March 3, 2015 – Watsonville’s dilapidated Redman House mansion and its 11 acres of prime farmland have been sold. High Ground Organics, which grew strawberries there and operates a farm stand just off Highway 1, said they will move their farmstand to the parking lot of the Annieglass studio on Riverside Dr. in April. The new owner is a conglomeration of 14 companies owned by the Tut brothers, including Destiny Transportation and Lassen Farms. Surjit Tut said he and his family closed on the acreage last month and “are working on a plan to fix it up and save the house.” He said it was too late to plant this season, but that they will put in a crop of organic strawberries next season.
Jeanne Byrne, who owns High Ground Organics with her husband Steve Pedersen, says they moved their strawberry production to their home property on Harkins Slough Road this year. Since they never anticipated their lease on the Redman property to last as long as it did, they prepared for the sale by acquiring 23 acres on Lewis Road in Prunedale five years ago.
“That land is in full production now,” says Byrne. “It’s a little better draining and warmer and makes a good complement to the Watsonville property.”
“We put in deer fences and hoop houses and use it for early season crops and things that need heat like tomatoes, peppers and basil,” she added. High Ground’s popular CSA is gearing up for a new season beginning March 18th and there are lots of different weekly or monthly pickup options. Click here for more info.
The Tut brothers also acquired adjacent property on the other side of Beach St. and Surjit says they will by applying for permits within the next couple of weeks to begin construction of a new 112-room Hampton Inn hotel and gas station.
About the author
Deborah Luhrman is publisher and editor of Edible Monterey Bay. A lifelong journalist, she has reported from around the globe, but now prefers covering our flourishing local food scene and growing her own vegetables in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
