Share your farm story - Brelan
THSF was the perfect getaway for me and my family.
I was taking time to myself and enjoying a few nights away to focus on self care. I started at the Stable Spa Lofts, then transferred to the Meadow Cottage when my family came up to the farm for the weekend. Johnny (wife Susan was out of town), Jordan and Rachel Turchin, the owners who live on the farm, were incredible. They made me feel like family from the moment I first met them. Taylor and Tyler were also kind and attentive to our every need. To know everyone’s names within the first day I was there, shows the great value the Truchins and other employees of THSF place on their guests.
I spent three nights in the Stable Spa Lofts which was an individual cozy room with a unique community living experience. The room had the most comfortable bed/linens and beautiful views of the horses and mountains. The sunset view from the loft is breathtaking. The spa itself is lovely - a converted barn, both quiet and relaxing, The environment was calm and peaceful, and my deep tissue massage was one of the best I've experienced.
I transferred to The Meadow Cottage when our boys came up for the weekend with our two year old Boykin Spaniel. We love the dog-friendly environment! 🦮 She would join me in the main lodge while I worked. And she would sit at my feet for hours while taking in all the guests and delicious smells coming from the kitchen. She stayed in her kennel at the house, but loved her early morning runs off leash to get her energy out.
Our boys are ages 7, 9 and 10. They were in HEAVEN at THSF. The freedom to roam the farm was a fun reminder of the way my husband and I grew up - with both the freedom and the safety to explore. They boys became fast friends with other children staying at the farm. Massive games of hide & seek and tag were never-ending.
Tracy let the boys hold and play with the baby chicks and ducks. Chickens roamed free and my 7 year old takes pride in being the only brother to catch one by hand. The Labyrinth (hand created by Jordan) was a treat to run out some energy - with spectacular views of the sunset and farm. The Farmhouse was also a big hit with my boys. Other children and families gathered here for arts and crafts, pool, pingpong, air hockey, a true record player with records and more sports equipment than I knew what to do with. And how could I forget the hot tub and pool! It was in the low 40s, but that did not stop my boys from jumping in the pool and running back to us in the hot tub. It was a memory I will always treasure.
The Meadow Cottage, a three bedroom-two bath house, was the first house on the property. Ironically, I sat at dinner with the owners of Broad River Cattle Farm - the local beef and pork supplier for the Silo Cookhouse. His grandparents lived in The Meadow Cottage and first owned the farm. The house was charming. We enjoyed a picnic lunch in the kitchen with my mom on a rainy day and loved playing cards, watching tv and reading during the few hours of inclement weather.
The Silo Cookhouse - goodness, there are not enough positive things to say.
Chef Dan is a gem. Although I did not meet Chef Kyle, I enjoyed his morning freshly baked breads and evening desserts. Because I was on the property Wednesday-Sunday, I ate at this restaurant every evening and worked my way through the menu. The pasta and bread were all made by hand. Chef Dan even allowed my son to help him make gnocchi one afternoon. The menu options were all locally sourced or grown on the farm. The mushrooms - oyster mushrooms at the time - were the best mushrooms I've ever eaten. I enjoyed the mushroom risotto one evening and the gnocchi and mushrooms another evening. The steak from Broad River Cattle Farm was exquisite - I ordered the steak before realizing the owners of Broad River Cattle Farm were dining right next to me.
And the chicken - trust me on this - ORDER THE CHICKEN! The flavor was beyond any chicken dish I have ever eaten. Bravo, Chef Dan.
The long tables provided an instant-community amongst the patrons. This was unusual for me. I have always dined with friends or family at a private table. However, I must say, the seating allowed for people to meet and mingle in a way I never would have anticipated. We made friends with couples and groups - and sometimes, even passed food to others who needed to "just try this" - along with tasty bottles of wine we chose to share and compare. The instant connections and lasting friendships you can make when set outside your comfort zone are remarkable.
And I cannot talk about THSF without praising Rick, the director of food and beverage. Rick's extensive experience in food and wine was evident in all he said and did. He was a pillar to the dining experience - always helping me find the best wine pairing for my meal. He was accommodating and so friendly to our three boys and managed his wonderful staff so well. He was charming and made our dining experience pleasant.