[Los Altos, CA] Deer Hollow Farm

Hidden in the middle of Rancho San Antonio Open Space is a cute little Historic Ranch called Deer Hollow Farm. This Historic Ranch is 160 years old, and is still up and running. If you are lucky and get there early enough, you may be able to purchase fresh eggs from their many chickens or any fresh product that they grow. I am never early enough to purchase these organic eggs...but one day I hope to be lucky!

The Barn

Back in the 19th century, the ranch used to be home to the Grant Family and their homestead used to be a lot more impressive at 360 acres of the surrounding area. What is left of their homestead is the Foreman's Cabin, the Apple Shed (now a Nature Center), the Carriage House (now a Farm Office), and the naked bones of the Barn (now a picnic seating area).

The Foreman's Cabin is the only thing that stayed the Foreman's Cabin. In 1996, the cabin was renovated and staged to resemble what the Foreman's lifestyle was like. Peek through the windows and you will see the tiny rooms are furnished with pieces from what life was like in the 19th century. You may find quite a few pieces in these rooms that are familiar and normal to have in most households today, and there are some pieces that make you realize how much has changed in the last 150 or so years.

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Although the farm still produces its own fruits and vegetables, as well as, has your typical farm animals, that includes; cows, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and pigs, it's no longer a farm where it provides a family of their livelihood. Its mission has changed. Today, it is part of a non-profit organization called Friends of Deer Hollow Farm. Their mission is to support environmental education programs by providing outdoor classes, as well as a Summer Day Camp.

But that does not mean you can't just stumble by and view the farm animals at your own leisure. You can even pet them if you can get close enough. Don't worry, the cows and sheep are extremely friendly, especially the sheep. They always came to say hello every time I came...or maybe they just wanted to be fed, who knows.

The hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 8am to 4pm, except Wednesdays, where they close early at 1pm, and they are closed on Mondays. Admissions are free, and there is free parking in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space parking lots, about a mile away.

Happy Wandering, Alice.