Westlake Village

Westlake Village offers an idyllic and upscale lifestyle, masterfully blending resort-like living with serene natural beauty. The community is centered around a stunning 125-acre man-made lake, providing residents with exclusive opportunities for boating, kayaking, and lakeside dining, creating a perpetual vacation atmosphere. This picturesque setting is complemented by a sophisticated, country club ambiance, with pristine golf courses, tennis clubs, and meticulously maintained public spaces. Beyond the recreational amenities, Westlake Village boasts a wealth of upscale shopping and dining options, from gourmet restaurants to chic boutiques. Residents enjoy the perfect balance of a tranquil, secure community with easy access to the scenic Santa Monica Mountains for hiking and biking, all while being a short drive from the greater Los Angeles area.

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History

Westlake Village is a unique master-planned community that spans two counties. Unlike cities that grow organically, it was meticulously designed and constructed from the ground up in the 1960s.

In 1963, billionaire shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig purchased the 12,000-acre Albertson Ranch. His vision was to create a self-contained "city in the country," with homes, commercial areas, and green spaces organized around a central man-made lake.

Construction began with the creation of the community's centerpiece: a 150-acre lake with an eight-mile shoreline, formed by damming Conejo Creek. The first homes were sold in 1967, and the community became a model for suburban development due to its scenic beauty and planned layout.

Because the original ranch straddled the Los Angeles and Ventura county line, the new community did as well. This led to a unique jurisdictional split. Seeking local control, the Los Angeles County portion voted to incorporate, establishing the City of Westlake Village in 1981. The Ventura County side is still known as Westlake Village but remains within the city limits of Thousand Oaks.

Activities and attractions

While Westlake Village is technically split between the incorporated City of Westlake Village (in L.A. County) and a neighborhood of the same name within Thousand Oaks (in Ventura County), for residents and visitors, it functions as a single, seamless community. The activities and attractions are shared and enjoyed by all, centered around an upscale, resort-like lifestyle.

Here are the key activities and attractions in the greater Westlake Village area:

Westlake Lake and Outdoor Recreation

Westlake Lake: The 150-acre man-made lake is the heart of the community. While access to the lake itself is generally private for residents, it creates a stunning backdrop for the area. You can enjoy the view from several restaurants, go for a walk or run along the perimeter, or charter an electric boat or gondola for a special occasion.
Golf Courses: The area is renowned for its pristine golf courses. Westlake Golf Course is a popular and scenic public course, while exclusive private clubs like Sherwood Country Club and North Ranch Country Club are world-famous for their beautiful and challenging courses.
Parks: Numerous beautifully maintained parks dot the landscape. Berniece Bennett Park in the City of Westlake Village features tennis courts, a playground, and picnic areas. The Thousand Oaks side includes Triunfo Community Park, a large park with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths.
Hiking and Biking: Nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains, the area offers easy access to a network of trails. Popular spots like Pentachaeta Trail and the trails in the North Ranch Open Space provide stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

The Promenade at Westlake: This elegant, open-air shopping center is a major hub for the region. It features high-end retail stores like Sephora and Lululemon, a variety of popular restaurants such as The Grill on the Alley and Farfalla, and a luxury Cinépolis movie theater where you can enjoy in-seat dining.
The Shoppes at Westlake Village: Another key shopping destination offering a mix of stores, services, and dining options, including a Target and several casual and upscale eateries.
Upscale Dining: Westlake Village is known for its sophisticated dining scene. From premier steakhouses and Italian bistros to trendy cafes and wine bars, there are numerous options for a refined meal. Many restaurants feature beautiful patios that take advantage of the pleasant weather.
Westlake Village Farmers Market: Held on Sundays, this market offers a great selection of fresh, local produce, artisanal foods, and crafts in a friendly, community-oriented setting.

The overall atmosphere is one of polished, upscale leisure, making it a prime destination for fine dining, shopping, and enjoying a meticulously maintained natural environment.

Vibe

Westlake Village's "vibe" is one of upscale, polished, and resort-like tranquility. It's a meticulously planned community that feels both exclusive and serene, often described as living in a country club or a perpetual vacation.

The atmosphere is sophisticated and affluent, with a focus on a high quality of life. The perfectly manicured landscapes, the sparkling lake, and the elegant shopping centers all contribute to a feeling of orderly, picturesque suburban living. The pace is relaxed and private; it's a quiet, family-oriented community where the focus is on outdoor recreation like golf and tennis, fine dining, and enjoying the scenic, oak-studded hills.

Compared to its neighbors, the vibe is less about bustling activity and more about peaceful refinement. It's a bubble of calm and luxury, offering a secure and beautifully maintained environment that feels removed from the hustle and bustle of the greater Los Angeles area.

Kevin Gallegly

REALTOR®

CalRDRE#01772795

805-208-1676
kevin.gallegly@cbrealty.com