• We offer customized mini-retreats, Marriage Encounter weekends, guided hunts, trail rides, cattle handling, bird watching, fossil digs, educational tours, or just ask!
  • Ranch owners, George and Elaine Work are national award winners for environmental stewardship and offer their expertise to those wanting to learn more about land stewardship.
Work Ranch welcome sign with USA flag
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"Devoted to connecting people to the rural way of life."
Family owned and operated in San Miguel, California since 1880.

Over 100 years of History
on the Work Ranch

Late in the 1800's a fisherman from the Shetland Isle's, John Work, came to California seeking a new life. Little did he know his vision would provide a livelihood for four generations of ranchers and farmers. 1921 saw the marriage of John's son, Robertson Work and the neighbor's daughter Anna Margaret Huston. Two ranches merged. In 1964 John Work's grandson George Work, fulfilled the classic story of the farmer marrying the school teacher, Elaine Anderson. During this time many changes took place on the ranch among the most notable was the birth of the 4th generation.

Nestled in the Cholame Hills of Central California, you will find the cattle and grain farming still sustaining us and the new 5th generation. Come escape to the country and let our 12,000 acres brighten your life. We offer the unique opportunity of a Farm Stay. With a Farm Stay you can enjoy the experience of being immersed in a farm family and share some of the best home cooked meals around.
A photo of the Work family
The Work family tradition continues.
Photo courtesy of Judy Bedell
George & Elaine Work - 75903 Ranchita Canyon Road - San Miguel, CA  93451
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