When Frank Vacek first set foot on Sable Ranch in the 1970s, nestled within the chaparral hills of the Angeles National Forest, he saw more than just a piece of land—he saw potential. A visionary who had fled Czechoslovakia decades earlier, Vacek had already found success by launching a camera shop in downtown Los Angeles. But Sable Ranch offered him the opportunity to leave an even larger mark on the entertainment industry.

Located just 30 miles north of Los Angeles in Santa Clarita, Vacek transformed the ranch into an Old West movie set, where Hollywood’s thirst for gunfights, cowboys, and cinematic backdrops could be quenched. Productions flocked to the ranch, and over the years, it became an iconic location, serving as the set for films and shows like “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “American Horror Story,” and most recently, “Oppenheimer.”

Today, Sable Ranch and its 400 acres of Hollywood history are up for sale at $35 million. It’s a rare opportunity to own a place that has become a part of Hollywood’s fabric.

A Legacy Rebuilt

Derek Hunt, Vacek’s grandson, inherited the ranch in 2020 after growing up on the property. Under his stewardship, Sable Ranch has continued to thrive as a prime filming location. Hunt even pushed for the creation of the Movie Ranch Overlay Zone in 2011, a designation that streamlines permitting and reduces costs for film productions in Santa Clarita. Thanks to this zoning, Sable Ranch offers an affordable, production-friendly alternative just outside the traffic-heavy gridlock of Los Angeles.

But not all has been smooth sailing. In 2016, the Sand Fire tore through the ranch, destroying Vacek’s original Old West town. Hunt, determined to preserve his grandfather’s legacy, stayed behind to help battle the flames and rebuild the set that has drawn so many filmmakers.

Hollywood’s Hidden Gem

Sable Ranch’s appeal isn’t just its history; it’s a logistical dream for production teams. The ranch sits within the Thirty Mile Zone (TMZ), where labor costs are lower for film crews working close to Los Angeles. It’s equipped with parking for 200 cars, catering space, a green-screen, and expansive open spaces.

Whether it’s for stunt-heavy productions like “Fear Factor” and “Wipeout,” or music videos like Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” Sable Ranch provides an ideal backdrop for just about any production need. The ranch has hosted everything from historical dramas to obstacle course game shows, showcasing its versatility and its value to the industry.

A Piece of Hollywood History on the Market

The ranch’s location, just far enough from Los Angeles to feel like an escape but close enough for easy access, has made it a staple for the industry for decades. Even before Vacek purchased it, stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Charlton Heston were drawn to the area in the 1950s to hone their horseback riding skills.

In recent years, productions like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Criminal Minds,” and “24” have utilized the ranch’s vast and varied landscapes. And in 2020, Harrison Ford commuted by helicopter to film “Call of the Wild” on the property.

Now, with Hunt living abroad and ready to pass the torch, Sable Ranch is looking for a new owner. “I want to make sure it has a future home and a legacy,” Hunt says. “Whether it becomes a family retreat or remains a movie studio, it’s a unique place. Where else can you say Harrison Ford flew his helicopter to work?”

A Rare Opportunity

Sable Ranch is more than just land—it’s a cornerstone of Hollywood history. From Old West gunfights to modern-day blockbusters, it has served as the canvas for countless stories. For filmmakers, the ranch offers a practical, picturesque location just a stone’s throw from Los Angeles. For potential buyers, it offers a piece of Hollywood’s past and future—a space that has stood the test of time and continues to attract the best in the business.

As it hits the market, Sable Ranch isn’t just a property—it’s a legacy waiting to be continued.