Berkeley Olive Grove 1913 — A Century Old Olive Orchard for Sale - A Prime Investment Opportunity
Nestled near Oroville in Butte County this impressive 399 acre olive orchard was originally established by UC Berkeley professors in 1913 as part of the Berkeley Olive Association — at one time the largest planting of Mission olives in the world and a key part of California’s olive- oil heritage. Recognized for its historic value, the estate is eligible for both state and national historic registries as the “Berkeley Olive Association District”. This rare legacy property is entirely dry farm ed — no irrigation — relying on unique subsurface moisture 6–8 feet below ground, enabling remarkable resilience even in drought years. Planted at a spacious 65 trees per acre on 30 foot triangles, the low density layout ensures optimal soil nutrients and tree health. The trees have thrived for over a century under organic practices, enhancing both longevity and terroir. All olives are hand picked and hand pruned; organic, regenerative methods are central — chipped prunings return to the soil. The olive oil produced here has attained global recognition — with biophenol levels ranked in the top 2.5% worldwide from 2010 to 2015. Harvested in stages to produce distinct profiles — the Classic, mid harvest Gold, and buttery Reserve — the oils have earned numerous gold medals and best in show accolades at competitions such as Los Angeles and New York International contests. Historic stone houses from the 1930s grace the orchard, and future plans originally included transforming a barn into an olive mill, visitor center, and artisan gallery. In 2018,the property under a conservation easement to ensure its preservation and prevent development. Coupled with a tree trust, this ensures the grove remains forever stewarded as a historical and agricultural landmark. Barns, modern home, wells, irrigation, cabins, fenced and cross fenced, views and more.
For sale
Listing Provided by:
TJ Jensen DRE #01952290 530-370-8424,
Century 21 Select Real Estate Inc,
Shelinda Bryant DRE #01726378 530-872-6843,
Century 21 Select Real Estate, Inc.
$3,999,000
16 Rocky Dr, Butte Valley, CA 95965
2beds
1,957sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1950
399 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$2,043/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Organic practicesLow density layout
- 8 days
- on Zillow |
- 141 |
- 2 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: August 12, 2025 at 06:30am
Listing Provided by:
TJ Jensen DRE #01952290 530-370-8424,
Century 21 Select Real Estate Inc,
Shelinda Bryant DRE #01726378 530-872-6843,
Century 21 Select Real Estate, Inc.
Source: CRMLS,MLS#: OR25179188
Originating MLS: California Regional MLS

Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 2
Rooms
- Room types: Bedroom
Bedroom
- Features: All Bedrooms Down
Heating
- Ductless
Cooling
- Ductless
Appliances
- Laundry: None
Features
- All Bedrooms Down
- Has fireplace: No
- Fireplace features: None
- Common walls with other units/homes: No Common Walls
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 1,957 sqft
Property
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Entry location: 1
- Pool features: None
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Orchard
Lot
- Size: 399 Acres
- Features: Agricultural, Orchard(s)
Details
- Additional parcels included: 041180022,041160004,041160013,041160014,041160015,041160021,041170002,041170003,041170007,041170011,041170012,041170013,041170014,041170015,041170016,041170018,041170019,041170020,041170021,041170024,041170025,041170026,041170027,041170030,041170032,04117
- Parcel number: 041170033000
- Zoning: U
- Special conditions: Standard,Trust
- Horse amenities: Riding Trail
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Condition
- Fixer,Updated/Remodeled
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1950
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Well
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Biking, Foothills, Fishing, Horse Trails, Lake, Valley
Location
- Region: Butte Valley
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $2,043/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $73,147
- Annual tax amount: $1,658
- Date on market: 8/11/2025
- Listing terms: Cash,Government Loan
- Loading
- Loading