History
Just 5 minutes from downtown Petaluma, as you arrive at Live Oak Farm, you are greeted by our namesake – a century old, expansive Coast Live Oak – a standing testament to the rich history of the property.
We are not the first to inhabit this land. We recognize the first people of the Coast Miwok and their mark on this area. Miwok villages settled at the base of Sonoma Mountain and the areas around Petaluma River, a place they called Péta Lúuma – “backside of the hill” or “sloping ridge.”
About 100 years ago, this land became known as the Bundesen Ranch. It was cared for by four generations of Bundesens who, we like to think, sought shade underneath the magnificent oak tree.
The Bundesens farmed chickens, egg laying hens to be precise. Eggs were one of the most dominant agricultural products contributing to West County’s economy. The egg incubator was invented in Petaluma, in 1879. Much of Petalma's identity is tied to the poultry and dairy industries. At one time, Petaluma was recognized as “The Egg Basket of the World;” some people even called it “Chickaluma.”
Today, Petaluma is still lovingly referred to as the “Land of Eggs and Butter,” and every Spring the town still celebrates its heritage with a “Butter and Egg” parade.
Story
This 30 acre property was purchased in 2014 by Randy Goldstein, a Bay Area green energy entrepreneur, from a third generation Bundesen. Still standing at the front of the property is the original 100-year old farmhouse: “Grandpa’s House,” which has now been restored so it endures another century.
With keen interest in health, food, and the impact industrial agriculture has on climate change, Randy wondered if small farms could feed a growing population, just as distributed small solar projects together are leading the transition to a renewable energy future.
These interests, the desire to build his own energy efficient house, and to live a simpler life, turned Randy’s eyes toward the country. He wondered how he could both live on the land and create the community-feel found in a close-knit neighborhood… where neighbors take walks on the street, stop for a chat, and sometimes share coffee or a meal together. One day he got his answer, “If you build it, they will come.”
Together with a team of development experts he immediately went to work, transforming the property into a bold vision of an agrihood. Very early on, the team convened meetings with neighbors, community-based organizations, and civic leaders to seek input and collaborate on the project. The final plan received broad community support.
Laying the foundation for the farm came first. The idea was to provide agricultural land near population centers for small farmers to produce local, organic, healthy food. The farm's first growing season was 2015.
Next, the overhead power lines came down, water wells were dug, and a road was built. The new community center pavilion was completed in Spring 2021. Sonoma County approved the subdivision project in Summer 2021. The first new house was constructed in late 2021, and the second in 2022.
It's been a lot. About 10 years. The final step was finding a construction partner with the right fit to build out the agrihood, and tie the story together: Wright Residential a company of legacy builders specializing in custom homes, high-end renovations, and multi-family developments in Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties.
Agrihood
What is an agrihood?
It’s a new kind of neighborhood, where agriculture meets neighborhood.
Quite simply, an agrihood is a neighborhood built within a working farm. It unites agricultural land use with residents who desire a better quality of life, addressing our need for reconnection, and spending time outdoors. This type of neighborhood combines the health benefits of living in connection with nature, the emotional well-being experienced in community, and the positive environmental impact of local, small-scale organic agriculture - and sustainable, high end family homes.
Rather than a golf course, this community comes with our own organic farm…. And it's just miles away from the Bay Area’s urban core.
Agrihood is a lifestyle: newly constructed homes, farming healthy food, community gathering space, a great town, and a storied past.
Hometown nostalgia and responsible development, welcoming you.
Life at Live Oak Farm.
