Up the Creek Farms in Grant-Valkaria dripping with Old Florida charm
Most folks, when they get out of school, leave home to strike it on their own. Some come back, but very few can say they used the old homestead to start a successful wedding business. Jess Tuten is one of those few.
Tuten had the fortune to grow up in eight secluded acres of old Florida her parents owned in Grant-Valkaria. When college called, she answered, heading north to study marketing and business management at Jacksonville University. With a background in hospitality that combines restaurant management, special events catering and advertising campaigns, Tuten was ideally suited to embark on her next chapter in life when a special opportunity presented itself right back where she had started.
“When my parents decided to downsize, we purchased the property,” said Tuten. “I had a feel for the layout of the place and what we wanted to do with it.”
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She and her husband, Tim Watson, renamed the historically significant homestead Up the Creek Farms and transformed it into one of the county’s most picturesque special events venue. Dripping with Old Florida charm, Up the Creek, named for its location next to pretty Goat Creek, is a mini Southern plantation, complete with classic white post-and-rail fencing, Spanish moss-draped magnificent live oaks and non-stop spots for photo ops.
The 1878-era main house, known as the Decklan House in honor of Tuten’s mom’s maiden name, serves as Jess and Tim’s home, as well as a bed-and-breakfast for bridal parties, with three upstairs suites with private baths.
“It makes it very easy for them to stay the night and have time to prep, get dressed and take care of photos,” said Tuten.
Two stories high, the Florida vernacular-style house features heart-of-pine plank floors, antiques and French doors on multiple porches that afford excellent views of the picturesque landscape. It has survived countless storms relatively unscathed.
With the oaks and rolling hills, you could swear you are on a Savannah plantation.
The home sits on the original homestead of local pioneer Ernest Svedelius, who left his native Sweden to farm citrus on Florida’s east coast. Svedelius built a two-story frame home in the 1870s as headquarters to his orange grove and the wholesale fish camp he operated at the head of Goat Creek, the tiny tributary which runs the length of the property to the Indian River Lagoon. He is said to be responsible for naming Valkaria after the Valkyre, the maidens who in Norse mythology accompany the souls of dead warriors into the heaven of Valhalla.
Svedelius’ house went through different owners and fell into disrepair until 1984, when the Tuten family acquired the property to raise their two children — plus other creatures large and small — for 29 years before their daughter gave the property a new lease on life. With her experience in hospitality, Tuten rebranded her old home, capitalizing on its many charms while taking care of maintaining its original atmosphere.
The manicured grounds provide plenty of perfect spots in which to tie the knot, but highest on the list for wedding ceremony locations is the Oak Cathedral, where couples can begin their life together under Mother Nature’s most benevolent gaze.
“You’re literally under a cathedral of old oak trees,” said Tuten.
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Tuten and Watson added the Boathouse, a 6,000-square-foot barn that is all about rustic chic. Exposed wood rafters and two huge sliding barn doors contribute rusticity, but the Boathouse, so named because it is waterfront to Goat Creek, exudes creature comforts. First, it’s air conditioned, so there is never a sweaty guest, even in the heat of August. Its crystal chandeliers would feel right at home in a Newport mansion. Polished concrete floors are hip. Five set of double French doors take full advantage of the dramatic views.
“We appeal to those seeking a luxury rustic experience,” said Tuten.
Although weddings are its primary type of event, Up the Creek Farms hosts many other out-of-the-ordinary occasions, such as corporate retreats, vow renewals, birthday parties and even fundraisers such as Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition’s “Carnival at the Creek,” slated for Sunday, Oct. 22.
Valkaria’s colorful history is populated with plenty of personalities, from pirates and wreck salvagers to pioneers and Native Americans. Thanks to Tuten and Watson, newly married couples, plus a host of others, can now add their stories, too.
Up the CreekFarms
•3590 Valkaria Road, Grant-Valkaria
•(321) 499-4232