2 sites · Lodging25 acres · TNQUIRKY BARN APARTMENT ON 25 ACRE NATURE PRESERVE.
LOCATED IN MINNESOTA, 30 MINUTES WEST OF ROCHESTER.
Delight in the beauty and history of this authentic 150-year-old family farm; now organic, sustainable, solar-powered and chemical free with a small apartment built into the 75-year-old barn.
Unplug on the charming property that pays homage to the founding family who settled and worked these woods.
Established in 1854, The Homestead is one of only a handful of remaining Century Farms in Minnesota; this Pioneer Property boasts an inviting 25 PRIVATELY OWNED acres for you to freely roam.
Certified as a National Wildlife Habitat, there is an abundance of animals and birds in the heavily wooded pristine moors at the bottom of the hill. Bluffs, creek, Medieval Forest; the pastures are used organic, chemical free hay farming.
Homesteaded since 1858, the Farm has been chemical free since 1985. We raise organic hay. No livestock on the farm. The property you have access to is included in the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest. Authentic experiences on trails, cliffs, creek, meadows, wetlands, moors, prairie all in their natural state. Since no chemicals have been used "some' foraging is allowed. Please leave no trace. Be mindful of wildlife and considerate of others.
Mountain bikes are allowed on the trails.
Learn more about this land:
* 1 bed/1 bath rustic with huge 2-person soaking tub/shower
* Using the highest cleaning protocols for 5 star stays.
* The entire unit is yours; not shared whatsoever.
*Your unit is a small apartment that was bult into the
barn.
* Access to laundry, small gym and patio with firepit/grate/BBQ
*View from patio over entire woods.
* 25 acres of the farm has been carved out as a Nature Preserve.
Enter the property using the North Driveway. We live on property about 150 yards away with no line of sight.
Self-Check In at the apartment using the lock box.
Enjoy locally sourced snacks - WHEN AVAILABLE -- and drinks thoughtfully provided by your Hosts, while you explore. Whimsically curated decor to bring in mid-western charm of your new favorite getaway.
Put away the basic groceries in the mid-size fridge (not mini fridge, not full-size fridge.
Relax on the porch, open the adult beverages you brought with.
Put on your sturdy shoes and take a stroll down to the scenic creek, free from all other distractions. Check out the picnic pavilion. Consider a picnic for tomorrow. Hike back up the hill (moderate/rocky) to your place.
Light the fire (wood provided) and cook some veggies or chops on the gas grill.
[X] Make S'mores
[X] Have your own private bonfire.
Visit on the comfy porch or lawn under big sky while star gazing.
Sleep soundly on comfortable new memory foam mattresses with UGG bedding and hospitality grade linens.
Wake up refreshed and make coffee. Slip out silently onto the porch and watch wildlife and birds.
Read or journal. Eat breakfast or pack a knapsack for the trail. Take eco-friendly bug spray and sunblock (provided).
Following the clearly marked trail, admire the wild meadows with no other traffic. Contemplate the amazing limestone bluffs that are indigenous to the area. Run the trails. Walk along the scenic creek (again!!) Have a breakfast bar and juice in the picnic pavilion.
Imagine what this land looked like 150 years ago Spend time re-wilding. Forage for herbs and plants. Spot birds. (Bring the binoculars from the cabin!) Hunt for shed deer antlers and Morel mushrooms. Watch the eagles.
Since no chemicals have been used here since 1987, it is safe to harvest a few plants for yourself. (Please be considerate, leave some for others, and practice good stewardship of natural resources; Pack it in/Pack it out/leave no trace.) The adjoining properties are still used for farming; it is possible you may see workers or animals across the pasture, but they won't intrude on your time, they're busy! These are working animals and machinery, so give them space. Fences may have electrical current. Don't touch wire fences.
Take a private, romantic hike with your special someone. Photograph the century old remains of the original farm. Stroll through the rolling hills. Pick a couple apples from one of the 5 apple trees Nana-Eva planted in 1942.
Admire the Day Lilys Mom planted in 1967. (On the driveway, near the gates Blooming in early summer.) Eat some wild blackberries or grapes right off the vines. Planted by Great Grandpa Otis in 1937. (Look along fence lines for these) June bearing fruit. Apple picking is in late August.
[X] Relax in the safety and awesomeness of your natural wild environment.
After a quick shower and you're off to explore town!
Drive through picturesque S.E. Minnesota. We are close to Historic Mantorville. Pass by wineries, quaint antique shops and stagecoach hotel.
So, did you go North, South, East or West?
Did you visit a nearby Festival or Fair? See a Stagecoach? Visit the Opera House? Cycling? Riding? Find a local small batch brewery? Did you go to the Farmer's Market? Did you go to Rochester, Home of the Mayo Clinic and visit the city sights? Were you berry picking? Or did you go shopping at a variety of cute shops and boutiques? Antiquing? We recommend a church supper if you can find one, or a VFW BBQ! How about the Food Trucks? Maybe you stopped at Burgers and Shake joint? Did you get a massage and pedi? Pop and ice cream at The Chocolate Shoppe? Walk along the river? Or were you more adventurous and went tubing on the Zumbro!?
More late-night snuggling under the stars before you retire inside for a hot soak with your favorite person. Another fine, soft, evening here watching the fireflies.
Wake up Sunday, re-energized and re-connected with your loved ones.
Take your coffee and walk down to the covered pavilion. A quick breakfast of fresh eggs you bought from the Farmers Market and homemade bread, and you're off.
You have had a perfect small-town getaway at The Wrangler.
Make sure you have all your things, let Host(s) know you're departing. Plan your return trip! See you soon!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
