Our adventure began in August 2018, when we found 7 acres of pasture with woods and a pond for sale in Chatham County, North Carolina. The pasture photo was taken from where our new farmhouse now stands. As we stood pondering the land, we were overcome with peace. Nature’s sounds permeated the atmosophere. We were quickly smitten!
The plan started to develop on a warm late summer day as Bill and I sat drinking iced mochas at The Belted Goat in Fearrington Village. We sketched out the plan on a coffee napkin: a farmhouse, barn, equipment shed and art studio, as well as pastures and gardens. After a couple hours of dreaming and sketching, dreaming some more and scribbling in and out of the plan, we decided to dive head in to what would soon become our new, all-encompassing world: Wildefern Farm, a place of refuge for abused/neglected/unwanted farm animals.
We were fortunate to have a friend recommend a builder, who was willing to wait for other life events that took our priority and focus. His patience reflected a man of strong character, and we knew immediately that he was someone we could trust to turn our dream into reality…no matter when we were ready. (We cannot say enough about the team of Carl Caldwell and Ralph Rohn of Triangle Classic Homes in Raleigh, NC.)
Fast forward to the present, twenty months later, and Bill and I are hunkered down here on Wildefern Farm, hopefully staying safe from the pandemic. We’re getting projects done that will help us focus on getting the farm animal-ready. Projects that may have been put off are under way, while the forced isolation has provided time for us to settle in and appreciate beginning this new chapter in our lives.
I hope you’ll follow along as we delve into gardening, building, cooking/baking (yes, I’ve been cooking), providing a forever home for beloved animals, and reflect on life here in the countryside of North Carolina.
I love this. It has been such an honor to watch your process unfold and to see your excitement become a reality. I can’t wait to watch everything grow.
Thank you, Amy! I’m excited to see things grow, too!!! Thanks for visiting.
I have loved watching you share the various stages of the building of
Wildefern Farm , now to hear the background story is so much fun! What a wonderful place to have to stay home in. A perfect opportunity to create and get ready for your animals. Eager to hear more.
Thanks, Pam! I appreciate your popping in!
I’ve had the good fortune of watching Wildefern Farm being built by both you & Bill via Facebook for the past year. It is exciting to see your dreams take shape and watch this labor of love for animals take place. Thank you so much for keeping us all “in the loop” and dreaming vicariously along with you both.
Thanks, Nancy! We can’t wait to have the pitter patter of little hooves and toes in the barn!
You really are ‘Livin’ the Dream’ and we are so happy for you. I wish your folks were here to see it, Barbara. We used to travel to North Carolina a lot when Bob was working in Greenville at the hospital but now he lives about four miles from us here in Tolland. I doubt that we will be traveling that way again soon but if we do, you can be sure we’ll drop in. Love you!
Thanks for your kind words, Kathy! We’d love to have a tea on the porch with you someday!
Happy for you that you and Bill are following your dream. I’ve enjoyed watching your dream unfold as you’ve shared pictures and wishes. Also, I love your writing style.
Thanks for your ongoing support, Mary Ann! I appreciate your thoughtful words.
Wow. Y’all are awesome. I’m honored and I excited to be invited on your journey. You are truly lucky, my dream!
Thank you, Deb! We are very excited, too!!!
So excited to see your page up Barbara! Can’t wait to keep reading as the farm develops!
Thank you, April!
Perhaps a future story of the name and the spelling of your lovely farms name? I’ve wondered and always forget to ask. Yea, you guys! Congratulations.
Thank you, Zen! I will definitely write about the great influence of my grandmother, Minnie Wildes Hawkins, in an upcoming post. Much appreciated!
We too have enjoyed watching your journey and wonderful outcome.
Thank you, Jane and Jason!
Things are looking great down on the farm. I hope it is everything that you envisioned!
Thanks, Bro! Can’t wait for you to visit!
You have such a beautiful place, and may you both have many happy and healthy years on the farm! We look forward to seeing it in person!
Thank you!!!!