The symbol of the Quail is treasured by the owners of Quail Ranch. As a member of the Native American tribe the Isleta Pueblo, owner Joanne emphasizes the Quail as a symbol of strength and family and remaining close to Mother Earth. The owner Gary as a Scot believes the Quail to be a symbol of protection and inspiration. The Quail continue to thrive at the site of Quail Ranch and stand as an inspiration of love, family and endurance.
A Historic California Ranch
Quail Ranch and the surrounding area were part of a Spanish land grant given to Santiago de la Cruz Pico by the King of Spain in 1795. Pico named the land El Rancho Simi. Being close to the San Fernando Mission, El Rancho Simi served the population traveling to and from the Santa Barbara Mission and to nearby El Pueblo de Los Angeles during the California Mission era. In 1833, the Pico family sold the land to Don Jose de la Guerra, a prominent figure in the days of early California who imported cattle and continued to farm the area. The town of Simi was soon established. Robert P. Strathearn, originally from Scotland, purchased a part of El Rancho Simi and built his Victorian style home on the property in 1892. The Strathearn Family established the successful Strathearn Ranch which covered much of west Simi Valley and parts of Moorpark. Cattle ran on the surrounding hills and farms and ranches were established. By the 1920’s, Simi was a valley of orange groves, apricots and walnuts.
David Strathearn, the youngest son of R.P. Strathearn, served in the Army during WWI touring in Europe. He later returned home to marry and in 1933 built the Strathearn Ranch House on modern day Quail Ranch. He incorporated many of the images he saw in Europe into the interior design of the house. The hills were planted with citrus and flourished. The Ranch House was a special place where family and friends would gather and where the community could celebrate. David Strathearn’s youngest son would also live at the Ranch House where he and his lovely wife raised their family.
After the children were grown, the Ranch House was sold to neighboring landowners, the Seaton Family. The Seaton Family, of Scottish and Native American descent, named the property Quail Ranch. They assembled the acreage and replanted the orchards that are now thriving on the hillsides. Gary and Joanne Seaton continue to farm the land and live at the Ranch House where they have raised their children.
