Lehigh Valley Farmhouse Getaway- 1.5 Hrs/ Nyc-1 Hr /Philly
- Minimum stay:1-2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Special offer: Couple getaway deal Details
Looking for a spring, summer, autumn, winter getaway or a short term furnished home while relocating? A commitment/wedding ceremony? The farmhouse offers nearby activites throughout the year with something for everyone. Enjoy the quiet of this private home that is just a stone's throw from Bear Creek and it is a quick weekend getaway to the country. Spend time together with your family and friends at a farmhouse surrounded by pastures of sheep. Located just down the road from Bear Creek Mountain Resort, this c. 1870 farmhouse is an ideal home base for getaways. Intimate and cozy, the farmhouse is set back on 9+ picturesque acres and is close to all sorts of sightseeing in the Lehigh Valley and the rural scenic farmland and hills of Berks County. After a full day of sightseeing, come back to the cozy farm nestled in the hills where you can enjoy the use of a full kitchen for those who love to cook and entertain with friends and family. The front porch is set up with comfortable seating and a picnic table just a few feet away for 'al fresco' dining per season. The farmhouse sleeps up to six people. The bedrooms have quality beds and white linens for a perfect restful vacation. From the all the windows are views upon views. The farmhouse is easy to get to from points east in New York and New Jersey via I-78; it is only 1.5 hours from New York City and one hour from Philadelphia. Lehigh Valley International Airport is 20 minutes away. The farmhouse is a meeting of; old and new, country and city, people and farm animals. The farm is a romantic getaway, friends getting together away from the city, and family reuniting. Enjoy being on a farm with the amenities of quality bedding in three bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, dining room for six and sofa seating for six. The front porch almost always has a breeze and seems to be one of the popular common meeting places while staying at the farmhouse. Whether reading the morning newspaper with coffee or watching the sunset over a glass of wine the views upon views are never ending and soul soothing.
A wood stove in the livingroom adds to the warmth and charm of the farmhouse. In front of the farmhouse is a large firepit perfect even on a winter evening. Please ask for wood supply during your stay.
Arrive at the farmhouse and park in front of the picket fence on the circular driveway and enter the farmhouse through the mudroom where ski gear can be stored. If your stay happens while a snow fall happens, the driveway and walkways will be cleared immediately. The I-78 and other roads leading to the farm happen to be the first roads to be cleared after and during snow falls.
Can't wait to hit the slopes? The ski resort is only five minutes by car from the farm. The mountain has 17 slopes services by six lifts and tows, a half pipe, snow tubing and terrain park. The mountain offers something for every level of skier or rider, from the beginner area serviced by a carpet lift and triple chair, to three progressive terrain parks with a wide variety of freestyle features, to the 50%slope of sasquatch, the most challenging black diamond trail. There is 100% snow making capabilities and lighted trails- don't you love the opportunity to extend your time on the slopes with some night runs?
Ski/ snow board lessons are available. Seniors 70 & over and children 5 & under ski for FREE! Four hour Adult lift tickets weekdays are $41 and weekends $50. Rental equipment - skis/boots/poles $35- snowboards/boots/poles $35 - helmut $11
Snowsports School- Discovery Program weekdays $45- weekends $81- Discovery Plus weekdays $77- weekends $95- Snowtubing weekdays $15- weekends $29.
The area now know as Bear Creek was home to the Rittenhouse Gap mines, a part of the Mid Atlantic Iron Belt The mines date back to the 1800's and the time of Thomas Edison, who was drawn to the mines to develop a cost effective means of extracting iron ore from crushed rock. The raiload servicing the mines was known as the Catasaqua-Fogelsville Railroad. It was built in the 1850's as a way to transport iron ore to furnaces along the Lehigh River, including Lock Ridge Furnace in Alburtis, where the ore was used to make cannon and machinery. The Rittenhouse Gap mines were abandoned after World War I when the iron industry was drawn to the upper Midwest.
One the the favorite locals weekends of the year is the Macungie car show. One of the country's largest antique and classic cars shows. August 3,4,5-2012. For 48 years, Das Awkscht Fescht has been a summer tradition for all ages. Offering three fun-packed days in the great outdoors, it's a perfect way for families to celebrate summer. This year, come cruisin' through 42 acres of fun at the Fescht - and enjoy the great things classic summers are made of. Admission Includes all events, shows, and entertainment. Everywhere you look are antique and classic cars coming and going along local roads, a sight to see.
The farmhouse is also a great location for those visiting family members in the Topton Home located only minutes away. Also Cedar Crest Hospital is only 15 minutes away.
