Whoa, horsie! We offer horse rides! Old Farmhouse in background.
Location: Boone, Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA (We are in Todd, 20 mins to Boone or West Jefferson) View Map
Accommodations: Farmhouse, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: Farmhouse
The Old Farmhouse at Willet Ponds Horse Farm in Todd offers...
More than a place to stay: an Appalachian farm experience.
It's all about the farm, and the peaceful, enriching experience your family will have here. Interact with our farm animal favorites: Lucy the pot-bellied pig, Solomon the long-eared donkey, several horses and some very friendly dogs. Watch our delightful Farmhouse VIDEO to see the whole menagerie in action and to better understand what a visit could mean to your family (scroll down to "Links to More Information").
A week in the country is worth a month in town. Treat yourself to the simple joys in life and discover why we have an extremely high guest return rate. Join us in feeding our flock of chickens, gathering eggs, and waking to the rooster’s crow--it's therapeutic!
“This was the best week of my life,” said one 4-year-old guest, speaking for most of the children who have experienced our farm and fallen in love with the “Little House on the Prarie” style Old Farmhouse. Indeed, what we hear time and time again is that Willet Ponds Farm is the perfect vacation spot for any animal lover or country romantic who needs a break from the suburbs.
This quaint, century-old farmhouse offers an excellent venue for experiencing the Appalachian countryside, be it with kids, or on a romantic getaway: fresh mountain air, babbling brooks, nature at your doorstep. Tucked away on a dead-end road, nestled at the base of Elk Knob State Park, the Old Farmhouse takes one back to a slower day, a simpler time. Generous decking wraps around three sides, ending in a covered porch from which unfolds the brilliant green valley and a pastoral scene that will keep you dreaming wistfully from the porch swing.
The house has been well lived in and well loved for generations. It’s authentic—not a log cabin kit popped up on a hillside. There is spirit and character here. The Old Farmhouse is picture perfect in every way your imagination tells you a quaint Appalachian farmhouse should be. Antique furniture, rustic wormy chestnut cabinetry, knotty pine and hardwood floors, handmade quilts, and vintage photographs will convince you of its Appalachian heritage.
A spacious, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable family room, and attractive sunroom with double French doors give you plenty of space to relax inside. The farmhouse has two charming bedrooms on the ground level, each with a double bed, plus an upstairs bedroom (two single beds) and attic room (single bed plus cot) that will enchant your children—they absolutely love it here.
Willet Ponds, our 16-acre farm, is 5 minutes from historic Todd (the famous General Store and Wi-Fi Mercantile bakery), one more skip to the scenic New River (tubing, canoeing/kayaking/rafting, fishing, & swimming, not to mention easy bike riding along the river), 15 minutes to Elk Knob State Park, and only 20 minutes to either Boone or West Jefferson. From Boone you’ll have easy access to the ski slopes, Tweetsie, shopping in Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Grandfather Mountain. But be sure to schedule in some down time to just enjoy the profound serenity of the property, to watch the horses graze.
The adventurous can explore two mountain streams on the property that are just the right size to play in, then catch supper from the trout pond teaming with tadpoles, salamanders, bluegill, and rainbow trout (fishing poles provided). There’s a small camping spot with a tent platform along the creek, a large bonfire pit, and hiking from the house to nearby waterfalls. Deer and wild turkey abound. It’s a birder’s delight: scarlet tanagers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, red-winged blackbirds, hummers, and bluebirds galore! And as dusk falls, the spring peepers begin to sing a chorus while countless fireflies rise from the pasture, performing a natural light show rivaled only by the brilliant night sky that’s so full of stars, it can only be imagined from the city.
Cozy in Winter: While the house does not have a usable fireplace, the Toyostove heater features the glow of a fire and keeps the house cozy on the coldest nights.
No A/C: The Old Farmhouse does not have, or, in most cases, need, air conditioning. Keep the windows open and enjoy the babbling brook and the breeze. One recent guest from Florida admitted she was a bit worried about staying at a place without A/C in July, but afterwords said, "The house was very pleasant. It's got God's central air. I wouldn't change a thing. Please don't change a thing!"
