Rancho Santa Fe community leaders shape tradition and progress

Stop in at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, and you’ll likely see its new managing director, Andrew Archibald, bustling about, engaging with out-of-town guests, locals, and staff. A native of Australia, Archibald brings a wealth of experience and an impressive resume from his 20 years in the hospitality industry: The Ritz in London, The Carlyle and Mandarin Oriental in New York, Meadowood in Napa Valley, and the Rosewood Bermuda.

Now, he’s relishing his new role at The Inn, considered the centerpiece of the Ranch ever since it opened more than 100 years ago. “I’m a big believer in community,” he says, “I’m excited to become more involved in the community, both personally and professionally.”  That means re-connecting with Roger Rowe School, The Rancho Santa Fe Association, local businesses, and civic groups. “I want to be approachable and learn how we can continue to be an asset for the community,” he adds.

Archibald is also fascinated with Rancho Santa Fe’s rich history, remarking that its ubiquitous eucalyptus trees, like him, have roots in Australia. The Santa Fe Land Improvement Company, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, had planted the trees to provide wood for railroad ties and fences, but after drought and frost proved the trees unsuitable, it was on to Plan B — creating a new community for gentleman ranchers. Architect Lilian J. Rice set about designing the new village, beginning with La Morada, a guest house for prospective buyers, which later became known as The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

The hotelier is grateful for his long career in hospitality. “It’s allowed me to build a network of people around the globe,” he reflects. “I’ve gotten to see parts of the world that very few people get to see.” Born and raised in the town of Scone, not known for making pastries as its name might suggest, but for raising and breeding horses and polo ponies, his family had a newspaper shop, a Blockbuster video store, and a pizza place. Although close to his family, Archibald made the decision to leave home and travel the world.

He worked his way up from barman, barista, and night manager to top positions at famed hotels. “Every destination has taught me something different,” he says. At The Ritz in London, for example, he learned the traditions of hospitality and the importance of punctuality when responding to guests and staff, and that “You never say ‘no’ to a guest.”

At the Mandarin Oriental in New York, he learned “how to provide an elevated experience for everyone who already has everything under the sun.” That, he found out, was creating “the luxury of time” for busy guests by anticipating their needs — ordering daily breakfasts in advance, for instance, or making sure they don’t have to wait for luggage, cabs, or rental cars. It was at the Mandarin that he met his wife, Cristina. “She also had travelled the world, so we were naturally drawn into each other’s orbits by a passion for travel, caring for people, and discovering new adventures,” he says.

At Napa Valley’s Meadowood, Archibald learned about community. “What Meadowood did for the community created a sense of belonging,” he recalls. “It was such a strong bond that residents felt like it was home.” It was also a two-way street. During vacation times, when the weather was warm, the resort had plenty of out-of-town visitors, but it relied heavily on locals during off-peak times.

Even so, the hospitality industry can be challenging, including often working long hours, weekends, and holidays. So, what does he like about it? “It’s one of the few industries where you can create memories for people,” he quickly responds. “You have the ability to create lifelong experiences. They may not remember me or the staff, but they might say to their husband or wife: ‘Remember that time we went to…?’ It is so rewarding to enrich peoples’ lives. If I can make one guest happy, that outweighs all the rest. And I love meeting people, helping them bring out the best in themselves.”

The Inn has added “Date Night Tuesdays” at Lilian’s and live music on Thursday nights in Bing’s Bar where sushi is now on the menu. A new menu at the café is in the works, and baristas now serve coffee from Caffè Vergnano, the famed Italian coffee company known for its espressos that dates to 1882. A percentage of sales benefits “Women in Coffee,” Vergnano’s social sustainability initiative to support women working on small coffee plantations. 

But don’t expect too many changes at The Inn, he says, mindful of its storied past. “The community and The Inn have a hundred years of history. They have a soul. We lose part of history with every generation. The challenge is to tell the story of Rancho Santa Fe for years to come.” theinnatrsf.com 

Chances are high that if you visit The Country Friends Consignment Shop on El Tordo, arguably the oldest retail store in Rancho Santa Fe, you’ll be sure to find a treasure, or see someone you know. Ever since it opened its doors, the shop has been a community gathering place, a “home” for dedicated volunteers, and a source for new or gently used furniture, home accessories, holiday décor, crystal, and art.

The shop was founded in 1954 by The Country Friends, the philanthropic organization now led by President Janean Stripe, which raises funds through shop sales and fundraisers to benefit San Diego-based nonprofits with emphasis on those providing services to women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities.

Consignment Manager Yvette Letourneau, who also serves as The Country Friends executive director, is known for her bright smile and bubbly personality. She has headed up the shop for 15 years, following in the footsteps of the late, beloved Jean Newman.

The shop’s biggest sale was an entire suite of furniture for $20,000, Letourneau recalls. Another customer paid $18,000 for a huge collection of Herend, fine Hungarian porcelain famous for figurines, dinnerware, and decorative pieces. But one of the most unusual items was a six-foot-long model of the SS President Cleveland, the ship originally ordered in 1944 to serve in the Navy, but instead sailed the world as a passenger liner. After researching its provenance, the new owners realized the vessel’s importance and donated the model to the Alameda Naval Air Museum where the ship was built.

“The people are wonderful and the pieces they acquire are interesting and unusual,” says Rancho Santa Fe resident Donna Wannop, both a customer and consigner. “Many are finds that you won’t find anywhere else.”

The shop is staffed by volunteers, several who have served for decades including 40-year veteran Valerie Weaver, Sharon Ferges, and Sharon Mauro. “The vibe here is so beautiful,” says Lynda Costa, a former critical care nurse, who has been volunteering for nine years. “You walk in the door and you’re home. Yvette likes to shine her light on volunteers. I’ve met more friends here — it’s a beautiful group of people.”

Letourneau firmly believes the shop, which she refers to as “she,” has a distinctive personality. “She is generous and always welcoming. She attracts some of the best human beings. She has great stories, but she keeps your secrets,” says Letourneau. “She has the best time with you, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. And she loves being so important to so many people. She’s amazing.” 

Shop proceeds from sales are split 50/50 between the consignor and The Country Friends. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 858.756.1192, thecountryfriends.org

Ryan Garrett is bringing art to Rancho Santa Fe and to venues around San Diego County. She recently founded RCG Art Advisory in the village, an intimate space with small rotating exhibits, and is planning more pop-up art shows in the Ranch and in La Jolla. An event last spring on Paseo Delicias, for example, featured works by top artists, as well as wine and charcuterie.

Garrett says the art world is changing and that her company offers a “dynamic alternative to the traditional gallery model.” Rather than relying on fixed gallery spaces, RCG curates large, museum-quality exhibitions in high-end homes, luxury hotels, and cultural venues. Garrett and her colleague Laura Martin, both with extensive backgrounds in the art industry, offer access to an exclusive network of artwork around the globe including visits to studios, galleries, and art fairs, as well as advisory services and appraisals. Their goal is “to educate and empower clients to make the right acquisitions at the right time with artwork that is visually and historically significant,” says Garrett.

On September 27, RCG Art Advisory presents The Presence in Paint, a curated exhibition of emerging artists at a private home in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood. It will culminate with an event in partnership with the nonprofit Park Horse Project, which provides equine-assisted therapy for those with Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, and other health challenges. A portion of art sales will benefit the project. Connect with the gallery directly for more information or to RSVP. 619.999.6677, rcgartadvisory.com