already attracted countless visitors recalling how they used to come to the ranch with their families in previous years and pleased that the resort is being restored to its former glory.

The Butterfield Ranch Resort will host an official "re-grandopening" celebration soon, according to Grice. In the meantime, the resort is open to visitors, campers, RV owners, or prospective residents who might appreciate the serenity of living in a desert oasis with a host of amenities and a canopy of stars almost every night.

Plans also call for adding new, single- and double-wide mobile homes.

For further information about the Butterfield Ranch Resort, call 760-765-1463 or visit www.butterfieldresort.com.