Rick Caruso Acquires Sherwood Lake Club: What It Means for Conejo Valley Luxury Real Estate

A quiet but significant change has come to one of the Conejo Valley’s most picturesque private retreats. Renowned Southern California developer Rick Caruso — the visionary behind The Grove, The Americana at Brand, the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, and our own Promenade at Westlake and The Lakes at Thousand Oaks — has purchased the Sherwood Lake Club, the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole par-3 golf course tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains near Thousand Oaks.

According to reporting from Hoodline, L.A. Material, and The Real Deal, Caruso’s company finalized the deal earlier this year following the death of previous owner David H. Murdock, the former CEO of Dole Food Company, in June 2025. Caruso described the transaction as moving “very quickly,” telling L.A. Material the property was offered to him on a Friday afternoon and the paperwork was signed by Tuesday. Terms and the purchase price were not disclosed.

A New Vision for Sherwood Lake Club

Located at 341 Williamsburg Way, the Sherwood Lake Club is more than just a golf destination. It also features tennis courts, swimming, fitness amenities, and an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse — all within the lush, mountain-framed setting that defines Lake Sherwood. Renovations are reportedly already underway, with Caruso’s team planning a refreshed, more family-friendly atmosphere. Reports indicate the clubhouse is slated to receive a new Italian-themed restaurant and bar, an updated gym, and improvements to the pool. Industry insiders have speculated that the finished concept may take cues from Caruso’s wildly successful Miramar Club in Montecito, which has set a new standard for private members-only hospitality on the California coast.

Why This Matters for Conejo Valley Homeowners

For residents of Lake Sherwood, Westlake Village, Hidden Valley, North Ranch, and Thousand Oaks, this acquisition is more than a headline — it’s a meaningful signal. Caruso’s developments are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, premium retail and dining, and ability to elevate the lifestyle of every neighborhood they touch. From the Promenade at Westlake to the recently expanded Commons at Calabasas, where more than 80 luxury apartments are now under construction, his projects are long-term holds designed to appreciate over time and lift the value of surrounding real estate along with them.

When a developer of Caruso’s caliber invests in a community, the ripple effects often arrive ahead of the renovations themselves. Lake Sherwood is already among the most exclusive enclaves in Ventura County, with luxury estates ranging from $1.5 million to $20 million-plus. The arrival of an elevated, Caruso-branded private club has the potential to further enhance this prestige, attract new buyers seeking amenity-rich communities, and reinforce Lake Sherwood’s standing as one of Southern California’s premier luxury destinations.

The Bigger Picture

Caruso has been candid about his strategic shift toward neighboring cities he describes as “well-managed, clean and safe” — a vote of confidence in the Conejo Valley’s continued ascent. Combined with the upcoming reopening of his Palisades Village later in 2026 and active expansion in Calabasas, the Sherwood Lake Club acquisition cements this region as a focal point of his next chapter.

For homeowners considering buying or selling in Lake Sherwood, Westlake Village, or the surrounding luxury communities, the timing couldn’t be more compelling. If you’d like to discuss what this development could mean for your property’s value or your next move, the Nicki & Karen team is here to help you navigate the opportunity.