The peaceful and exclusive Hope Ranch community in Santa Barbara, known for its serene beauty and ocean views, became the site of an unimaginable tragedy.
Suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, the sprawling estate of famed “Tarzan” actor Ron Ely and his wife, former Miss Florida Valerie Lundeen, became the center of a tragic event.
A Disturbing 911 Call
On October 15, 2019, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Santa Barbara authorities were alerted to a domestic disturbance at the Ely estate.
Cameron Ely himself made the frantic 911 call, claiming that his father, Ron Ely, had attacked his mother.
When law enforcement arrived at the property, they found Ron, who was 81 years old at the time and disabled, safe within the home, but the body of Valerie was discovered inside, suffering from fatal stab wounds.
The home, once known for its large sunny patio and picturesque views, was suddenly the backdrop of a tragic event.
Deputies swiftly searched the expansive grounds of the estate in pursuit of Cameron, who, according to authorities, was hiding and posed a serious threat.
Despite the peaceful surroundings, the situation escalated into violence.
At 9:40 p.m., deputies confronted Cameron, and after a tense standoff, four officers opened fire, resulting in his death.
Video footage from the scene captured the moment of the shooting, and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department later confirmed that Cameron had been armed, making the situation all the more perilous.
Ron Ely, devastated by the events, was reported safe, but his life was forever altered.
By Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office had removed the bodies of both Valerie Lundeen and Cameron Ely from the property.
The Ely Family’s Legacy at Hope Ranch
This estate was more than just a residence; it symbolized Ron Ely’s successful career and dedication to family.
After gaining fame as “Tarzan” in the 1966 NBC series, Ron took on various opportunities, including hosting the Miss America pageant and starring in the 1975 film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.”
However, by 2001, he stepped away from acting to focus on raising his children and enjoying life at Hope Ranch with his wife of 35 years, Valerie.
Luxurious Features
The Ely family’s Hope Ranch estate features 6,355 square feet of luxurious living space on a 1.5-acre, south-facing parcel. This residence includes five bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy for family members and guests. High ceilings contribute to the grandeur, and the versatile floor plan has a ground-level primary suite and office in the west wing.
The east wing provides additional bedrooms with ocean views, ideal for hosting visitors.
Formal living and dining rooms, along with a family room and kitchen, anchor the heart of the home, all overlooking the expansive southern yard.
Outside, a custom 20×50 swimming pool with an attached jacuzzi and a tennis court finished in signature US Open blue and green enhance the property.
Additional amenities include a separate studio/pool house with its own entrance, a detached guest house with a living room and kitchenette, and a four-car finished garage with a gated motor court for privacy.
Hope Ranch residents also enjoy access to a private beach and the prestigious La Cumbre Country Club, creating a truly exclusive lifestyle.
Photos of Ron Ely’s Home
An aerial view of the expansive estate shows lush greenery, a tennis court, a large pool, and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean in the background.
The overhead view captures the sprawling layout of the property, highlighting the central pool, tennis court, and manicured gardens, all set in the heart of nature.
Reflecting the clear skies, bordered by a spacious patio and surrounded by tropical landscaping, the serene pool is perfect for relaxed outdoor living.
A side view of the pool, framed by green lawns and palm trees, showcases the nearby guest house and recreational area, including a basketball hoop.
The large glass doors lead from the main living areas out to the pool patio, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces ideal for entertaining.
Offering ample space for outdoor dining and lounging, with colorful flowers, the light-filled poolside patio adds charm to the clean architectural lines of the home.
From the tennis court, the house boasts its simple, elegant design surrounded by greenery and framed by distant hills.
The majestic mountains rise behind a calm lake in the distance, offering stunning natural scenery just moments from the estate.
Framed by towering palm trees and the home’s private gardens, the lush greenery surrounds the tennis court.
Welcoming guests with a sunlit interior, the cozy entrance to the guest house offers easy access to outdoor recreational spaces.
The exclusive private beach offers pristine sand and gentle waves, bordered by majestic palm trees and scenic cliffs.
Neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant landscaping line the entryway leading to the gated motor court for enhanced privacy.
The tall palm trees rise above the lush greenery, with a breathtaking view of the distant mountains and sparkling ocean beyond.
Revealing an untouched stretch of golden sand, the coastline shows the calm blue waters of the Pacific that meet the rugged cliffs.
A tranquil driveway, shaded by a canopy of trees, winds its way through the peaceful estate, offering both seclusion and beauty.
Luxurious Interiors
The bright living area features exposed wood beams, terracotta tile flooring, and a cozy brick fireplace, perfect for gathering.
Featuring a sleek black marble fireplace and built-in wooden shelves, the formal living space adds warmth and style.
The spacious kitchen is modern and airy, featuring stainless steel appliances, double ovens, and ample cabinetry.
This dining area feels light and open with clean lines and wood-style flooring, ready for everyday meals or special occasions.
A sunken living area with patterned tile accents and natural light pouring in from the windows creates an inviting space.
The mirrored walls and ballet barre make this fitness room a perfect spot for practicing dance or yoga.
Offering an expansive layout, the fitness studio allows for a range of workouts with large windows for natural light.
The sliding glass doors open to the pool, offering a direct view of the tennis court and lush garden spaces.
This sunlit room opens up to the pool area through large plantation shutters, creating an airy connection with the outdoor space.
A simple and bright hallway leads to a cozy corner with built-in cabinetry, perfect for additional storage or a bar area.
The terracotta tiles and ceiling fan bring warmth and functionality to this peaceful bedroom retreat with natural light streaming in.
Another spacious bedroom features a ceiling fan and large windows, overlooking the lush landscape outside.
A wall of built-in bookshelves adds charm and function to this home office or library area, ideal for display or organization.
The double ceiling fans and large windows make this expansive room perfect for relaxing or turning into a shared family space.
Featuring a glass-enclosed shower tub, the bright, clean, and modern bathroom has a neutral palette throughout.
A well-lit bedroom with a simple ceiling fan and large window offers views of the surrounding greenery, blending comfort and style.
The bathroom vanity showcases rich wood cabinetry paired with a marble countertop and a classic framed mirror, giving it a timeless and elegant feel.
This bright laundry room offers modern appliances, tiled floors, and a side door for easy access to the outdoors.
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