Deerhaven Farm is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in the heart of the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve. The unique combination of nutrient-rich soil and a Mediterranean climate provide the perfect growing environment for our 4500 organic lavender and herb plants.
The farm really is a haven for deer, who graze in the big open meadow and often wander through the lavender fields with their fawns in the summer. There are also mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, woodpeckers, blue jays, owls and hawks around the farm.
David & Mary Jessen
In 2008 the Martin Fire burned through the farm, destroying the surrounding forest, a house and the soap shop. Fortunately, much was saved by Dave and anything lost was soon rebuilt and replanted.
In August 2020 the CZU Lightning Fire burned through Bonny Doon, including the farm, but Dave, Mary, Natalia and her husband Adam managed to save the buildings and plants, and Deerhaven became a supply & communication hub for the Bonny Doon community. Read more about the event here.
The local herd in the meadow
Our fine selection of products includes handmade soaps, embroidered lavender sachets, steam distilled essential oils, herbal salves, floral waters and dried organic lavender. Our soap is made in small batches in the centuries old tradition of soap making with oils, butters, essential oils and botanicals. Shop for our handmade soaps here.
Our Handmade Soap
Deerhaven is family-owned and operated by Mary and David Jessen, who grew up together in Bonny Doon. Their daughter, Natalia, assists with production and runs the website and social media. As a working farm, you will often see Mary tending the plants, farm workers picking lavender, David distilling essential oil or out on his tractors and the grandkids running through the fields!