Descanso Real Estate

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Descanso, California, is a charming rural community located in San Diego County. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of serene landscapes and a close-knit community feel, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With its lush greenery, towering pines, and stunning views, Descanso is a nature lover's paradise. The area is surrounded by numerous hiking trails, including the popular Pine Creek Trail and the scenic Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, where residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Descanso provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The town itself boasts a quaint charm, with local shops, cozy cafes, and friendly faces that greet you at every corner. The community hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. From farmers' markets to seasonal festivals, there’s always something happening in Descanso that brings people together.

Additionally, Descanso's location offers the best of both worlds—while you can enjoy the peaceful rural lifestyle, you are just a short drive away from the vibrant city of San Diego. This makes it easy to access the city's amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment, while still being able to retreat to the tranquility of your own home.

In Descanso, you’ll find not just a place to live, but a community that embraces the beauty of nature and the warmth of neighborly connections. Come discover the charm of Descanso, where your dream home awaits!

Newest Listings in Descanso

$500,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PTP2607281 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Enjoy breathtaking mountain and valley views from this unique property, privately situated at the end of a cul-de-sac high atop the mountain. Backing to BLM-managed land, the property offers a peaceful, scenic setting with an exceptional sense of privacy and open space. The property already features valuable infrastructure, including a private well, SDG&E power lines on the property, a fire-suppression tank, additional water-storage tanks, and more. Multiple level areas offer potential building sites, and an existing barn was originally constructed with permits. This property presents a unique opportunity for a buyer with vision. The existing main residence, pool, deck, outbuildings, and carports were constructed without permits, and there are currently County Code Violations requiring these improvements to either be permitted or removed, with applicable plans and approvals obtained for future construction. The current owner has been actively working with the County toward resolving these matters and has obtained drawings and submitted demolition requests for certain improvements. With the owner now moving in a different direction, the property is being offered at a price below their original purchase price. The seller will provide the new owner with the existing plans, drawings, documentation, and related materials to help continue the process. Bring your contractor, your creativity, and your vision to explore the possibilities this remarkable mountain property has to offer.

9677 Mizpah Lane, Descanso

$559,900

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2607033 MLS ⋅ Active Status

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY IN DESCANSO. 2 BEDROOM HOME IN NEED OF SOME TLC ON A .76 ACRE LOT AND THIS HOME IS LOADED WITH POTENTIAL AND FEATURES VAULTED EXPOSED WOOD CEILINGS, LIVING ROOM WITH PELLET STOVE FIREPLACE, HUGE FAMILY ROOM WITH EXPANSIVE CEILINGS, DECK TO ENJOY THE VIEWS, SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH SOLID SURFACE COUNTERS, LARGE BEDROOMS, LOFT AREA, RAISED PANEL DOORS, SOLAR TUBES, VERY LIGHT AND BRIGHT THROUGHOUT, FINISHED OFF ATTIC THAT COULD BE ANOTHER BEDROOM OR ADDITIONAL STORAGE, 1 CAR GARAGE, MULTIPLE SHEDS, RV PARKING, MATURE OAK SURROUND THE PROPERTY AND MUCH MORE.

25077 MANZANITA LN, Descanso

$549,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606432 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Tucked along the banks of the Sweetwater River, this cedar-sided mountain retreat delivers the cozy cabin lifestyle backcountry San Diego is known for. Freshly re-roofed and wrapped in warm cedar siding, the 1,344 sq ft home sits on a private 0.72-acre parcel (2 parcels included 4090210100 & 4090212200) in the Bohemia subdivision of Descanso, just minutes from Alpine and the I-8 corridor. Step inside to a living room anchored by a wood-burning fireplace — the kind of feature that makes this place feel like a true cabin getaway rather than just another house in the mountains. The floor plan offers 2 bedrooms and 2 baths per tax records, plus a versatile office currently used as a third bedroom, giving flexibility for guests, family, or a work-from-home setup. Outside, two additional structures round out the property — envision an ADU, detached office, studio, or simply a shaded outdoor hangout space surrounded by oak and sycamore. The home is served by its own working well, and the wraparound deck and river frontage make it easy to see why the same owners have loved calling this place home for nearly three decades. A rare opportunity to own a slice of San Diego mountains with privacy, and room to grow. Some photos have been staged or altered to show the possibilities of the additional structures and outdoor spaces. ****Showings are to be confirmed by LA. Please schedule in showing time. Showings to only be held on Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Contact LA for questions. SHOWINGS MAY OVERLAP DURING THIS PERIOD.****

8314 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$649,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606267 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Enjoy your own private retreat where gorgeous views, and modern comforts, like paid solar and a whole house water filtration system come together in a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Descanso provides the best of both worlds: far enough away to truly feel like you've gotten away from everything, yet close enough to make everyday commuting a breeze. Inside, the home offers comfortable living spaces along with a cozy fireplace, laundry room and AC mini split unit. Step outside and enjoy the ever-changing scenery, peaceful mornings, and dedicated RV parking! Set against sweeping views of the hills and open meadows to the west and south, this is a setting that is hard to find. If you're looking for a home where you can slow down and reconnect with nature, without giving up convenience, this property is a rare opportunity.

