Their motivation to downsize reignited in 2017, when Ray had a serious health scare. One daughter lives nearby in La Jolla, but their other daughter and her family live in Singapore. Their longtime home’s size and its huge kitchen had begun to overwhelm her, now that they were empty-nesters. He explained that his wife was equally captivated by the beautiful vistas from the ridgetop home and the potential for a vineyard-based lifestyle and a home to fill with new art.ĭid she ever get her promised dinner? Yes, she did, steak and lobster - plus a new home to celebrate at nearby Barona Resort & Casino’s steakhouse.īoth Grimms were eager to downsize from the expansive 11,000-square-foot Fairbanks Ranch house where they had lived for 35 years, but Daran more so. This one had a great view,” Ray continued, gesturing toward the vineyards.
“We visited the winery and after three glasses of wine we looked at two houses. “He said he’d take me to the best steakhouse, but wanted to stop by the winery first,” Daran explained. (Eduardo Contreras / The San Diego Union-Tribune)