Apart from late-night episodes of ‘Big Valley’ or ‘Bonanza’ on TV Land, the old-timey colloquialism ‘spread’ seems to appear mainly in real estate news articles where astute editors fear to tread. But with the listing of John Wayne’s one-time ranch retreat in Riverside County, the bit o’ slang can be used freely.

Because this here’s a spread, pardner. And furthermore: don’t ever apologize for using an old-timey colloquialism, it’s a sign of weakness. Pilgrim.

The ranch where Mr. Wayne once rode roughshod over hill and dale was purchased by the conservative, two-fisted, hard-drinking movie star as his rising star crested at ‘legend’ apogee in the early 1950s. Rancho Pavoreal, as it is called, is located in Sage, an unincorporated agricultural community. It is bordered by a ranch once owned by Walt Disney. Wine country is just a stone’s throw away.

The biped home on Pavoreal is a strip-down rustic affair with pine paneling, open-trussed raw timber ceilings, and spectacularly vintage Saltillo tile floors. A stable on the property provides shelter for quadrupeds, and is considerably more rustic.

Since Wayne’s tenure as owner, the 2,000-acre property has been purposed as an equestrian-oriented resort. With its current listing, the significant chunk of Riverside is being touted as a possible home-base for a marijuana-growing operation. That might’ve amused the Duke, who claimed to be immune to the herb’s intoxicating effects.

Other uses for the farm? High country escape leaps to mind, but the listing also suggests several commercial options including viniculture and sports camp.