9421 Elm Dr, Descanso

$649,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ PTP2606042 MLS ⋅ Active Status

ONE OF A KIND PROPERTY - 100 GALLON PER MINUTE WELL, BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL FOREST FRONTAGE, THREE BEDROOM TWO BATH NEWER HOME AND ADDITIONAL BUILDING SITES. PRIVATE COMPOUND PROPERTY IDEAL FOR ANIMALS, AGRICULTURE AND FAMILIES. Existing home is four years old solar panels, water storage, forced air heat with large 10,000 gallon storage tank. All located on the lower pad near the cul de sac entrance. This home was designed to be the additional home to a future, larger custom home that can be built on an upper site with a great view of Cuyamaca Peak. This property cannot be compared to any other available in the Descanso market. It has size, 8.67 acres, with huge well production 100-200 gallons per minute at 300 ft. and beautiful view with privacy. Priced to sell....

23671 Echo Hills Road, Descanso

$799,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 260019363SD MLS ⋅ Active Status

Range Price $799,000-$825,000. Discover the privacy, space, and possibilities of country living in Descanso. Set on approximately 2.56 acres, this spacious residence offers approximately 2,669 square feet, three bedrooms, two-and-one-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Built in 1993, the home provides a generous and versatile floor plan with plenty of room for comfortable everyday living, entertaining, working from home, or creating dedicated guest and hobby spaces. The home comes with an all house generator, a fire hydrant and water tank and drip system. The expansive property offers a rare sense of separation and breathing room, with opportunities to design your ideal outdoor lifestyle—whether that includes gardens, recreation areas, additional storage, or space for animals, subject to applicable regulations. Agricultural zoning further enhances the property’s potential. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and relaxed pace of rural San Diego County while owning a substantial home with room to personalize and make your own. This is a unique opportunity for buyers seeking privacy, usable space, and the freedom of a larger property in the scenic community of Descanso.

Descanso

$239,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PTP2605829 MLS ⋅ Active Status

This is a Forest Service Recreational cabin. 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.

9800 #13 Oak Grove Drive, Descanso

$3,125,000

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

PRICE IMPROVEMENT! AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! YOUR PRIVATE LAKE AWAITS — LA MARQUESA Imagine waking to still water, towering oaks, lakefront tullies and birdsong, where the city feels a world away—yet downtown San Diego is approximately 40 miles from your door. Welcome to La Marquesa, an extraordinary 7,117 sq. ft. lakefront estate set on 7+ peaceful acres and one of only two residences privileged with access to this private, stocked lake. Expansive decks overlooking the water and mountains invite quiet mornings, spectacular sunsets and evenings beneath the stars. Inside, four spacious bedroom suites each offer an ensuite bath, complemented by two optional bedrooms, 6 full baths and a powder room. The dramatic great room, grand fireplace and rich English-style pub create an unforgettable setting for entertaining. The generous kitchen features quartz counters, center island, 8-burner Viking range/oven, stainless appliances, abundant cabinetry and Travertine flooring. A sweeping circular staircase, crystal chandelier and distinctive architectural details add timeless character. This is more than a home—it is space to breathe, room to gather and the privacy to truly escape. Properties like La Marquesa rarely come along. Come experience it in person—because photographs can capture the home, but they can't capture the feeling of being here. Views from every room! This is

26440 Old Highway 80, Descanso

$279,000

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

$569,000

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. As an added bonus, home is ADA accessible including master bath and bedroom. 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

LIVE in timeless craftsmanship and comfort, fully connected to nature. Enter through a peaceful courtyard with koi pond, mature trees, and wood-burning fireplace. Inside, the warmth of locally sourced wood beams, alder-trimmed doors, and rows of French doors invite light and serenity in. The heart of the home is a spacious kitchen flowing into living, dining, and outdoor spaces, complete with walk-in and butler’s pantries. A handcrafted staircase connects the home’s layout, with four fireplaces adding character throughout. The first floor includes a formal living room, full guest suite, office, and a rare indoor pool that elevates daily living. CREATE without limits on this expansive estate. A detached workshop powered by a 600-amp commercial-grade meter supports any craft or business. The property features oversized garages, utility access, and open land to shape your vision. Equestrian facilities include 3 stables, 2 tack rooms, a lighted 100’ x 200’ arena, and 60’ round pen—ready for casual or competitive riding. THRIVE in a private, inspiring retreat partly bordered by forest service land. Thriving oak trees and mature fruit trees dot the landscape, offering natural beauty and abundance. Enjoy riding, gardening, swimming, or fitness—all supported by owned solar and designed for energy efficiency. A rare opportunity to Live, Create, and Thrive—not just in a home, but a way of life. 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

Start Your Search

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.