Like the ancient oaks that enhance the community, Sherwood's deep historical and cultural roots are equally fascinating. Long before David Murdock purchased the land in 1984, Sherwood already had many historic landmarks. Lake Sherwood, originally Potrero Lake, is the oldest man-made lake in California. It was built in 1904 and is approximately 165 acres. It was changed to Lake Sherwood when the surrounding areas, used for the filming of "Robin Hood" starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. in 1921, became known as "Sherwood Forest" and "Maid Marian Park."

Inside the gates of Sherwood is the "Robin Hood Cabin," a home built for the movie and it is rumored that Fairbanks live there while filming "Robin Hood." It is a registered Ventura County Historical Landmark.

The golf course was formally opened on October 30, 1989. Centuries prior to the country club were the Chumash Indians. Within the expanse of Lake Sherwood, artifacts from two of the 17 Indian sites have been uncovered and are on display in the lobby of the golf clubhouse.

Sherwood spans approximately 1,965 acres of picturesque natural beauty. David Murdock's vision of Sherwood is embodied in Sherwood Country Club's philosophy: "A reverence for family, a respect for nature, a love for history and a deep loyalty to high standards of quality."

Sherwood Country Club will once again host the Target World Challenge by Williams on December 8?12, 2005. Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Davis Love, III are just a few of golf´s top professionals who will compete in this exciting event.

In less than a decade, Sherwood has established itself not only as one of the top courses in California, but one of the country´s elite layouts. Designed by famed architect and golf pro Jack Nicklaus, Sherwood is considered one of the most spectacular, tournament-friendly sites for both players and spectators.

The Target World Challenge features a field of 16 PGA Tour players ? the top 12 available from the Official World Rankings and four special exemption players selected by the Tiger Woods Foundation. The winner will receive $1.2 million from the $5 million purse, while 16th place will receive $150,000.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Start Something program and the Tiger Woods Learning Center. For ticket information, call 714-816-1806 or visit www.targetworldchallenge.com

Schools

Sherwood Country Club lies within the academically-acclaimed Conejo Valley Unified School District of Ventura County. Top rated Westlake Elementary, Colina Middle School, and Westlake High School service Sherwood, and have received California Top 100 and California Distinguished School awards from the state.

Shopping

A shopper's paradise for Sherwood residents! Sherwood is just minutes from regional centers with major department stores, and adjacent Westlake Village provides a number of quaint shopping plazas featuring upscale shops, specialty boutiques, and everything in between.

Airports

Sherwood is serviced by two major airports, Los Angeles International (LAX) and Hollywood/Burbank (BUR), as well as Van Nuys, Oxnard, and Camarillo airports, which accommodate private and corporate planes.

Entertainment & Dining

Abundant entertainment and dining choices await the Sherwood resident. The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza offers cultural, educational, and entertainment programs, and features an 1,800-seat Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat Forum Theatre, a five-acre park, and City Hall. The Civic Arts Plaza hosts Broadway musicals, plays, dance companies, and star performers. There is a variety of award-winning restaurants, providing gourmet and ethnic cuisine and charming ambiance, regional theaters, and movie theaters throughout the Conejo Valley.

Recreation

With 13,000 acres of open space and 33 developed parks around Thousand Oaks, outdoor recreation is a way of life for Sherwood residents. There are 75 miles of established trails for hiking, biking and equestrian pleasure. In addition, there are five play field parks for organized sports. Sherwood families can also enjoy activities, such as fishing, sailing, and kayaking, on the community's private Lake Sherwood, a 156-acre lake.

Q: What is Sherwood?

A: Sherwood is a 1,900-acre master-planned residential community surrounded by the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains. Sherwood's natural beauty features unique rock formations, ancient oak trees, and a 165-acre lake. The renowned Jack Nicklaus-designed "Signature" golf course meanders throughout the community.

Q: Where is Sherwood?

A: Sherwood offers the feeling of a faraway place, yet is only 35 miles from Los Angeles´ Westside. Located on the eastern end of upscale Ventura County, Sherwood is just minutes away from freeway access and big city conveniences including boutiques, fine dining, business centers, a performing arts center, and recreational activities. The Pacific Ocean is an easy 20-minute drive away.

Q: Why live at Sherwood?

A:Sherwood offers families an incomparable quality of life enhanced by the peaceful surroundings and outstanding amenities. The array of residential opportunities appeal to a variety of individual needs and tastes while featuring Sherwood's trademark high level of excellence for craftsmanship, architecture, appointments and finishing detail.

Q: What amenities do residents enjoy?

A: Sherwood's resort-style environment offers an abundance of activities for residents to indulge in. There is sailing, fishing and kayaking on Lake Sherwood and picnicking at nearby Maid Marian Park, as well as the opportunity to apply for membership in Sherwood's world-class country club. Equestrian, hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are close to Sherwood.

Q: How do I join the Country Club?

A: Homeownership at Sherwood does not include membership in Sherwood Country Club or the club's facilities. Sherwood Country Club, consisting of the stately golf clubhouse and the Tennis Club and Spa, is considered one of the more prestigious clubs on the west coast. Members enjoy elegant facilities with luxurious amenities and the utmost in personal care services. Contact the clubhouse at (805) 496-3036 for membership details.

Q: Is there a Homeowners Association?

A: Like most master-planned communities, Sherwood has a Homeowners Association (HOA) that provides guidelines for the maintenance of the community as well as preserves its esthetics, helping retain and enhance the value of Sherwood homes plus the quality of the neighborhood. The HOA manages the lake, security patrol and common landscaping and is responsible for enforcing the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs).

Q: What does Lake Sherwood offer?

A: Approximately 165 acres, Lake Sherwood offers residents a number of recreational opportunities including fishing and swimming. Boating is limited to small sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfing, rowboats, and small motorboats. All boating activities are managed by the Sherwood Valley Homeowners´ Association.

Q: Is there a community park at Sherwood?

A: Maid Marian Park is a 9-acre park inside Sherwood´s entry gates adjacent to Lake Sherwood. Available to the community, the park offers volleyball and plenty of room to fly kites plus enjoy a picnic surrounded by tranquil scenery.

Q: What is the climate like at Sherwood?

A: With mild year-round temperatures, Sherwood is an ideal place to live. Average daytime temperature is 77 degrees with clear skies and fresh air, and evenings average 45 degrees with a zillion nighttime stars. Sherwood is 700 feet above sea level and benefits from fresh breezes from the Pacific Ocean.

Q: Where do Sherwood children attend school?

A: Sherwood is within the highly desirable Conejo Valley Unified School District. The schools consistently win state honors. The awards are listed on the district's website: www.conejo.k12.ca.us. In addition, there are a number of acclaimed private schools nearby. Westlake High School was ranked 132 out of over 700 high schools throughout the country in Newsweek magazine's annual "Best Schools in America."