Dreaming of Vermont Organic Farms

Dreaming of Vermont Organic Farms

What Do Vermont Organic Farms and Selling Vermont Real Estate Have in Common?

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Vermont has been at the center of the back to the land and organic food movement since Helen & Scott Nearing wrote “Living the Good Life: How to live simply and sanely in a troubled world.” at Winhall, Vermont in 1954.

Their book lays out the details of the Nearing’s self-reliant, no nonsense, homesteading lifestyle as they practiced it for over 2 decades in southern Vermont. The back to the land movement caught on in towns and hamlets all over Vermont and these homesteads became the roots of organic farming in Vermont.

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The Northeast Organic Farming Association was formed in 1971 and has grown through the years and now certifies over 575 diverse farms in Vermont. From organic dairy to hops and medicinal herbs, you can find it all in this small state.

Like many people in Vermont, I have more than 1 job. Part time during the summer months, I inspect organic farms for certification and with the rest of my time, I help people buy and sell real estate. It might not appear that there is much overlap between the two and yet, at the core, they are very much the same. Both have to do with the land and how it is used.

My inspection job takes me all over the state to many unique and wondrous farms where people work hard to protect and enhance the land while feeding us too. Organic farming is a win-win-win proposition. It is good for the environment, good for the people it feeds and hopefully, good for the farmer. Our small family farms keep Vermont’s stunning views open and the land neat and cleared. They help keep Vermont a place that visitors want to come see and often times, to stay. Our small farms are a part of what gives Vermont its unique sense of place- what so many of us love so deeply about Vermont; it’s agrarian roots.

13.7 million Folks visit Vermont every year and many of them are drawn here by our open vistas, green values and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities. Inevitably, some of these visitors decide that they would like to live in Vermont or at least own a piece of it. That’s where my second job comes in; I put my knowledge of the area and real estate to work to help people find their dream home in Vermont.

How we use our land is important; whether it be in keeping open green spaces or in assuring that we strive for a beautiful aesthetic and the highest use of our built spaces. The land and its use is what organic farming and real estate have in common.

Brenda Hedges Organic Farm InspectorIf you are interested in chasing the Vermont Organic Farm dream here are a few properties from Pall Spera Company Realtors that may meet you needs. Please feel free to call me about these properties or any other properties on this site 802-760-3118 or via email at brenda.hedges@pallspera.com.  Want to learn a little more about Brenda and see some of her listings?