Horse Rides:
Kiddie Rides: Young riders will be delighted to sit on a horse and have us lead them around the farm. $25 per family.
Instructional Rides for Beginner & Intermediate Riders: Learn the basics of communicating with a horse. Start in the riding ring and get acquainted with your horse: steering, starting, and stopping. We’ll adjust instruction to match your riding competency. Riding the short trails around the farm with a guide may be possible, depending on confidence level and competency. We keep horses at a walk. One hour. $35 per rider.
In addition to our horses, friendly dogs, chickens, pot-bellied pig, and donkey, we also live on this, our dream farm, in a house across the way (not too close). We personally manage the Old Farmhouse, making it clean and comfortable, in hopes that you’ll feel that you’re staying in a home, not a generic rental cabin. We make sure to take care that you have everything you need, be it a cup of flour or freshly laid free-range eggs.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve made room for you here, too.
Favorite Things to Do
On the Property:
1) Roast marshmallows at the fire ring.
2) Walk the hiking trail up to the seldom-seen falls.
3) Feed the chickens and gather eggs.
4) Horsie rides (subject to owner’s schedule)
5) Fish for supper in the trout pond.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : A variety of children's videos.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Other Amenities
- Fresh Farm Eggs, Fully-equipped Kitchen (Microwave, Toaster, Coffee Maker, Refrigerator), XL Bathroom w/ Double Sink, Ceiling Fans, Books, Magazines, Board Games, Toys, Fire Pit, Camping Site, Fishing Poles, bicycles for children, Easy Winter Access, God's Central Air (no A/C needed), Very Kid-Friendly
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Petting Zoo (Donkey, pig, horses, dogs), Trout Pond, Hiking Trails to Waterfall on Property, Marshmallow Roasting, Fiefly Catching, Bird Watching, Camping, plus everything else you could possibly want to do in the high country, NEAR Blue Ridge Parkway and All Area Tourist Sites (Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, etc, ) Good access to Merle Fest (30 mins)& Highland Games.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Experience a week for ONLY $1025! This bargain rate includes farm fresh eggs.
$155/night for first 6 nights, thereafter $95/night. Monthly Rate: Seasonal.
Rates are firm & non-negotiable. 12.75% NC & CNTY tax additional.
Avoid 3% credit card processing fee if paying by check. Cleaning fee $65.
Reservations made less than 60 days before arrival require payment in full.
Cancellation fee: $50 or 10%, whichever is more. No minimum stay. No booking fee.
You will find no better value for your vacation dollar. We are fair, friendly &
easy to work with. We might barter for time at your vacation rental, too.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Live on a Farm, Ride Horses, Gather Eggs, Feed Chickens & Fish
Year Purchased: 2003
Why the Owner Chose Boone
Years ago, the Old Farmhouse belonged to my great uncle Robey, who made a living raising sheep and cattle on this small Appalachian family farm. Though it left the family and changed hands a number of times, and got divided up over the years, the heart of the farm was still intact and up for sale when I found myself looking for the perfect place to settle down, pasture my horses, and raise my children. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to bring the place back into the family, and continue on a tradition and lifestyle that my family has known for many generations. In 2003 my husband and I bought the property and over the course of a couple years were able to build a new farmhouse, then turn the Old Farmhouse into a guest house/vacation rental. There is a wonderful spirit to the place; I suppose that is why everyone falls in love with it and is so eager to return at the next opportunity.
The Unique Benefits at this Farmhouse
To leave the sounds of the city behind, and soak up the peaceful serenity of the country seasons, is a balm for the soul. The hard work of never-ending farm chores is so very much offset by the beauty of the quiet valley that the chores become a pleasure. They are the anti-dote to sitting in front of a computer monitor from 9 to 5. We do have full-time jobs that take us to Boone, which serves as our daily reminder that we live in heaven. We look forward to and count as precious the days we don't have to go anywhere, the days we can spend all day working, playing, and relaxing at our year-round vacation home here at Willet Ponds Horse Farm.
