ABOUT
LIFE IN THE SLO’ LANE
The Vision and The History
The Central Coast of California is a wonderous display of natural beauty, with mountainous terrain that spills directly into the mighty Pacific Ocean. Residents in this region enjoy ample opportunity to convene with nature through an impressive state and local parks system that feature outdoor activities from ocean kayaking at Morro Bay, to backcountry hiking through Los Osos Oaks.
San Luis Obispo is a historic small town along the Central Coast that offers a quality of life not easily found in America today. The unique balance of outdoor lifestyle and modern city conveniences make this one of the most alluring places to live in the entire country. Avila Ranch will offer like-minded residents a way to connect and enjoy the sought-after SLO lifestyle.
Keeping tradition alive means more than just naming this idyllic landscape “Avila Ranch”. As the Avila Ranch is planned, thoughtful consideration for the way families will live– outside and with the land is at the forefront of the design. It means that certain areas within its borders will always be reserved for farming. The natural stream that bisects the land will not just remain, it will be rehabilitated for everyone to enjoy, including the wildlife.
Families coming together to realize a common vision is what made Avila Ranch possible. This land will bring new neighbors together to create bonds that will surely make previous generations proud.
WATHEN CASTANOS HOMES: A FAMILY OF BUILDERS
A Family of Builders
As one of the premier home builders in San Luis Obispo, Wathen Castanos Homes takes pride in
developing Avila Ranch in a way that respects the history and heritage of the land and its surroundings. We approach every home as if it was our own and every team member is personally invested in making sure your home is perfect for you.
From your initial model home tour to your final walk-through, customer satisfaction is integral to our process and our depth of experience ensures your experience is a great one. Finding brand new homes in San Luis Obispo can be challenging, so we hope you keep Avila Ranch on your shortlist!
We remain committed to the communities where we do business and to the betterment of the lives of the people that live there. We believe that every community we build homes in becomes a neighbor, and neighbors help each other. We are committed to helping our neighborhood schools, youth sports, and non-profits that lend a hand to those in need.
With our partnership with HOPE International and our trade partners for the Homes for HOPE we generated over $50,000 to fund small business loans (microloans) for aspiring entrepreneurs in 17 of the poorest countries in the developing world, such as Haiti, Romania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It has been amazing to see how passionate WCH and their Trade Partners have been about investing in the dreams of the poor by embracing the concept of Christ-centered microfinance. Now, nearly a thousand families in 17 countries will experience the dignity that comes with providing for their families rather than relying on handouts. Who could have imagined the sale of one home could do so much!” said Jack Nulty, Executive Director for Homes for Hope.
In 2019, The Community Foundation was approached by Joshua Peterson, President of Wathen Castanos Homes, seeking to create a novel partnership while they were in the early stages of a development in South Morros. Knowing that The Foundation and Wathen Castanos Homes shared the goal of ‘building community through relationships’ and by fostering the idea that neighbors help each other, Wathen Castanos and The Community Foundation joined forces; in 2020, the Wathen Castanos Homes Fund was officially established.
The Partnership in Action
A portion of each sale price of every home built by Wathen Castanos is contributed to a Donor Advised Fund within The Community Foundation. From there, grants are then awarded to local organizations that offer programs to improve the lives of those who live in the community. Grants may support a variety of needs including arts and culture, education, parks and trails, recreation, wildlife rescue, women, youth, and aid to the homeless. Through their homes and grantmaking, Wathen Castanos is giving back to the future of the community that they are literally building!
In July 2021, the first Wathen Castanos Fund grant was awarded to Operation Surf, which uses curriculum-based programs to inspire injured veterans to seek mental and physical wellness by providing resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support. Using the healing powers of the ocean and their core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication, they help to change participants’ lives – one wave at a time. Participants have experienced a marked decrease in PTSD and depression symptoms. One week and six-month programs are offered in coastal communities, in addition to ongoing virtual support and community. Through the grant, Wathen Castanos has given back to the veterans who have given so much in service to our country.
By serving as a catalyst to help others and connecting those who want to help with those who need help, Wathen Castanos Homes and the Foundation have teamed up to serve San Luis Obispo County and build a better future.
