LOCKWOOD'S RANCH

About the Space

Lockwood’s Ranch is a historic mountain retreat offering approximately 640 acres of extraordinary natural beauty, privacy, and authentic California ranch character. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and bordered by the Los Padres National Forest, the property provides a one-of-a-kind setting for private events, weddings, corporate retreats, family celebrations, film and photography productions, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. The history of Lockwood’s Ranch dates back to the 1860s, when Bernard Lockwood and his wife traveled west from New York during the Gold Rush era in search of opportunity. The original homestead remains an important part of the property, preserving more than 160 years of California history and giving guests the rare opportunity to gather at a genuine historic ranch. In the 1930s, acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Dalton Trumbo purchased the property, then known as the Lazy T Ranch. Trumbo and his family substantially expanded the historic ranch house during the 1940s, and the property became his private home, creative retreat, and writing sanctuary. Dalton Trumbo became one of the most celebrated and influential writers in Hollywood history. His remarkable body of work includes Spartacus, Roman Holiday, Exodus, Papillon, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Kitty Foyle, A Guy Named Joe, The Brave One, and Johnny Got His Gun. His story, including his fight against the Hollywood blacklist, was later portrayed in the award-winning motion picture Trumbo. Lockwood Valley and the surrounding mountain communities also have a rich motion-picture history. Productions filmed throughout the area include The Love Bug, Easy Rider, Thelma & Louise, Planet of the Apes, Van Helsing, The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, Deep Impact, City of Angels, Poetic Justice, Toys, and episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, Criminal Minds, JAG, Bonanza, The Waltons, and other well-known television programs. Today, Lockwood’s Ranch continues that creative tradition by offering an exceptional setting for feature films, television productions, commercials, music videos, photo shoots, branded content, interviews, and private productions. Its historic structures, open meadows, mountain backdrops, rustic roads, lake, ranch facilities, and undeveloped landscapes provide filmmakers with numerous distinctive settings in one private location. The central event area includes a spacious concrete gathering area, outdoor stage, covered pavilion, dining and entertainment areas, and room for vendors, live music, presentations, and customized activity stations. The flexible layout can accommodate intimate gatherings as well as larger private, corporate, and community events. Optional ranch experiences may include guided ATV and UTV excursions, horseback riding, archery, axe throwing, clay shooting, supervised pistol and rifle activities, hiking, nature walks, lakefront activities, and customized team-building experiences. All activities are subject to availability, advance approval, age restrictions, supervision requirements, and additional fees. Lockwood’s Ranch is well suited for weddings, milestone celebrations, birthday parties, reunions, company retreats, leadership conferences, church gatherings, workshops, networking events, festivals, filming, photography, and private outdoor experiences. Food vendors, catered meals, live entertainment, equipment rentals, and customized event layouts may be arranged with prior approval.