Area description and history- Fairbanks Ranch has an interesting tradition and history. Theodore Reed, a movie director for the legendary screen idol Douglas Fairbanks Sr., discovered the area around 1920 and suggested that Fairbanks Sr. purchase the property for investment purposes. In 1924 Fairbanks and his actress wife Mary Pickford bought 800 acres with the intent of growing oranges. They planted several thousand citrus trees and acres of beans, tomatoes and grain to feed cattle that roamed the area. Fairbanks hired William Smart, a full time manager, to oversee the property and harvest over 300 acres of Valencia oranges.

In the early days a dam was constructed to capture the waters from the Lusardi Creek and still exists today as part of the extensive park-like grounds and lake. Fairbanks called the property "Rancho Zorro" (fox ranch) after his famous film role. His second wife, Lady Sylvia Ashly maintained the property as an orange grove until 1952 when it was sold.

Then in 1977, Ray Watt, a Santa Monica developer, was inspired by the exclusive ambience of the area. He purchased the property to develop a community of estates, calling it “Fairbanks Ranch”. Watt subdivided the 1240 acres into 618 sites and started sales in 1981. The amenities of Fairbanks Ranch include 40 acres of park-like grounds, a lakeside club house, paddleboats, a 17 acre equestrian center with a 27-stall barn, 3 miles of fenced horse trails, 5 tennis courts, miles of walking trails, a fitness par course, basketball and vollyball courts, picnic and barbecue areas, waterfalls, streams, fountains, and a children’s play structure, all within the secure environment of a gated community.