Visit the Todd General Store, the Mercantile Bakery, and outfitters for boating/tubing the New River.
This nearby state park offers a great family hike to the top of Elk Knob, where fabulous vistas treat the eye and soul.
This road along the river is perfect for bike rides, jogs, and scenic drives. This side of Watauga County is famous for excellent cycling routes through pastoral mountain countryside.
Owner's Map of Boone
I grew up in the High Country on a small family farm, where my dad kept horses, chickens, rabbits, beagles, goats, and whatever else he took a fancy to. I can't remember not having a horse to ride, or a bored moment. Though I sold my horse when I was 16 to buy a car, and drove off to Florida, Texas, then Canada, the mountains and country living always had a pull on me. Finally, I gave in and returned to the place that was dearest to my heart, and am now delighted to give my children the mountain roots and country upbringing that have meant so much to me. Living in the beautiful, peaceful mountains, surrounded by farm critters great and small, has been a dream come true in my life. And I'm thrilled to be able to share the dream with vacationers who would like to sample this lifestyle, if only for a week.
Property Photos
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- Whoa, horsie! We offer horse rides! Old Farmhouse in background. - Bald Mountain, NC Farmhouse Lodging near Boone
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- The Old Farmhouse is a year-round favorite. - Bald Mountain, NC Farmhouse Lodging near Boone
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- "This was the best week of my life!" is what many kids exclaim. - Bald Mountain, NC Farmhouse Lodging near Boone
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- Spacious kitchen with rustic wormy chestnut cabinetry.
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- Dining area adjoining kitchen; additional seating at bar.
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- Sunroom with morning and afternoon light.
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- Upstairs bedroom has a magical Little House on the Prairie feel.
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- Schedule a riding lesson in the riding ring adjacent the house.
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- View from front porch swing; morning fog filling the green valley.
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- Flaming fall color peaks in mid-October & is a sight to behold!
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- Lucy the pot-bellied pig is our official greeter and a farm favorite.
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- Birdseye view of Old Farmhouse, barn, and pasture.
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- The spacious master bedroom features an antique double bed.
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- The Bluebird Bedroom with double bed is bright and cheery.
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- Easy winter access and a few inches of snow makes it a winter wonderland.
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- We hunt Easter eggs EVERY day of the year -- kids #1 favorite activity.
Traveler Reviews (24)
Calming Serenity
Guest: LBJ
(Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07
Review Submitted: 12/27/07
What a fantastic place! The house was so beautiful and magically peaceful. It was quaint yet had ALL the amenities needed, plus some! The landlords made us feel so welcome with fresh eggs and offers of anything we needed. They allowed our children to gather eggs, feed the chickens, and ride horses. The surrounding areas of Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and more, offered more fun things than can be squeezed into a weeks' stay! Our family of four got a renewed sense of calm and we can't wait to go back!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Simple Country Living
Guest: Armstrong Family
(Wellington, FL)
Date of Stay: 01/04/12
Review Submitted: 01/09/12
Despite the cabins lack of modern conveniences and old style, it was very clean and adequate with many beds and rooms for the kids to sleep. Comfortable and simple was a nice change from our high-tech living. The kids loved running in the yard with the dogs. Having chickens, horses and a pig made it a loving/nature filled change to our everyday life.
Recommended for:Families with young children.
We loved the Old Farmhouse!
Guest: Kathy
(Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 06/19/11
Review Submitted: 10/02/11
We spent a week at the Old Farmhouse and enjoyed every minute of it. The house is lovely and the setting is idyllic. We loved the animals, especially Solomon the donkey, who we have greatly missed since leaving. The kids really enjoyed their egg hunts and knew just where to look by the end of the week. Another big favorite was the rope swing--my kids are still talking wistfully about it. We highly recommend building a fire and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows while you're there. What could be more relaxing? The area is also very nice. We spent one afternoon in Boone, strolling and window shopping, and another afternoon in West Jefferson, doing the same thing. We listened to live Bluegrass music at the Todd General Store ("The Neighbors" are fantastic!), heard a storyteller spin her tails, went tubing on the New River, and hiked to the top of Elk Knob. We didn't go to Tweetsie--it just wasn't that kind of trip for us. We wanted quiet and relaxation, and that's what we got. Thanks Walton and Betty! Give Solomon a pat and a handful of clover for us! :-)
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
Our best family vacation yet!