Property Type
- 2 story
- Farmhouse
- 1200 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper Optional
Suitability
- Children Welcome
- Events Allowed
Bedrooms
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
- Bedroom 1
- 1 king
- Bedroom 2
- 1 queen
- Bedroom 3
- 1 king
- california king
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Full 1
- toilet, combination tub/shower
- Half 1
- toilet
- sink
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Television
Theme
- Away From It All
- Sports & Activities
- Budget
- Tourist Attractions
- Family
- Romantic
- Adventure
Attractions
- Museums
- Churches
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Zoo
- Autumn Foliage
- Winery Tours
- Theme Parks
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Coin Laundry
- Water Parks
- Library
- Caves
- Synagogues
Car
- Recommended
Leisure Activities
- Sledding
- Horseback Riding
- Outlet Shopping
- Scenic Drives
- Miniature Golf
- Bird Watching
- Photography
- Sight Seeing
- Gambling Casinos
- Walking
- Antiquing
- Shopping
local services and businesses
- Hospital
- Massage Therapist
- Groceries
- Fitness Center
- Medical Services
- Laundromat
- ATM/Bank
Location Type
- Mountain View
- Mountain
- Rural
sports and adventure activities
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Golf
- Hunting
- Ski Privileges Optional
- Tennis
- Mountain Biking
- Fly Fishing
- Racquetball
- Snowboarding
- Equestrian Events
- Swimming
- Mountaineering
- Skiing
Amenity
- Queen
- King
catering options
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Dining
- Dining Room
- Dining
forms of payment
- Accept Credit Card
General
- Ceiling Fans
- Towels Provided
- Hair Dryer
- Wood Stove
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Heating
- Parking
- Living Room
- Toilet Paper
- Iron & Board
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Secure Parking
- Living Area
- Wireless Internet
- Activities Guide
- Internet
house cleaning
- Housekeeper Optional
Kitchen
- Oven
- Dishwasher
- Kitchen
- Dishes & Utensils
- Pantry Items
- Coffee Maker
- 4 Ring Stove
- Refrigerator
- Toaster
- Stove
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
- Freezer
Outside
- Porch / Veranda
- Unscreened Porch / Veranda
- Balcony
- Outdoor Grill
- Lawn / Garden
- Ski & Snowboard
Payment Type
- Amex
- Mastercard
- Visa
Reviews
Write a review-
Great farmhouse
Great farmhouse
- Guest Michael C.
- Date of stay 02/15/13
- Review Submitted 02/26/13
The house is very convenient. It is located about 2 minutes from Bear Creek. I will definitely stay there again. It is very clean and comfortable.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Awesome!
Awesome!
- Guest Yvonne T.
- Date of stay 01/25/13
- Review Submitted 01/28/13
This is truly the best kept secret of Bear Creek Ski Resort! Even if you don't ski, The Hemphill Farm truly feels like home away from home. We have only great things to say about the accomodations. It was my husband's 50th Birthday and we wanted a place to stay that our family could all stayed together. This was perfect and I would absolutely recommend to my friends. It was exactly what my family family needed. We created lots of memories. You will never miss the TV, your cell phones or ipads! The kitchen had everything we needed and the mud room was great for all of our ski equipment. Don't hesitate! stDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Christmas Week 2012
Christmas Week 2012
- Guest Judith
- Date of stay 12/21/12
- Review Submitted 01/26/13
Christmas Week - 2012 Our far-flung family has enjoyed many reunions - all wonderful as we have been lucky travelers simply anxious to spend time together. This December we spent Christmas week at Hemphill Farm. This reunion was beyond wonderful - it was perfect! Never said that before! It was both magical and comfortable. Our needs were specific but our hosts, Will and John, have a talent I believe they adapt to a wide range of specific needs without ever being intrusive. Actually, my grandchildren suspect they made it snow on Christmas Eve - they know for a fact that Santa found us by following John's special light. With one son and his family traveling from their home in Gent, Belgium, one son coming from Philadelphia and me from Wilmington, we wanted a country spot not far from city lights and air ports with possibly some winter sports close by. This spot has it all with a ski resort a mile down the road and shopping and noted restaurants nearby. But none of us wanted to leave this little Eden from the moment we looked out the window in the morning to see the lambs and goats and very exotic chickens roaming the fields to cuddling on the porch to watch the stars before bed. John drew a map of the property for the kids and many fine treasure hunting experiences followed. But always with a stop along the way to share some food pellets Will supplied for the livestock. As a bonus, and great way to keep memories alive, the kids can check the Hemphill Farm Facebook page for baby animal updates. And oh those comfy sofas! We all agreed that this is the first time we actually coveted the furniture in a rental spot. The beds are just right - everything is immaculate - and the supply of fluffy white towels is endless. I had everything I could hope for as we put the well-equipped open kitchen to good use while enjoying the fire and just being together. While the house is not huge it is designed (John and Will will say by luck and necessity) with some quiet spaces as well as communal ones so privacy is never a problem. A very magical spot!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.