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION- Convenient to Stowe this rare property with stylish farmhouse and an immaculate 2448 sq.ft. two level equestrian stable lies on rolling hills and green meadows. On twenty-two acres, the residence has four bedrooms, two and one-half baths, custom kitchen, an open design living space with fireplace along with a attached heated three car garage and a detached two car. The stable is fully serviced with water and electricity and in perfect condition with five comfortable stalls, designer tack room and massive hay storage loft. Adjacent to the stable is a ‘run-in’ for horses and a two story hunter’s cabin which is a historic structure from earlier days. With long panoramic mountain views, large swimming/trout pond and blended with a balanced mix of pastures and woodlands loaded with hiking and horse trails, which connect to the 5,110 pristine acre Green River Reservoir State Park and 653 acre lake… this estate is purely a naturalist’s and/or equestrian’s dream.
Boutique Inn/Bed and breakfast OR rebirth of a famous horse farm? Or both? Breathtaking 180 degree mountain views. See attached video. This unbelievable 58 acre property is the famed Green Mountain Arabians Farm which produced champion Arabians for decades. See attached article. Located next to The Center for America’s First Horse and close to Johnson State College . Close to Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe Mountain Resort ski areas and Burlington International Airport. The 1880 farm house awaits possible conversion to a bed and breakfast. The property is assessed by the Town of Johnson at $311,600 and receives a Current Use reduction. 49 acres of pasture land, plus 7 wooded acres, plus 2 acres of wet land equals a 58 acre nature paradise.
Vintage Vermont farmhouse on more than 7 acres of mixed pasture and meadows. This property features great views of Camel’s Hump. The house has 5 bedrooms. There have been many upgrades, including new furnace, windows, bathroom, and mudroom. The property also has a 1,900 sq ft barn, with modern electric service and frost proof water supply. Waterbury has one of Vermont’s best school systems. It is a short (6 minutes) drive to Route 89 (Exit 10).
Lovingly created,Star Pudding Farm was established in the 1970’s,yet the buildings have a sense of place about them,as if they’ve always been there!Drive past ancient trees,a 4 bay garage,caretakers cottage,lge. barn w/fin.apt.and workshop. A stone tower greets and sets the tone for a farmhouse that’s whimsical and timeless.Rumford fireplaces create old world charm in the living rm.w/stone flr.and banquet sized dining rm. w/secret passage.The library adjoins a 3 season sun rm.that opens to a stone wall terrace w/fountain and Japanese Torii. A first flr. MBR w/fp.,4 brs.,loft,office/study and cupola complete the expansive flr.plan. Included are antique fixtures from “Greatwood Farm”,which later became Goddard College.Panoramic mountain views and miles of trails enhance a preserved 247 acre landscape of pasture, woodland and ponds. Wander past gnomes and gathering spots such as ‘Stonehenge’ or ‘Dancing Maidens’ to a cabin. It’s a joyful journey that may keep you here forever.
“The Collier Farm” offers complete end of the road privacy. Completely restored & refurbished in 06/07 this immaculate farmhouse w/ 3 large bedrooms, 4 baths, beautiful hardwood, ceramic tiled floors, formal dining, living room with brick hearth and Hearthstone insert, master bedroom w/bath and wood burning fireplace, 2 stairwells for privacy, open kitchen w/marble countertops and top of the line appliances, covered porch, 2 car garage, new 2011 architecturally designed 22×12 shed for garden tools, lawn tractor, etc., spring fed swimming pond, 140 acres w/trails, meadows, wildlife and views of Mansfield and ask about the ski tow rope.Property is in current use program.
A true Vermont farmhouse is hard to find. Sweeter still is to find a gem with THE coveted sideways window, beautifully renovated without losing charm, set along a country road on 59.5 acres, with soothing mountain views, front porch and a barn. A sunny, open floor plan with classic antique detail includes high ceilings, painted floors, country kitchen with wood stove sitting area, sun room, front to back living room and 1st floor Master Bedroom. Stenciled stairs lead to 4 additional bedrooms for family, guests or home office space. Gardens, stone walls, patio area and attached garage, complete the setting. A large 4 stall barn with heated workshop, plenty of pasture and the proximity to the Center For Americas 1st Horse makes this property ideally suited to an equestrian lifestyle. Home feels like you are away from it all, yet you are convenient to Burlington, with Johnson State College, the Vermont Studio Center and thriving village just minutes away.
“Bella Vista” -Charming and artistic country property that affords the ultimate Vermont experience and life style. Upscale three bedroom artistic residence with field stone fireplace, wood floors and exceptional cathedral kitchen – dining area. Property renovated recently including new den/home office (15 x 15). Gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, and romantic large front porch with awning for the most enjoyable evening sunsets. Meadows, orchards and landscaped grounds encompass an eight stall horse barn and one of Lamoille Counties best country residences. Located in famous Johnson, Vermont. Home of the Vermont Studio School and the beautiful Johnson State College campus
125 Acres with sweeping panoramic mountain views from this classic Vermont setting! A breathtaking property offering established sugarbush, apple orchard, pond, meadows along with various timber stands. Protected in the Current Use Program with Timberstand Maintenance. Original Maple and Birch floors give this home the original Vermont feel it deserves. Spectacular sunsets to be enjoyed from the deck off of the family room. Gorgeous additional building site with existing farmhouse as potential caretakers cottage could offer the ultimate Vermont residence! Conveniently located on the sought after McKinistry Hill, this property is not be missed!
Sterling Brook Farm ~ A rare vintage property, lovingly referred to as “the Water Wheel House.” This historic 1784 home was originally part of the old Jacobs Farm. The home is protected by 73+/- acres in an idyllic country setting, with mature trees, perennial gardens, raised vegetable garden surrounded in brick, swimming pond fed by active brook on the property, tennis court, x-country trails, 4-stall horse barn with fenced-in field, 2 chicken houses, fully equipped tool shed and even a “Teddy Bear” playhouse that awaits young children with all the charm of yesteryear. Sterling Brook also runs through the property. The approx. 6000 sq. ft. home has a newly built master BR suite plus 3 BR on the 2nd floor, a guest BR suite on the lower level and an impressive wine cellar. The 54X24 recreation room has cathedral ceilings, fireplace and another BR. Conveniently located approx. 4.7 miles from the center of Stowe and all Stowe amenities and recreation. Also offered w/ 36 AC for $1,150,000.
“The Washer Farm” Renovated Farm House. Gutted in and lovingly restored. Farmhouse style kitchen, exposed beams, wide plank floor boards, deck, and expansive barn w silo. Amazing close and distant views.Classic farm property with room for everyone – large house, large barn and open meadows for horses and a small wooded area fronting on Jacobs Brook. INCREDIBLE VIEWS-Elmore Mtn, Worcester Range, Lamoille Valley, Bull Moose Hill, Sterling Range Whiteface Mtn., Laraway Mtn. to Butternut Mtn

 

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