If you’re looking for Curtis Stone, just take a winding road through the Santa Monica Mountains. The Australian chef and TV personality has settled into a new life at Four Stones Farm, his 55-acre property in Agoura Hills.
Stone is best known for his restaurants like Gwen and cooking demos on TV. The farm is his first and offers him new opportunities. He envisions a vineyard, a vegetable garden, and even a production studio for other chefs. “I wanted something bigger, and now I have it,” he says.
The journey to his farm comes with challenges. Stone’s family helps maintain the land. His sons even use it for a fun event called “Kidchella,” where kids enjoy music while he serves barbecued food.
On a typical day, friends and staff like Gareth Evans prepare for shoots that promote Stone’s kitchenware on Home Shopping Network (HSN). These are intense, with two hours of cooking and interviews, shot live.
The farmhouse serves multiple purposes. It’s a kitchen, studio, and even a podcast space. Stone bought the property during the pandemic for $4.7 million. When studios closed, he realized he needed more room to create content.
He’s expanded operations significantly. He manages two restaurants in L.A., a catering service, and a bakery in Mid-Wilshire. Stone employs around 250 people, including chefs and freelancers, and his catering can serve up to 30,000 guests daily.
The vineyard is a new venture, producing several types of wine under the "Four Stones" label, named after his family. Last year, deer and pests destroyed the grape harvest, costing him about $150,000. The vineyard is learning experience; he now drives a tractor, working to ensure better yields.
There’s a charming vision ahead. Stone dreams of sheep grazing among the vines and a flourishing vegetable garden. A local expert is helping him decide what to grow.
As lively as his farming endeavors are, Stone still keeps an eye on the weather and the wildlife that threaten his crops. Each season brings challenges, demanding constant attention.
For Stone, it’s all about creating a unique culinary space. He aims to make Four Stones a go-to spot for cooking enthusiasts, offering a blend of kitchen facilities and professional support for content creators.
He sums it up simply: "You focus on one thing and realize another is slipping away." Despite the hectic nature of the farm, he appreciates the beauty around him, envisioning a future filled with culinary adventures and creative possibilities.
As Stone puts it, if you want your name on the bottle, you’ve got to work for it. He embodies that philosophy daily, making Four Stones Farm a thriving hub of his culinary empire.
For more insights into the restaurant industry and farming, take a look at resources like the James Beard Foundation and California’s Agricultural Statistics.