Guest: Debbie
(Miami,Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
The farmhouse was exactly as described. Walton and Betty were great-feeding the animals, the scenery.....everything was great! The beds were clean. House was spacious and comfortable. Not too far from our daily activities. We didn't want to leave. Will tell everyone we know how great it was. We hope to come back!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children.
Great time!
Guest: Liz
(Fort Mill, SC)
Date of Stay: 06/16/11
Review Submitted: 06/20/11
Our trip to the farmhouse was such a wonderful experience for our family. The house was great:: clean and comfortable and spacious. Our kids had a great time, ages 2 and 4 along with their cousins, age 3,4 and 7. The hosts were friendly and gracious and our kids had a great time feeding the animals, running around the yard and swinging on the rope swing. We can't wait to go again next year and this time stay an entire week!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
A+ Vacation
Guest: Family of six
(Coastal NC)
Date of Stay: 06/09/11
Review Submitted: 06/16/11
What a wonderful experience! My husband and I and our four young children (ages 9, 7, 3yo twins) recently stayed at the old farmhouse. First of all, it was easy to get to, and close enough to the touristy things and grocery shopping. We liked just staying at the farm the best though. The house was very clean and comfortable. Although it was near the owners home, privacy was never an issue. Mr. Walton and Mrs. Betty are very warm and helpful. My children loved feeding the chickens, and Lucy the pig. They loved Heidi the dog who visited often, so much that they really wanted to bring her home. The views of the mountains were very beautiful. We really wanted a camping type experience but with all the modern convieniences and this propertt fit the bill. This place really was perfect for us and we hope to go again next year.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.
Wonderful place, wonderful people
Guest: DK
(Sunnyvale)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11
Review Submitted: 05/04/11
We've spent a week at the Farmhouse, together with our friends and kids, and had really great time, children and adults. The rooms are clean and really cozy. The kids had lots of fan with dogs, hens, a donkey and a piggy. Walton, the owner, was very friendly and helpful. We definitely recommend this place to anybody with kids who wants to spend vacations in the country, and would be happy to rent it again next time we'll visit the East Cost. Thank you very much Walton! Olga, Dmitri and Ruth
Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Quaint Farm Stay in Boone
Guest: Shana1234
(Cary, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/08/08
Review Submitted: 08/14/10
My husband and I took our 1 year old son to celebrate all our our summer birthdays. My son loved seeing the chickens, Solomon the Donkey and Lucy the Potbellied Pig up close. We enjoyed having the privacy of our own house while still being on the owner's property vs. a bed and breakfast and my husband appreciated the fresh eggs he was allowed to gather that we could keep for breakfast. Our family is mainly vegan due to our concern over factory farming issues so the fact that we could have TRULY free range eggs was very nice. Overall we had a nice stay and would recommend it if you are looking for a quiet vacation with a farm feel.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
A Real Mountain Retreat
Guest: None
(North Carolina mountains)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10
Review Submitted: 07/25/10
If you are looking for a real retreat in the North Carolina mountains, a place where both kids and worn-out adults can find serenity and enjoy a true rural experience, then this is the place! After feeding the pig and chickens, take the bicycles and head to the best place to cycle in the mountains (Todd's Railroad Grade) or the fishing poles and head to the pond and then just relax on the wrap-around porch and watch the deer come by. Highly Recommended.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Great Vacation!
Guest: Jen
(Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 07/06/10
Review Submitted: 07/24/10
This was such a relaxing vacation. We enjoyed going on short day trips around the area and then coming back in the evening to hang out on the farm. Our boys really enjoyed feeding all the animals each evening, chasing the chickens, and going on egg hunts to find where the chickens had laid their eggs. We would love to come back again next summer! Highly recommend this farmhouse stay!!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #85830
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