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Perfect!
Perfect!
- Guest Matthew d.
- Date of stay 01/04/13
- Review Submitted 01/14/13
We needed a one night stay in the area and so many places required a 2 night minimum. This fit our needs perfectly and was above and beyond what I expected. John and Will were both very kind and helped us with whatever we needed during our short stay. The place was quiet and had all the amenities one would need for a comfortable escape. Beds were comfortable, place was very clean, and we loved warming up by the wood stove!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Idyllic and Cozy Farmhouse Thanksgiving Weekend
Idyllic and Cozy Farmhouse Thanksgiving Weekend
- Guest Alexandra S.
- Date of stay 11/21/12
- Review Submitted 11/26/12
For the Thanksgiving holiday this year, our family decided to rent the Hemphill Farm home, to provide some much-needed rest from the hectic buzz of city living and quality family time together in a beautiful country setting. When we arrived at the farm house on Wednesday evening, we knew all our hopes for the weekend would come true. Will and John were the friendliest, most welcoming, of hosts, making us feel instantly at home in their cozy, charming farm house. They gave us recommendations for local attractions, including an invigorating and breathtaking five-mile hike around the Bear Creek sky resort, and restaurants for a night out. They were accommodating and unobtrusive, giving us total privacy but there for us at a moment's notice. There were six of us in our group, and the house was perfect for the size of our party. The bedrooms were warm and cozy, and the wood burning stove in the living room made for perfect country ambiance. We didn't want for anything in the kitchen, which was fully stocked for all our culinary needs, and we were able to have our Thanksgiving feast without any hitches or hiccups. While John and Will gave us plenty of recommendations for things to do in the area, we were perfectly content spending our days at the farm, cozying up in the living room for wine and cheese, playing rousing boardgames in the dining area and taking strolls around the property, (the sheep are adorable!), when we needed some fresh air. However, the idea of coming back during the snowy season, for some skiing at Bear Creek, is wonderfully tempting. The Hemphill Farm provided the perfect Thanksgiving getaway in the country, and we would come back for another long weekend or holiday in a heart beat. Warm, welcoming and restful, the Hemphill Farm is everything we could have ever asked for, and more. We hope to be back in the future!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, families with young children.
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Lehigh Valley Farmhouse
Lehigh Valley Farmhouse
- Guest Alexis's mom
- Date of stay 09/27/12
- Review Submitted 11/19/12
As described in the listing, the Farmhouse is located very centrally to all of the amenities in the area and to both Philly and New York. The large grounds were particularly appealing to us since we were traveling with a toddler. A major highlight of staying here is meeting the owners---John and Will are absolutely wonderful. John was great about accommodating all of our logistic needs and Will was on site to greet us and to make us feel comfortable. They were both a real pleasure and made the stay as enjoyable as possible.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.
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Unique and perfectly charming farmhouse near NYC!
Unique and perfectly charming farmhouse near NYC!
- Guest Diana C.
