Set against a picturesque stretch of Carmel Valley in California, Stonepine Estate is a world-class venue for weddings and events. Most notably, it’s home to Chateau Noel, a century-old French-inspired villa that’s served as the backdrop to numerous iconic celebrations across the years. But this exquisite architectural gem is only one half of what makes Stonepine Estate such a special destination for many. The other? Double H Ranch, which has played a significant role in the estate’s history from the very beginning.

For nearly a century, horses have been a constant part of life at Stonepine Estate. Spend even a moment here, and you're likely to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals. Perhaps you'll see them trotting along the groomed trails that wind through Carmel Valley’s most scenic landscapes. Maybe you’ll find them resting in the center’s spacious paddocks or going through their routines on the four-furlong practice track under the watchful eye of their riders. But how did horses come to be such a fundamental aspect of Stonepine’s identity?

A Storied History

It started back in the 1920s, when Helen Crocker Russell, heiress to the San Francisco-based Crocker banking family, and her husband Henry Potter Russell, built the estate, calling it Double H Ranch, after both of their names. To design their residence, the couple hired renowned architect F. Burrall Hoffman Jr., who was best known as the mastermind behind one of the most oft-visited attractions in Miami, Florida — the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a waterfront palace modeled on a centuries-old Italian villa and surrounded by 10 acres of formal gardens. Blending French and Italian architectural styles, the American architect dreamed up an exquisite hideaway for the Russells.

In addition to a stately red-roofed chateau (now known as Chateau Noel), the Russells also built a world-class equestrian center. Henry was, after all, an avid lover of horses, with a passion for raising thoroughbreds; he founded and became the first president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 1937. Under the Russells, Double H Ranch earned a reputation as “the finest thoroughbred breeding facility west of the Mississippi.” By championing horsemanship in the region, the couple set Stonepine Estate on a course that would influence its future for decades.

Notable Resident: Majestic Prince

Throughout the years, several champion horses called Double H Ranch home, the most notable of which was Majestic Prince — a champion American thoroughbred racehorse. (Majestic Prince’s powerful pedigree alone was the stuff of legend: He was the son of undefeated thoroughbred racehorse Raise a Native, who also sired Alydar, a “genetic wonder” and one of the fastest thoroughbreds in the world.) As you may expect with such an elite lineage, the swift-footed, chestnut-colored horse became a brilliant athlete and racing royalty in his own right.

Born in 1966, Majestic Prince was trained by legendary jockey-turned-trainer Johnny Longden. Undefeated in his first nine starts, he won the 1969 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes — narrowly beating his rival Arts and Letters both times. Unfortunately, a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes denied the colt from earning the coveted Triple Crown. Still, Majestic Prince remains one of the most iconic racehorses of the 20th century and was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1988.

Other notable racehorses, including Countess Nashville and Bolero Lady, also enjoyed stays at Double H Ranch. Today, the charming Paddock House cottage, located just steps from the equestrian center, pays homage to this part of the estate’s equestrian legacy. The New England-style house features several suites named after these famed racehorses of the 20th century.

A New Chapter

Double H Ranch began a new chapter in 1983 when Gordon and Noel Hentschel took charge of the estate and renamed it "Stonepine Estate” — a nod to the stone pine trees that dot the Carmel Valley’s lush hillsides.

Building on its legacy, Double H Ranch now operates as a full-service boarding and riding center, offering a wide range of amenities designed to meet the needs of both horse and rider. The facility features spacious box stalls and covered outdoor paddocks, ensuring all resident horses are safe and comfortable year-round. A covered round pen provides a sheltered space for training and exercise, and the four-furlong practice track gives riders ample room to condition their horses and build up their fitness and speed.

What’s more, the center also boasts specialized arenas tailored for different disciplines — like two jumping arenas, a dressage arena fitted with mirrors, and a Eurociser. If you’re not looking to refine your leg yield or practice with ground poles, there are plenty of more laid-back ways to bond with your horse on property. Miles of private, well-groomed trails will take you through lush forested fields and gradient hills — offering a quiet, serene space perfect for a leisurely ride.

When you’re not around, you can rest assured that your equine friend is in good hands. At Stonepine, live-in equestrian personnel make sure all residents are cared for, day in and day out. What’s more, Stonepine Estate will be offering guided trail rides and horse-drawn carriage experiences for our in-house guests in 2026. So, whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just an overall horse lover, you will find a warm and supportive environment at Stonepine Estate — continuing a legacy forged more than a century ago.

Looking to board your horse with us and become a part of Stonepine Estate’s storied legacy? Reach out and inquire about our full-service boarding and riding center here.