Descanso Real Estate

Welcome to Descanso, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Diego County, California. This charming city offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, making it the perfect place to call home for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Descanso is known for its stunning landscapes, with rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque meadows stretching as far as the eye can see. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of recreational opportunities available, from hiking and mountain biking on the numerous trails to birdwatching and picnicking in the local parks.

The community of Descanso is tight-knit and welcoming, with a strong sense of pride in its rich history and heritage. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life here, where neighbors are more like family and the simple pleasures of small-town living abound.

With its convenient location just a short drive from the vibrant city of San Diego, Descanso offers the best of both worlds – a peaceful retreat in nature with easy access to urban amenities. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a permanent residence, Descanso has something for everyone.

Come and discover the beauty and tranquility of Descanso – where every day feels like a vacation in paradise.

Newest Listings in Descanso

$249,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PTP2605829 MLS ⋅ Active Status

This is a Forest Service Recreational cabin. You cannot use as a primary residence. If you are looking for that long term recreational cabin, this is it. Set up more as a home than a cabin, this home features a comfortable living room with a rock fireplace with insert, open kitchen, inside laundry and two bedrooms. You're going to love the wonderful patio with native rock walls and huge shading oak trees. Quiet area of the National Forest, walk to the post office and store, public library just around the corner.

9150 #13 Oak Grove Drive, Descanso

$699,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2605325 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Rare opportunity to own 9.84 acres in the peaceful mountain community of Descanso with 2 residences, sweeping mountain views, and privacy. The property features a 1,607 sqft 2-bedroom, 2.25-bath main residence plus an approx. 592 sqft manufactured home, creating added flexibility. The main home features vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and abundant natural light that bring the surrounding mountain views indoors. An enclosed sunroom provides additional space to relax, work, entertain, or simply enjoy the surrounding scenery year-round. A looped driveway provides convenient access to both residences, with additional parking areas for vehicles, recreational equipment, or guests. The property's mature oak trees and scenic mountain beauty make Descanso such a special place to call home. Property includes a private well with storage tank, septic system, propane service, and SDG&E utilities.

12350 Yucca Road, Descanso

$3,200,000

4 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 260016959SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to La Marquesa, an extraordinary private lakefront estate where timeless elegance meets peaceful mountain living. Nestled on over 7 serene acres beneath majestic oaks and pines, this 7,117 sq. ft. masterpiece is one of only two residences privileged with access to a private, stocked lake. Every season paints a breathtaking backdrop from expansive view decks on every level, overlooking tranquil waters and natural beauty. Inside, discover four magnificent bedroom suites, each with its own ensuite bath, plus two and a half additional baths. The grand great room showcases a stunning fireplace and rich English-style pub, creating an unforgettable setting for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, a center island, 8-burner Viking range/oven, stainless appliances, expansive white cabinetry and Travertine flooring. Special thought went into this home's decor from the Chevron design on the main level tiling, to the circular staircase boasting a grand crystal chandelier. Multiple HVAC systems provide year-round comfort, while just 35 miles from downtown San Diego, you'll find a lifestyle where luxury, privacy, and nature exist in perfect harmony.

26440 Old Highway, Descanso

$299,000

PTP2605219 MLS ⋅ Active Status

27 acres bordering Cleveland National Forest. Drilled well. Huge oaks. Secluded, quiet, close to riding and hiking trails. Perfect for weekend getaway of homesite. First time on market in over 50 years!

9779 Deer Valley Trail, Descanso

$1,300,000

3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 260015479SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to your dream country retreat in the heart of Descanso! Newly built in 2025, this stunning single story custom home offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and sits on an expansive 3.84 acre parcel, blending modern luxury with peaceful rural living. Thoughtfully designed, each spacious bedroom features its own private en-suite bathroom, providing comfort and privacy for family and guests alike. Step inside to discover beautiful finishes throughout, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open concept floor plan perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a true showpiece, featuring high end appliances, custom cabinetry, premium countertops, and an oversized island that serves as the heart of the home. Enjoy energy efficiency and long term savings with owned solar panels,Tesla batteries for full off grid capabilities, while the sprawling acreage offers endless possibilities for horses, recreation, gardening, a workshop, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings. Whether you're relaxing on the patio, taking in the scenic views, or enjoying the tranquility of country living, this exceptional property delivers the perfect combination of luxury, functionality, and space. A rare opportunity to own a brand new home on nearly 4 acres in beautiful Descanso!

9452 Tecate Cypress Trail, Descanso

$589,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2603988 MLS ⋅ Active Status

New. New. New. There isn't much about this single-story, bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath plus den home that isn't new: new appliances, new soft-close kitchen cabinets, new flooring throughout, new kitchen and bathroom sinks, new countertops, new toilets, new vanities, new paint, new doors. At just over 1,000 square feet, this move-in-ready home sits on 0.6 acres in Guatay, CA — room for your toys, animals, garden, or simply relaxing under majestic oak trees with your favorite beverage. Easy I-8 access puts you close to everything, while the setting itself feels worlds away. Make it your primary residence, your retreat, or your work from home nest.

