Where a Powerful Clan Put Down Deep Roots

Rancho De Dios--”God’s Ranch,” the Birtcher family compound on a San Juan Capistrano hillside--is a cool oasis of palm trees, paved walks and soft breezes.

A small monkey occupies an iron cage at one end of the fenced compound while tropical birds squawk at the other end.

Fayette E. Birtcher--the family patriarch--and sons Ronald E. and Arthur B. Birtcher live here in three houses as close to each other as in any Orange County subdivision, but one of the homes is a replica of a 17th-Century French manor house.

“The older I get, the more I appreciate how different it really was” growing up in the compound, says Ronald’s son, Baron Birtcher, 30, one of a third generation to run the family company.

Midwestern values of religion, family and hard work make an unusual mix with the Birtcher’s Southern California affluence. Family is extremely important: F.E., as he is called, who’s retired, often starts the day chatting over coffee with his two sons. Brandy Birtcher, Baron’s 36-year-old brother, plans to build his own house just outside the gate.