Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, just three miles off the coast of Malibu, lies Monte Nido Valley—an unincorporated community and serene rural enclave that remains within commuting distance to Los Angeles. This idyllic community is dotted with homes nestled amidst Oak and Sycamore trees, where winding creek beds and horse trails add to the picturesque charm of the rolling hillsides. True to its name, Monte Nido, Spanish for "Mountain Nest," captures the essence of this area.

Monte Nido has a rich history, beginning with the Chumash Indians and later the Spanish settlers. In the early 20th century, Monte Nido became a weekend getaway for film industry workers, as movie moguls acquired large scenic tracts of land for their studios. The closest ones, 20th Century Ranch and Paramount Ranch, are still a testament to this era. Old Monte Nido underwent subdivision in the late 1920s, featuring over 400 small lots for mountain cabins. Promoted as a one-day drive from Los Angeles, it soon became a sought-after retreat. Subsequent developments such as Malibu Meadows, Malibu Oaks, and Edenwild introduced private roads that homeowners maintained. By the 1950s, family-oriented homes were built, catering to teachers, firefighters, police officers, and studio employees.

As a Dark Sky Community with wildlife and nature preservation at its core, Monte Nido offers twinkling stars, towering ancient oaks, and the soothing sounds of crickets and croaking frogs. Running through the region is a watercourse known as Cold Creek, named by early settlers. It collects water from the northeast side of Saddle Peak Mountain, cascading through the Murphy Preserve in the upper regions, merging with Dark Creek at the heart of Monte Nido, and eventually joining forces with Malibu Creek beyond the small bridge on Piuma Road.

The unique shape of the mountains, combined with the deep canyon carved by Malibu Creek, results in a distinctive micro-climate, setting Monte Nido apart from the San Fernando Valley. Late Spring and early Summer are sunny, yet give us a spectacular view of the magical coastal fog that cascades and settles over the surrounding mountaintops. Summers can be cooler by ten to fifteen degrees, as the canyon draws in a refreshing ocean breeze, providing respite from the scorching heat. Winters, on the other hand, can bring temperatures, as low as eighteen degrees during the coldest months. From late October to April, frost is a common sight during the nighttime.

This enchanting pastoral valley is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red and gray squirrels, coyotes, bobcats, cottontails, quails, blue jays, red-tailed and barred hawks, deer, possums, and raccoons. In the spring and fall, it serves as a migratory pathway for hundreds of bird species.

From ancient cultures to modern-day homes, the rich and colorful story of the Monte Nido Valley continues to unfold.