- Date of stay 11/02/12
- Review Submitted 11/05/12
In the wake of hurricane Sandy, we like so many New Yorker's were left without power and water. I happened upon this listing on Home Away while looking for a few nights with basic amenities after roughing it for almost a week. Being picky New Yorker's I initially did not expect too much with it being the offseason and a last minute booking, but we were blown away. The home's charm, the wonderful hosts--nothing was too much for them. We arrived after a short drive to a beautiful farmhouse, complete with every amenity that you could possibly want including a wonderful bottle of Chardonnay as a welcome gift! Needless to say, we were ecstatic with our choice. The home decor was filled with interesting treasures, beds were heaven, the entire place was spotless and the kitchen fully equipped with spices and whatnot. The house was totally private, yet if you needed anything at all--whether it was firewood for a nice warm glow with dinner or a recommendation on things to do in the area both Will and John were there and always incredibly friendly and responsive. They were the kind of people you could really get to know, and genuinely passionate about the farm which made it feel like home. I should also use this opportunity to also say that John called me just an hour after placing the initial request with home away, and I was thrilled that they were able to get power back in time while communicating about wifi and cable functionality as well. The sheep and chickens on premise were also fun to watch while enjoying the nice fall air. Anyone who is considering a hotel in this area should definitely consider the farmhouse. It is far more authentic, certainly more cozy, and a great value for its location and amenities. We spent some time in a local pub which was a ton of fun, some scuba diving at Dutch Springs about 20 minutes away, and we plan on coming back because the home is super close to the local ski resort. You cannot find a better country retreat this close to the city and we feel we have found a gem that will become somewhere fun and relaxing for us. Huge thank you to Will and John--you guys truly are the best!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Encore Visit
Encore Visit
- Guest Roe
- Date of stay 10/06/12
- Review Submitted 10/09/12
Myself, partner and friends revisited John and Will's country farmhouse for another dose of rustic charm and relaxation which is a surefire remedy for the "concrete jungle". Will greeted us and welcomed us back graciously as before with farm fresh eggs and there were a few more additions to the house to make your stay that much more pleasurable. The electric fireplace in the dining room gave a warm ambience and glow to the room and the additional seating area in the living room allowed us to be very comfortable, maybe a little too much, because all of us fell asleep at the same time while watching T.V. We had been there in February and it was especially picturesque at this time of year as we could now appreciate the landscaping of the property with the trees in varying shades of color as the backdrop for the sheep bleating in the fields. Much of the appeal of this idyllic farmhouse is that it is surronded by open spaces and the windows shedding so much light into the house. You can see the sunrise in the morning and hear the faint call of the roosters in the morning, heralding the day. We feel that John and Will genuinely enjoy their house and property and respect its beauty, and their warmth and graciousness and the feeling of family they exude to their guests fill one with a desire to return again and again. We explored the area a little further this time and encountered a few antique shops that had some great finds and a lovely area that went through East Greenville and Perkiomen Valley where we saw Ott's Garden Center which had an elaborate botanical garden on two levels to explore with a large diversity of cactus and flowering plants. It was worth the trip to see. We also saw Pennypacker Mills which was the former governor of Pennsylvania's summer home, a lovely Victorian estate and the tour was very informative and enjoyable and there are trails throughout the area to enjoy the scenery. We hope to return and stay here in every season.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
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Who knew sheep could lower your blood pressure?
Who knew sheep could lower your blood pressure?
- Guest KB
- Date of stay 08/31/12
- Review Submitted 09/04/12
My husband and I brought our two young kids to Hemphill Farm for Labor Day weekend and everyone loved it. John and Will are fantastic hosts. The house is comfortable and immaculate and the property is lovely and spacious and chock full of fascinating animal life. From feeding Ginger the goat to finding the chickens' secret hideaway to letting fuzzy caterpillars crawl all over us, this city family left feeling thoroughly connected to nature. And honestly, sitting on a lawn watching sheep graze is as good as or better than sitting on a beach in terms of the relaxation quotient. All in all, it was a charming, restorative getaway, and we hope we can come back soon. Thanks for a great weekend!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
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Family visit from the UK
Family visit from the UK
- Guest MFM1
- Date of stay 07/25/12
- Review Submitted 08/17/12
We had a fantastic three week vacation at the farmhouse visiting from the UK. It is always important for us to find quality accommodation in an attractive environment. The farmhouse lived up to our high expectations for a family of five which included children aged from 4-18! It really is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. The beds were so comfortable with a guaranteed good nights sleep. The porch is terrific for gazing at the stars and fireflies on a clear night or enjoying a few glasses of wine on the comfortable chairs. Watching nature and time pass by was absolutely great even the amazing thunderstorms. Eating breakfast (and other meals) outside on the picnic table was a real delight. Our children enjoyed playing out in the safe environment and feeding Ginger. There are several vineyards worth visiting where you can sample the wine beforehand. We enjoyed Blair Vineyards and Cloverhill (the others will have to be done next time!). The Farmers Markets were interesting with much local produce to choose from. We enjoyed a visit to Lancaster County to find more about the Amish Culture. This can be very "touristy" but the Bird in the Hand Bakery sells delightful cakes etc. Apple dumpling and ice cream was a real treat but there are many others. Will is very knowledgeable about all this! The children enjoyed the visit to Dorney Amusement Park close by. We only spent a day there which wasn't really enough. Discounts can be obtained from local supermarkets (or Dunkin Donuts!).Quite expensive but worth a visit. Crystal caves were worth a visit definitely when the weather is hot! Plenty of Mini Golf courses around too!Shopping is great in the US. Lehigh Valley Mall in Allentown, Philadelphia Outlet Village, King of Prussia Mall are worth visiting if you need some retail therapy! Lots of choices of supermarkets too. Wi-Fi was useful to research days out etc.A very comfortable living room and well equipped kitchen. The fresh eggs provided by Will made terrific omelettes. Would we recommend the farmhouse? Definitely! Your vacation is what YOU make it. Something for everyone, whether you are a couple on a romantic getaway or family with children. John and Will are great owners. John answered every e-mail I sent (before we visited)promptly and offered some good advice about places to visit and local amenities. There is always someone around if you need anything and they ensure you have a pleasurable stay. We had a wonderful vacation. Thanks John and Will!Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Owner response: We have learned so much about the proximity of the farm to various points of interest. Arriving at Newark Airport in Newark, New Jersey from the UK and Europe makes getting to the farm short and sweet. It takes approximately one hour along I-78 to Hemphill Farm from Newark in comparison with arriving at JFK which can take up to three hours of driving. Also there are direct flights from several European cities to Newark. There is ABE Airport in the Lehigh Valley (relatively small)which is approximately 20 minutes from the farm. We hope that Newark, ABE and Philly airports allow for affordable and convenient flights getting to the farmhouse. All the local vineyards are relatively young but the warm and sunny summer climate seems to be making our area a haven for them and thrive with different types of wines. The bargains for clothes (etc)shopping is definately the Philadelphia Outlets located in Limerick, PA. Ironically NOT in Philadelphia and only a 35-40 minute drive from the farm. Traditional shopping malls do include the Lehigh Valley mall, King of Prussia mall and The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. Will is definately the expert on Berks County whether it is local farms, the Amish or the Mennonites. Absolutely fascinating to have these cultures preserving our surrounding farmlands. Will has learned some Pennsylvania Dutch too. Going to the local farms and buying produce from the Amish and Mennonites is a great experience too. When arriving back at the farm from outings, the peaceful and tranquilizing front porch and farmhouse sets everything in perspective, together time with family could never be more precious and memorable. The farmhouse and farm awaits the return for your future vacations!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5
Rates
Special offer: Couple getaway deal
Couple getaway deal (two person) - experience a full home and feed the sheep. Take walks around the farm's trail, romantic dinners and quiet time together. Enjoy an evening beside the firepit and use the grill for al fresco dining. Unplug for a few days. Weeknight minimum two night stay $200/ Weekend stay $300. Cleaning fee and sales tax included. Wi-Fi available if you need to get some work done.
Offer for: May 20, 2013 - Jun 30, 2013 View calendar
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$200 | $250 Fri, Sat, Sun |
$1400 | |||
| spring season 2013 Mar 15 - Jun 20 2 night min stay |
$200 | $250 Fri, Sat, Sun |
$1550 | |||
| summer season 2013 Jun 21 - Sep 20 2 night min stay |
$200 | $250 Fri, Sat, Sun |
$1550 | |||
| Autumn season 2013 Sep 21 - Dec 20 2 night min stay |
$200 | $250 Fri, Sat, Sun |
$1550 | |||
| winter ski season 2013 Jan 7 - Mar 14 1 night min stay |
$150 | $250 Fri, Sat, Sun |
||||
Fees:
- Taxes Not included
Cancellation policy:
If you have any questions please contact the owner.
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Location
Owner info
Photos
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the farmhouse is an ideal retreat for family and friends to spend time together.
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views ... covered front porch, enjoy reading or working from home with WI-FI
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sunsets at the farm are magical - come and stay at Hemphill Farm
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mowed lawns around the farmhouse with privacy and plenty of room to roam
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make your own pizza and eat at the picnic table with your friends and family
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natural light pours into the kitchen with a pass through to the livingroom
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daytime in the livingroom with a woodstove on chilly days to add to the ambiance
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prepare your own meals in a fully stocked kitchen while entertaining year round
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evenings together with the woodstove or outside at the firepit.
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either a king size or two extra long twins... specify when you reserve
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quality and comfortable bedding...make for restful nights of sleep
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a simple and clean full bathroom with white towels
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Buttercups line the driveway as you enter the farm through the gates
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the firepit is enjoyed in the evenings - wood supply available
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a charcoal grill is provided for your outdoor entertaining- grilled chicken
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privacy, shade, views - come and stay on a farm and interact with the animals
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dining al fresco at the picnic table from spring until late autumn
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Ginger the pygmy goat waiting to be given some grain from the guests
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Gather with your friends and family to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Enter the mudroom- the catch all room for luggage, bicycles, ski equipment
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The staircase is an easy climb to the bedrooms and full bath on the second floor
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either two extra long twins or a king... specify when you reserve
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comfort of a quality queen size bed with crisp white linens and towels
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Ginger the goat makes sure she is the first to be fed- interact with the sheep
