Lara and Skip, owners of Quixote Farm in Poma Valley, transitioned from farming to hospitality, hosting over 500 Stays in two years. They farm avocados, citrus, and stone fruits, and offer activities like U-Picks and horse interactions. Despite initial challenges, they focus on creating a tranquil environment for reconnecting with nature. They face issues with water costs and theft, but have improved tree maintenance and plan to expand into avocado oil production. They also sell farm products like honey and marmalade. The farm, with its unique green valley setting, offers a sanctuary for city dwellers, emphasizing hospitality and family bonding.
Quixote Farm Overview and Initial Challenges
Alexio introduces Lara and Skip, who own Quixote Farm in Poma Valley near Palomar Mountain.
Lara and Skip, explains the initial difficulty of farming and the pivot to hospitality, hosting farm stays with over 500 stays in two years.
Lara and Skip, details the main crops: avocados, citrus, stone fruits, and family-raised bed gardens for salads.
The farm also includes a horse area for four horses, a farm stand for guests, and U-Pick events for families to enjoy the farm.
Farm Activities and Guest Experiences
Lara and Skip, describes the construction of a horse area and a farm stand, emphasizing the tranquil environment and the goal of reconnecting people with nature.
Alexio shares a personal experience of visiting the farm with his family, highlighting the green environment and the availability of citrus for picking.
Lara and Skip, mentions shipping citrus to various locations, including South Carolina, Michigan, Hawaii, and Lake Tahoe.
The farm runs like a bed and breakfast, offering breakfast and dinner options, recreating a childhood memory of staying in country inns.
Unique Features of Palomar Valley
Lara and Skip, explains the unique year-round green environment of Palomar Valley, attributed to a natural water aquifer.
The valley's name, Palma, means "the bringer of water" in an Indian language.
The proximity to the Palomar mountains and ocean breezes contribute to the valley's natural greenness.
Alexio appreciates the farm's accessibility from San Diego, making it a convenient sanctuary for city dwellers.
Water Management and Real Estate Background
Alexio inquires about the water management challenges, including the depth of the well and the saline level.
Lara and Skip, explains the importance of good water quality for avocado trees and the efforts to maintain it.
Lara and Skip, mentions the small Municipal Water District's role in regulating water quality.
Alexio asks about the transition from real estate to farming, with Lara and Skip, describing the initial challenges and the pivot to hospitality.
Value Add in Farming and Property Maintenance
Alexio asks about the value add in a ranch, with Lara and Skip, explaining the need to maintain trees and houses.
Lara and Skip, describes the condition of the property when they bought it, including overgrown trees and uninhabitable structures.
The process of pruning trees to improve fruit production and the ongoing maintenance of roads and water systems are discussed.
Lara and Skip, mentions the strategy of upgrading the property over time, including using leftover asphalt from local road crews.
Hospitality and Family Dynamics
Alexio and Lara and Skip, discuss the importance of hospitality and creating a welcoming environment for guests.
Lara and Skip, shares the family's history of hosting and the desire to create a space for family gatherings.
The farm's ability to provide a peaceful and grounding experience for guests is emphasized.
Lara and Skip, mentions the plan to expand horse facilities and introduce smaller animals for guest interaction.
Challenges in Farming and Business Ethics
Alexio asks about the biggest challenges in the business, Lara and Skip, mentioning the frequent need for repairs and the goal of becoming break-even in farming.
The potential of setting up an avocado oil business is discussed as a way to add value to the farming enterprise.
Lara and Skip, highlights the issues of labor and water costs as major challenges.
The conversation touches on the importance of good business practices and the rarity of unethical behavior in the farming industry.
Customer Service and Personal Touch
Alexio and Lara and Skip, discuss the importance of customer service and the personal touch in hospitality.
Lara and Skip, shares an anecdote about a difficult guest and the effort to address their concerns.
The emphasis on creating an environment that guests would want to return to is highlighted.
Lara and Skip, defines good business as caring for people and listening to their needs.
Products and Future Plans
Lara and Skip, mentions the farm's products, including honey, jam, and granola, made from citrus and bees on the property.
The plan to open a farm shop, called a tienda, is discussed, with products available online in the meantime.
The farm's website, Quixotefarm.com, is mentioned as a resource for booking stays and learning more about the farm.
The future plans include setting up luxury tents and expanding the horse facilities to include smaller animals for guest interaction.
Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Alexio thanks Lara and Skip for sharing their story and experiences.
The importance of empathy and understanding in business is reiterated.
The conversation ends with a reminder to check out Quixotefarm.com for more information and to book a stay.
Alexio expresses his appreciation for the opportunity to visit the farm and experience its hospitality.
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:
Subscribe on Youtube: CashFlowAlexio
Follow Me On Instagram: CashFlowAlexio
Like My Page On Facebook: CashFlowAlexio2
Follow Me On TikTok: CashFlowAlexio
Connect On Linkedin: AlexioBarbara
Comments