At the turn of the 20th century, Miramar Ranch stood as a shining example of how vision and dedication could transform a rugged Southern California mesa into a flourishing estate. Once E.W. Scripps had laid the groundwork and completed the central mansion, Miramar became a beloved home base for the Scripps family and a lively hub of daily activity, creativity, and connection.

E.W. Scripps at Home in Miramar

By 1900, E.W. Scripps had made Miramar his permanent residence, choosing the ranch as the center of both his family life and his far-reaching media empire. The estate provided a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the newspaper world, yet remained fully connected—Scripps managed his publishing business from a well-appointed study in the heart of the mansion. The home itself, surrounded by eucalyptus groves and beautifully maintained gardens, was a constant source of inspiration and pride.

Together at Miramar: A Family Vision Realized

Family life thrived at Miramar. Multiple members of the Scripps family lived on or frequently visited the estate, including E.W.’s half-sister Ellen Browning Scripps, who had shared in the purchase of the land and helped shape the property’s development. Their siblings Annie, Virginia, and George also spent time there, and Miramar was envisioned as a place where the extended Scripps family could live near one another in comfort and mutual support.

Each branch of the Scripps family had space to call its own, while sharing in the communal atmosphere of Miramar Ranch. Meals were often taken together in the courtyard, and family members enjoyed long evenings of conversation, chess games, and music under the stars. The architecture of the home—its arcaded walkways, open-air courtyard, and turreted towers—created a serene, Mediterranean-inspired backdrop for this familial life.

Daily Life and Learning at Miramar Ranch

The estate was also alive with purposeful activity. Miramar Ranch was nearly self-sufficient, with fruit trees, gardens, stables, and extensive facilities maintained by a dedicated staff. At its peak, the ranch supported about 100 employees, who lived and worked on the property. Their contributions helped keep the estate running smoothly—from agriculture and gardening to construction and hospitality.

For the children who lived at Miramar, the ranch was both a classroom and a playground. Private tutors provided daily instruction, and the wide open spaces, tree groves, and barnyards offered endless opportunities for exploration. Eventually, a small schoolhouse was established to serve the ranch and the nearby community, further anchoring Miramar as a center of local life.

The Enduring Spirit of the Scripps Family

The beauty and tranquility of the estate also nurtured creativity. Surrounded by nature, Ellen Browning Scripps found inspiration for the philanthropic vision and community engagement that would shape much of her life’s work. The ranch became a place where ideas took root—ideas that would later shape institutions across San Diego, including hospitals, libraries, and scientific research centers.

Life at Miramar Ranch was filled with energy, intention, and the joy of building something lasting. It was a unique expression of the Scripps family’s values, a place where family, innovation, and stewardship of the land came together in harmony. Today, the legacy of that life endures in the spirit of the Scripps Ranch community and the many contributions the family made to the region and beyond.

Sources:

• McClain, Steven. “The Scripps Family’s San Diego Experiment.” The Journal of San Diego History, vol. 56, no. 1, Winter/Spring 2010. San Diego History Center.
• Hidden San Diego. “Scripps Castle.” Hidden San Diego.
• Fine Homes and Living. “The History of Scripps Ranch – The Beginning.” Fine Homes and Living.
• United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. “Detailed History of Miramar.” Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan, Appendix B. MCAS Miramar.
• Ohio University Libraries. “E.W. Sripps and family snapshot with donkey, ca. 1902” Scripps Collection. Ohio University Libraries Digital Archives.