27544 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$295,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ NDP2604456 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Privacy and independence! Fully off-grid cabin nestled between great oaks and a year-round stream. Property has two APNs, over half an acre: space for homesteading, animals, and projects. Built in 2015 as 500 sqft with vaulted ceilings and a loft bedroom, permit application and construction started to expand to 725 sqft with 620 sqft of decking. Downstairs consists of two living/family rooms plus a bathroom with rock/tile shower and space for composting/cassette toilet. Indoor staircase under construction. Working outhouse, with septic design for the house approved and perc test complete. Powered by a 2.3 kw solar array, fully owned, with 16-battery bank; NO ELECTRIC BILL! Two more dedicated panels for water heater. 5,000 gal water tank, water delivery available, with scanning and research completed for drilling a well. Satellite internet installed (Viasat). Everything needed for rustic living already in place, with major progress toward modernizing. Seller had to stop mid-project for personal reasons, now yours to finish. All this independence doesn't mean being off the map, though. Just minutes from the I-8 freeway, from Descanso's dining, schools, feed store, and entertainment, hardware store in Guatay, groceries and library in Pine Valley. 2.5 miles to nearest fire station. 25 mins to historic Julian, to fishing and kayaking on Lake Cuyamaca, and to views of the superblooms in Anza-Borrego State Park from Mt. Laguna. Property is priced to sell, comes with all plans for septic, well, and finishing construction, some permit fees already paid.

26779 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$2,825,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 260010615SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Most homes greet you at a front door. This one greets you in a courtyard — mature trees overhead, a wood-burning fireplace, the soft movement of water — and asks you to slow down before you’ve even arrived. This is a property designed with intention — where every detail, from the locally sourced wood beams overhead to the alder-trimmed doors and walls of French doors, was chosen to create something that feels less like a house and more like a state of mind. Light moves through the space differently here. So does time. The heart of the home is a chef’s kitchen that flows seamlessly into living, dining, and outdoor spaces — appointed with a walk-in butler’s pantry, and anchored by a handcrafted staircase that connects the home’s generous layout. Four fireplaces add warmth and character throughout. The first floor presents a formal living room, a full guest suite, a private office, and an indoor current pool — a rare amenity that transforms the daily ritual of movement into something genuinely restorative, regardless of the season. Beyond the residence, a detached workshop powered by a 600-amp commercial-grade meter stands ready for any creative or professional endeavor at the highest level. Oversized garages, open land, and thoughtful utility infrastructure support a property built not just for living, but for building something meaningful. The equestrian facilities are equally serious: three stables, two tack rooms, a lighted 100’ x 200’ arena, and a 60’ round pen — a complete, competition-ready setup on land near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and its 100+ miles of riding trail Thriving oaks, mature fruit trees, owned solar, and 8.56 private acres partly bordered by forest service land complete an estate that is as rare as it is refined. To live here is not simply to own a remarkable property. It is to inhabit a way of life that most people only imagine. Now entertaining offers between $2,825,000 and $2,900,000.

23835 Viejas Grade, Descanso

$2,250,000

NDP2603156 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Acquisition of this multi-unit commercial property requires the simultaneous purchase of the on-site restaurant, as both assets are held under common ownership. The property currently generates $59,000 in annual rent from three tenants. The restaurant — the fourth occupant — operates rent-free under current ownership, but carries an estimated market rent of $42,000 per year, placing potential Gross Scheduled Income at $101,000 annually. Since 2022, the owners have invested $152,000 in targeted capital improvements: $82,000 into the restaurant's outdoor party area, $24,000 upgrading tenant spaces, $18,000 renovating the on-site residence, and $28,000 enhancing parking (65 spots with plans to expand to 88, ADA in process). The property is predominantly zoned C36, with a minor boundary adjustment currently pending. The adjustment will exchange a small residential strip with the adjacent property for a comparable commercial parcel, resulting in uniform C36 zoning across the entire site. No existing structures or tenants are affected by the change. Strategically positioned along a high-traffic corridor serving popular destinations including Julian, Lake Cuyamaca, and Mount Laguna, the property benefits from consistent year-round visibility and limited direct competition in the immediate trade area. The restaurant draws a loyal, repeat clientele further supported by steady destination traffic passing through the region.

8306 Highway 79 Highway, Descanso

$145,000

PTP2601890 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Located in Descanso, this one-third acre parcel is ready for you to build your weekend getaway or primary home. With a paid water meter and utilities to the property, the gentle slope makes for a premium parcel to build on. It has two access points, one from Manzanita Lane and one from Oak Lane. Surrounded by mature oaks and pines, enjoy the peace and quiet of this pocket community called Descanso Park. Only three miles to Interstate 8, and another thirty-seven miles brings you to San Diego. Enjoy endless miles of hiking, biking, and riding from the southern trailhead to Cuyamaca State Park only a half mile away.

Oak Lane, Descanso

$109,900

PTP2404069 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Nice lots with Oak trees. City water available, power pole on property, perc tests have been done but will need to be updated. There are three separate parcels combining .63 of an acre. Quiet area close to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Arrowhead Trail, Descanso

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.