Pass beyond a gated courtyard to enter a home that evokes the Spanish Colonial era in old California. Designed and built by Tim and Jeff Holcombe, this estate home’s architectural style was inspired by Lilian Rice, creator of residences in Rancho Santa Fe’s original Covenant village. Though constructed in 1990, the home has an aura of antiquity, capturing the best of both past and present.

Walking through the home, one has the feeling of having entered an enchanting maze.  “Around every corner is a delightful treat,” says listing agent Laura Barry. “This home takes advantage of exterior living with numerous outdoor dining areas, retreats, and indoor-outdoor living spaces.”

The estate, situated on four acres, has an asking price of $8.7 million. Amenities include 10,000 square feet of indoor living space, four detached casitas, 21 fireplaces, numerous private courtyards, a rock-lined pool with waterfall, tennis court, stables, organic vegetable garden, attached three-car garage, and a detached eight-car garage. Thick 18-inch walls of lathe and plaster keep the residence cool in summer and warm in winter, maximizing the best of Southern California living.

French doors open from a central living area onto an outdoor courtyard shaded by the oldest oak tree in the covenant. A series of arches crown a covered stone walkway reminiscent of centuries-old Spanish missions. Beehive fireplaces, flowering bougainvilleas, and an outdoor kitchen enhance this outdoor paradise.

The adjacent indoor-outdoor living area features a massive fireplace and beamed ceiling with rustic corbels similar to those found in Montecito. A blacksmith’s bellows serves as a table alongside timeless rattan furnishings; iron sconces and a mission-style bell in an adjoining alcove add to the Spanish colonial theme. A rug in an early California motif and Mexican paver flooring set a palette of earth hues including eucalyptus green, cream, and rusty terracotta hues.

A wood ceiling in herringbone pattern crowns the adjoining dining room, where a massive chandelier illuminates a long rustic table and tapestry wall hanging. Doors open to a side courtyard with fireplace and Mexican Equipale chairs of cedar strips and leather, creating an idyllic spot for cocktails on a chilly fall or winter’s eve. Mexican folk art, including religious pieces salvaged from old churches, adorn the entry to a wine cellar beyond.

Another courtyard features a rock-lined reflecting pool 13 feet deep, complete with a waterfall and grotto. Step inside to enter the home’s main living room crowned by massive handcrafted beams. Furnishings include a mix of custom and antique pieces including studded leather armchairs, gold sofas, an ornately inlaid table, grandfather clock, and a grand piano.

Step around a corner to discover one of this home’s many surprises — a gentleman’s sports bar in solid mahogany with intricate cloverleaf detailing. Pewter mugs and antique sailing artwork set a masculine tone — along with five plasma television screens.

A separate media room has a movie screen concealed by artwork depicting a Pony Express rider, with audio-video equipment hidden in a wood beam. An adjacent party kitchen opens onto an outdoor dining room with more Equipale chairs and colorful rooster planters.

White beadboard cabinets and an island topped by a butcher block add a vintage feeling to the home’s kitchen, which opens onto an herb garden redolent with the fragrances of thyme, basil, and rosemary. An adjacent family room features yet another fireplace, rustic antique hutch, old pottery, and leather couch. This wing of the home also has laundry facilities and a small office with a garden view.

Pass down a hall to discover yet another hidden courtyard — this one with a private lap pool. Beyond rests a library with antique leather-bound books tucked into plaster niches; Tiffany lamps and a fireside sofa make this a perfect spot to read a bedtime story to children.

A master sleeping chamber features a four-poster bed carved with acanthus leaves and a cathedral ceiling above. His and her baths complete with tiled shower alcove and elevated tub open onto a private spa patio.

A children’s wing features boys’ and girls’ rooms — each with private fireplaces — as well as a bonus playroom. The children’s rooms have many delightful elements, such as closet doors painted to resemble stable doors with horses peeking out. The children’s areas open onto an enclosed courtyard with fountain and grassy play area.

You could spend days back here,” says Barry, strolling from the children’s courtyard into a larger outdoor space beyond. Old olive trees, and towering eucalyptus and trumpet vines provide privacy, shutting out the outside world.  “If you look up in the backyard, it feels like you are in Balboa Park,” says Barry, adding that turning on outdoor illumination for the mature landscaping is “like lighting a piece of art.”

Four detached casitas serve as guest homes, each with its own fireplace, windows seats, and an abundance of charm. One opens onto a rose-cutting garden — another beautiful find.

Nearing the end of our visit, we pass through a walled courtyard leading to a wide wooden gate. “In the old days, one would bring a wagon inside, stable the horses, and a home like this would become like a fort,” Barry observes. A gentle breeze rustled leaves of the ancient oak nearby, a reminder of an era long past and a rich heritage beautifully recreated and preserved in this special haven. (858/756-2266, www.retreatestate.com)   MIRIAM RAFTERY