Fifty years ago, the land which now encompasses Avila Valley Barn, was a fertile farming area. One of the most profitable crops raised back then in this small, micro-climate valley were luscious sugar beets with an extremely high sugar content.

The valley was also known for its dairies, and one of the original milk barns, closed in the late 1950's, can still be seen on the hillside across the road. A horse riding stable then replaced the dairy, and trails were formed along the hillsides and ridges which overlooked the valley below and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The farm valley then became a horse pasture in which as many as thirty horses grazed on lush vegetation resulting from the rich bottom-land soil.

In the 1980's, we purchased the property, and the fertile valley was converted back to its original use as a farm producing row crops, deciduous fruit trees, and berries. Our goal was to create a family experience within a genuine farm which would sell its products on site.

Our store, which first started in 1985 as a single table and umbrella placed along Avila Beach Drive to beckon those passing by, grew into a 10 ft x 10 ft portable tent the following year. After that, a barn was built for equipment and a refrigeration unit for apple storage, as well as shade to sell on-site grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and eventually home to our country bakery, our jams, jellies, and hand-crafted gifts.

Our bakery, considered by many to be the very best available, creates fresh fruit pies, cobblers, and turnovers using the juicy, plump fruit we grow right here on our farm.

Our vision was to present an authentic farming experience with a farm stand offering fresh, home-grown fruits and vegetables. Over time, as our popularity increased, we added a second barn to display fresh produce, gourmet foods, and gift items.