A Beautiful Piece of Tulsa History

Redberry Farm’s architectural showpiece is Cedar Rock Inn.

Peace, quiet and nature’s beauty provide a pastoral setting at Redberry Farm, 4501 W. 41st St. Just 10 minutes from the hustle, bustle and noise of downtown Tulsa, 60 scenic acres that include Cedar Rock Inn and The Silo Event Center provide the venue to make any stay or special event a memorable ­experience.

Redberry Farm’s architectural showpiece is Cedar Rock Inn. The 5,500-square-foot bed and breakfast features five private luxury suites for honeymoons, anniversaries, getaways or business stays. Each suite carries a different theme that mixes old-world charm with modern luxuries and conveniences such as fireplaces, whirlpools, a sauna and two person showers.

The striking majesty of Cedar Rock Inn bears no resemblance to the weary single family home that owners and proprietors Randy and Sandi Dittmann purchased 12 years ago. They thought opening up some areas, paint and new fixtures would make a nice little bed and breakfast. But it took six-and-a-half years for renovation and expansion to open Cedar Rock Inn to the public.

A search of land records indicated they had just bought a piece of Tulsa history. The first floor of the dwelling – made from rocks – was originally a home built in 1890 and owned by Tecumseh Perryman, a member of one of Tulsa’s founding families. According to their findings, the second story was added in the 1930s.  

Soon, master craftsmen were unveiling historical details of the home and coming up with ideas to make them shine. “At one point,” says Randy, “when we were laying the wood floors on the second level, we were literally standing on the roof of the Perryman home!”

Months of hands-on work turned into years. Friends laughed as the Dittmanns held five “under construction” open houses to document their progress after completely gutting the interior. “It evolved into a work of art. We couldn’t rush what we were doing,” says Sandi.

They made every effort to use reclaimed, recycled or repurposed materials and native Oklahoma materials that included blackjack oak, pecan and pine planks salvaged from other buildings and remilled in Antlers, OK. Five ceiling fans, the newest of which is 85 years old, were refurbished and put to work again. Winding and picturesque driveways and walkways were formed from 80,000 Coffeyville, Kansas pavers.

Guests marvel at the photo albums that chronicle the massive project. Soon they were asking for other functions at the inn. In 2008, Randy and Sandi finished converting an old dairy barn into The Silo Event Center. This meeting venue that has the look and feel of an old Dutch barn features state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, a bar and lounge, and banquet seating for 220 people. The commercial catering center is headed by Jeff Stark, former executive chef for the Doubletree @ Warren Place.  

Besides corporate events, The Silo has been popular for rehearsal dinners, courtyard weddings and receptions that could not have been carried out anyplace else. One bride arrived at her reception on a horse-drawn carriage. A local fireman made his fire truck a part of his wedding ceremony. Whatever ideas people come up with, a dedicated and professional staff will help turn them into reality.

The inn and event center are just the beginning of what Redberry Farm will eventually offer. New projects include converting three small houses into “home away from home” cottages where entire families can stay. Randy has begun building a covered bridge from recycled telephone poles, and Sandi has just the spot for an organic vegetable garden.

The Dittmanns’ belief in taking care of the earth for its highest and best use is demonstrated through an underground network of pipes that provide geothermal heating and cooling for the Silo Center. All utilities are now buried so as not to distract from the beauty of the property.

Reservations are filling quickly for the rest of the year. Christmas season is nearly booked. For information or a personal tour, contact property manager Tim VanMaren at (918) 447-4493.

For more information, contact

Redberry Farm

4501 W. 41st St.

Tulsa, OK 74107

(918) 447-4493

www.redberryfarmtulsa.com