THIS HOUSE REALLY ROCKS! FOR SALE: MALIBU RECORDING STUDIO IS HOME OF HITS.

Byline: GREGORY J. WILCOX Real Estate

MALIBU - From the weathered bench below ``Little El Capitan'' at the Indigo Ranch recording studio high in Solstice Canyon, Richard Kaplan can see Catalina Island on a clear day and a long way back into rock 'n' roll history any ol' time.

``There's probably been more songs written from this bench than anywhere else in the world,'' Kaplan said of the outcropping with sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains. ``The ratio of hits has just been amazing.''

Kaplan, a recording engineer and record producer, is going to miss the view, but after 28 years of working with Hall of Fame musicians at his compound above the Pacific Ocean it is time to slow down and reflect on a gold and platinum career.

Indigo Ranch is for sale.

Kaplan is asking $5.5 million for the one-bedroom, two-bath fixer-upper.

But the buyer also gets a big chunk of history and one of the most unique properties to hit the area's real estate market in years.

The ranch gives off a palpable vibe that reaches way back in time.

The 60-acre, bowl-shape property includes Little El Capitan, which Kaplan says is how the U.S. Geologic Survey refers to the massive rock formation that defines the ranch's northwest boundary and is a smaller cousin of the famous Yosemite National Park landmark.

There is also a seasonal stream and 80-foot-tall waterfall; pine trees, citrus and avocado orchards, grapes, and variety of fragrant plants.

The recording studio, decorated with gold and platinum records, has a tree growing through the front roof overhang and it is just a few steps to The Chalet, a bunkhouse where musicians crashed during marathon recording sessions.

It is a distinguished list that has put down tracks since the first taping back in the 1970s.

That decade brought rockers - Kaplan's first partner was the British band The Moody Blues. Later came Neil Diamond who recorded his vocals for ``You Don't Send Me Flowers,'' the hit duet with Barbra Streisand. (Her vocals were recorded in Hollywood.)

Neil Young's stays bought nine gold albums, including ``Ragged Glory'' and ``Rust Never Sleeps.''

In the 1980s, musicians led by Kenny G and Level 42 found their way to the ranch. This is also where Olivia Newton-John put together her biggest album, ``Totally Hot.''

Others stopping by have included the Beach Boys, Sting, Bob Dylan, Motley Crue, The Go-Go's, Van Morrison, Eric Burdon, Bo Diddley, Pearl Jam, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Canned Heat and the Temptations.

``You don't feel like you're in L.A.,'' Kaplan said. ``People have come in and said 'I was able to sing the best I've ever sang.'''

Indigo Ranch is also linked to Hollywood lore and California's ancient past.

Wildlife of the four-legged variety also abounds.

The property was bought in the early 1900s by the owner of the Stetson Hat Co. for a hunting lodge because the area featured plenty of game, including wild boar and bear.

In the 1930s, John Barrymore Sr. was reported to have used the property as a place to dry out after drinking binges, not surprising since the drive up the twisting, narrow mountain roads probably scared him sober. Today, the road leading to the ranch is called Barrymore Drive.

Long before that, though, Chumash Indians came to the canyon for their summer and winter solstice drumming festivals, Kaplan said.

A while back he invited some of the drummers to the studio to record some of their music at the appropriate time of year.

Turned out to be one of the most amusing sessions Kaplan has ever presided over.

The drummers arrived and set up their drums. Kaplan wanted to do a sound check so he asked the drummers to warm up a little bit. Once the equipment was calibrated he sent an assistant out to tell the drummers to take it from the top one more time.

The chief came back into the studio with his arms folded across his chest and uttered something that amazed Kaplan.

``We can play that song only once a year,'' the chief said.

And when they finished their session, the Chumash took their tape with them.

Whether the property's run as a music studio ends depends on the new owners. Kaplan has amassed a treasure trove of vintage equipment, which he won't sell because it is priceless.

This includes a microphone used by the Beatles that he bought at the Abbey Road auction.

And truthfully the options for the property, while still spectacular, are not as unlimited as the views.

So the owner will probably have a special vision.

Realtor Ruth A. Garriette of Re/Max Center in Woodland Hills is marketing Indigo Ranch and notes that it is not like other high-end properties.

At the most, five homes can be built on the parcel but their location will be pretty neat. Indigo Ranch has already generated some interest but no firm offers yet, Garriette said.

``It's a secluded property and the views and the history are going to help sell it,'' she said.

So the marketing approach will be a little different. Take the open house, for instance. Garriette is planning one for Sept. 16. It will be catered by Houston's restaurant in Woodland Hills.

You can't sell a piece of history with just banners and balloons.

CAPTION(S):

9 photos, map

Photo:

(1 -- 6 -- cololr) Richard Kaplan's Indigo Ranch compound above the Pacific has hosted a mix of music stars in its 28 year history, from Neil Diamond, to Neil Young, from Bob Dylan to The Go-Go's.

(7) Richard Kaplan demonstrates some of the recording equipment that makes up his Indigo Ranch music studio.

(8 -- 9) This microphone used by the Beatles and bought at auction is among Richard Kaplan's memorabilia. It is not for sale.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Staff Photographer

Map: Indigo Ranch studio