The $75-million Hummingbird Nest Ranch in eastern Simi, which has been on the market for two years, is attracting interest from an unexpected suitor.

Solara Hospice and Palliative Care in Simi Valley met with city officials last month to discuss a proposal to convert the state-ofthe-art equestrian facility in the Santa Susana foothills into a hospice facility—one that would even care for inmates.

According to a letter of intent submitted to the city from the hospice, Solara has already completed an extensive feasibility study for the establishment of what it calls Solara’s Hummingbird Nest Hospice and Wellness Centre.

The hospice envisions an allin-one community for end-of-life, respite and wellness care.

As proposed, the for-profit facility would provide treatment and care to individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live.

The center would house 150 to 200 patients and include a pharmacy, an outpatient surgery center, a drug detoxification and rehabilitation center, a medical library and an education center for a residency program.

In addition, a nonprofit function would care for terminally ill state and federal inmates.

The new use of the 125-acre property would generate around 1,100 jobs, according to the letter.

Start-up costs are estimated at $90 million. Funding would be obtained through the private sector, government monies, grants and a nonprofit called the Tree of Life Foundation.

A representative for Solara declined the Acorn’s request for comment on its proposal, saying it would be premature to do so at this time.

Prior to its meeting with the city, Solara took its ideas to the ranch’s head consultant, Dean Kunicki, who told the Acorn this week he essentially dismissed the proposal.

A longtime Simi resident and former planning commissioner, Kunicki said he gets several calls a month from people who have ideas for the ranch. Once he talks price though, he never hears back.

“Until somebody shows up with a check in hand and proves they’re the real deal, I don’t devote much time to them,” Kunicki said.

His meeting with Solara was brief, and he said it’s unfortunate that hospice executives “decided on their own” to have a meeting with the city.

Kunicki said he’s is moving forward with plans—albeit slowly, due to the economy—to transform the ranch into a luxury five-star resort and spa, a concept that received preliminary support from the City Council in February.

When asked his thoughts on the proposal, City Manager Mike Sedell said the hospice would have to justify the need for such a facility in Simi Valley, particularly one that would cater to inmates.

“I think it would be very much an uphill battle to receive a positive reception from the community,” he said.

The proposal would require an “exorbitant amount” of public resources, Sedell added, saying the onus is on the hospice to prove its project is viable and that it does in fact have the means to make it happen.

Owned by Texas-based billionaire David Saperstein, Hummingbird Nest Ranch is one of the priciest pieces of real estate in California.