Oak

Actor Peter Strauss restored a California ranch he bought in 1976; it later became a public recreation area hosting concerts beneath oak trees

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Peter Strauss Ranch evolved from automotive engineer Harry Miller’s private retreat into the Lake Enchanto amusement destination, then returned to residential use under actor Peter Strauss. Now part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, its historic structures and natural setting host visitors and cultural events. (Wikimedia Commons)

Large oaks shade a California ranch where visitors gather for outdoor music performances. Peter Strauss Ranch is now part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, but its history spans several generations and uses. It began as a private retreat, developed into a recreational destination, and later returned to residential use before becoming public … Read more

In 2018, Ron Burkle bought Bob Hope’s 5-acre Los Angeles estate for $15 million; after restoring it while preserving Hope’s oak library and golf hole, he sold it for $26 million in 2023

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In 2018, Ron Burkle bought Bob Hope's 5-acre Los Angeles estate for $15 million; after restoring it while preserving Hope's oak library and golf hole, he sold it for $26 million in 2023

An iconic piece of Hollywood history in Los Angeles has changed hands for $26 million (£20 million) after undergoing a sensitive multi-year restoration project. American businessman Ron Burkle acquired the sprawling five-acre Toluca Lake compound that once belonged to the legendary entertainer Bob Hope in 2018 for $15 million (£11.5 million). Following a meticulous restoration … Read more

In the 1940s, Seabiscuit retired to a California ranch; decades later its redwoods, oak woodlands and wetlands became a conservation priority

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In the 1940s, Seabiscuit retired to a California ranch; decades later its redwoods, oak woodlands and wetlands became a conservation priority

​George Woolf on Seabiscuit (Image: Wikipedia) For years, Ridgewood Ranch in Mendocino County, California, was known primarily as the place where Seabiscuit, one of America’s most famous racehorses, spent his retirement. After a remarkable racing career, the champion arrived at the ranch in 1940, where he lived until his death in 1947. But the property’s … Read more

79-year-old UK grandmother refuses to sell part of her garden for $60m road project to protect a 500-year-old oak tree and local wildlife

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79-year-old UK grandmother refuses to sell part of her garden for $60m road project to protect a 500-year-old oak tree and local wildlife

A 79-year-old grandmother in Herefordshire, UK, is refusing to sell part of her garden for a major road project that could bring a 60mph route close to her home. Jean Harris, a retired school secretary and piano teacher, has point-blank refused to negotiate over the land needed for the proposed Southern Link Road, now being … Read more

AOC mocked for being ‘unprepared’ after ‘Venezuela is below the equator’ geography gaffe on world stage

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Cricket in L1

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezOak) faced a backlash on social media after Germany criticized Donald Trump for incorrectly stating that Venezuela was “below the equator” during a foreign policy discussion. AOC faced backlash for incorrectly stating during a discussion in Germany that Venezuela was below the equator. Alex Krause/Bloomberg (Bloomberg) Read more: Will AOC run for President … Read more