This farmstead pre-dates the first pioneers in Tioga County. In 1792 a series of 1000-acre land warrants were registered in Philadelphia and sold to the early pioneers. The Wilson family settled here in 1802, on 200 acres, with 100 acres remaining in the family till the early 1900s. They cleared the land, built stonewalls and homes, and farmed, planted, harvested, made hay for their animals, wooden tools, maple syrup and kept bees and sheep.
My mother Mary E Stepney bought this abandoned 83-acre farm in 1973 and raised sheep on it for 60 years, struggling to survive and improve the farm. There are 7 pastures, treelines and stonewalls, 3 springs, and 35 acres of woods, where the deer hide and come out to graze in the evenings and early mornings.
We have now discovered an archaeological site which we believe is from pre-colonial times, the Rutland Hill Stacked Stone Features, registered with PA Share as Site No. 36TI0190. It can be called a “cairn” and it has a 285-year-old shagbark hickory growing alongside it. We believe it is a Native American ceremonial site, with other stone features nearby, and 7 culturally modified trees all pointing towards the brook where the cairn is located.
We have signposted our trails for nature lovers, we accept hunters during hunting season, and ATVs (both for additional fees). We offer a shooting range with 50, 100 & 150 yard stations (included with hunting fee or extra fee out of season.) We have a pet-friendly front garden fully fenced for safety (dog fee). There's a grill for the back garden, too!
Whether it’s rest and relaxation in peaceful surroundings, remote work with 5G WiFi, adventures or local tourism, Rutland Hill Farmhouse is a fantastic option. We look forward to welcoming you!