The Trumark Avila Ranch in San Luis Obispo. Photo contributed

A division of Japan’s largest homebuilder is launching its first communities in California after acquiring Clovis-based Wathen Castanos Homes.

Trumark Homes announced its purchase of Wathen Castanos in October. Founded in 1983, the family owned builder was previously led by president and partial owner Josh Peterson, who is now Trumark’s division president.

Trumark Homes was formed in 2008 and has built more than 4,000 homes in California and Colorado. The Wathen acquisition gave it a foothold in the Central California market.

Trumark’s name and branding are being introduced for the new communities in San Luis Obispo and Marina. They are the first of several planned communities in the new Central California division, according to a news release.

Avila Ranch in San Luis Obispo is a 149-acre master planned community with homes in the 819 to 2,273-square-foot range starting in the mid $800,000s.

Sea Haven in Marina, on 248 acres along Monterey Bay, has homes ranging from 1,849 to 3,411 square feet starting at $1.1 million. It would include 965 single-family and townhome lots on full build out.

“It is exciting to officially usher in the Trumark Homes name at Sea Haven and Avila Ranch, establishing the company and its stellar reputation in Central California,” said Peterson. “With the strength and support of Trumark Homes behind our team, we will continue to build high quality homes and offer an unparalleled homebuyer experience in these highly desirable new home communities.”

In 2020, Daiwa House acquired a 60% interest in Trumark. Founded in 1955, Daiwa House is Japan’s largest homebuilder, consisting of nearly 500 companies with nearly 73,000 employees worldwide as of April of this year. It projected $2.5 billion in operating income for fiscal 2023.