New project begins at a familiar old site; Old Valley Fort property gets new owners with a creative plan - The Hornsvelds are the owners of the historic Mission Theater in Fallbrook and Hank's Hardware in Temecula.

Whether one is a Fallbrook native or has only recently moved here, it suffices to say that the spacious compound dotted with old western-style buildings located in the 3700 block of South Mission Road at Heller’s Bend, is a well-recognized landmark.

Referred to as “The Valley Fort,” or “The old Cask ‘N Cleaver,” the complex has over the past few years taken on the aura of a small, dusty ghost town, overgrown with vegetation. But those paying attention to their surroundings as they drive along South Mission Road, will have noticed signs of activity at the site recently. Vegetation has been cleaned out by the truck load; the ancient oak and pine trees have been trimmed up and dappled sunlight is now illuminating the site.

Responsible for the cleanup and visual improvement of the site are Hank and Patty Hornsveld, the new owners, who closed escrow on the property in February. Embarking on this project of mega-proportion, the Hornsvelds said they were willing to share their vision for the property with Village News readers.

“What we have in mind is something similar to Bates Nut Farm (in Valley Center), but smaller,” explains Patty. “We want it to be a destination people can come to for the day and enjoy a western theme, some shops, the beauty of the area; we may think about having a wedding venue; and the property has a campground.”

Patty also has hope that the complex can provide an educational experience for elementary school classes interested in a field trip outing, since there is a replica of an old mining town on the property. The couple is also considering the possibility of inviting entertainers that conduct gunfight shows and adding a dinner-theater option down the road.

Also the owners of the Mission Theater and CAST Productions, the Hornsvelds’ motivation for their new project comes from myriad sources within – pride in their community; a desire to provide a family-oriented attraction in town; and a way to bring life to the legacy Hank’s parents left behind.

“This is what we want to do with the legacy left to us by my in-laws, Bert and Gerda Hornsveld,” explained Patty. The Hornsvelds moved to Fallbrook in 1968. Bert died several years ago and Gerda passed away in October of last year.

“[Gerda] would have loved this ,” reflected Patty.

The site is comprised of two parcels – 9.5 and 8.5 acres, with a total of five buildings.

“The campground on the property has 20 spaces will full hookups and a 1,000 square foot building that houses the restrooms and showers,” explained Hank. The Hornsvelds plan on adding a hiking trail on the property that might make Scouts interested in conducting weekend campouts at the location.

Built in 1965 as a Western-themed complex featuring the Valley Fort Steakhouse and outbuildings that offered small concessions such as candy, ice cream, and ‘mercantile’ merchandise, the grounds were used as the backdrop for a television show. The steakhouse restaurant was a bustling success in the late 60s with barbecued steaks and all the fixings served family-style. Men wearing ties into the establishment frequently found them cropped upon arrival and nailed to the ceiling rafters.

Some sources say the swimming pool installed on the property was the first community pool offered to Fallbrook residents. Today, the swimming pool is non-existent as the area has been filled in.

Developing the plan for revival of the site is something the Hornsvelds are putting careful thought into. The Western theme is a must; they said. And seasonal events are important, Patty said.

“I want this to be a place where we can have pumpkins in the fall; Christmas trees during the holidays; and activities at Easter,” she said. “I want it to be a wonderful place for family outings. We may even think about installing a little putting green.”

Giving the little buildings some tender loving care is in the cards to encourage concessions at the property that will lend to the atmosphere as well.

“We will be looking for people who are interested in operating some small shops or kiosks here,” said Patty, adding that concessions would need to be of the Old West, more “primitive” variety – things like handmade items, seasonal décor, country-style souvenirs, and so on. But don’t even think about an arcade. Patty said that’s something she and her husband “wouldn’t even consider.”

The couple is also shopping for a restaurant to occupy the existing 7,000 square foot building that is outfitted with a bar (saloon) area, dance floor, plenty of dining space and a generous amount of room upstairs.

“We’re looking for a steakhouse-type operation that would be open for lunch and dinner,” said Hank. “That would make it nice for local residents, visitors, and organizations that would like to have their luncheon meetings and events somewhere new.”

As the work continues on the property, more and more of the amenities become visible – the water wheel is being repaired, the creek is being cleaned of debris and overgrowth, and meandering footbridges now visibly connect the various parts of the site.

Although the couple is considering many options for what the site will ultimately hold, the passion to see it through to a successful culmination is there.

“We hope to finish up our plans by the end of the year,” said Hank. And yes, the chatter around town is getting back to this friendly duo.

“People that know we are the ones that bought it are telling us they are noticing how we are cleaning it up and they think it will be a nice improvement for the community,” said Patty. “Hopefully people will trust us to create something special here.”

When asked what feedback he has heard from friends and acquaintances, Hank laughed and said, “Most people have said they think it’s great, but one guy said to me, ‘You’re crazy!’”

With Fallbrook’s year-round mild Mediterranean climate, Patty thinks the idea of an indoor/outdoor venue will be a hit.

“I think it can be a successful place, and several people have told me the idea we have is ‘perfect,’ she said.

Editor’s Note: The Hornsvelds welcome suggestions on the project and can be reached at (760) 731-CAST (2278). They would also appreciate copies of any old photos of the property that area residents may have.

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