We did it! Almost 8 months to the day after putting the contract in, we closed on the farm. It's been a long road, and we know more than we ever did (or wanted to) about surveys (now done) and gas leases (thankfully released) and flood plains (we're not really in one, due to the elevation of the house. This beauty was built in the 1830s in Bainbridge, NY. We have 37 acres bordering on the Susquehanna River, and the house is within the village of Bainbridge, at Exit 8 of I-88. Someday, we will retire, and this is where we will go. Oh, the plans we have...
The house needs extensive work, with a sill replacement first on the list. That list of things we want to do is 4 single-spaced pages long, by the way. We've met a wonderful contractor, who is beginning work on Monday. I look forward to working with him. It turns out he was friends with some of the eight children who were raised in this home by the previous owners, so he knows the house. Actually, it seems like everyone in the area knows the house--the previous owners were veterinarians, and everyone seems to have been a client! If you're reading this and you know the area, yes, it's the Benson house.
The property includes a separate garage/apartment, which we will be fixing up pretty soon, because that income will come in handy. I also have plans for the downstairs garage/clinic space, including education and retreat offerings. There is a barn as well, which needs some new doors, siding and paint, but it seems pretty sturdy. It will serve to dry lavender very well.
The lavender part of the equation will begin Spring 2016. I hope to put in at least half an acre this year. We are planning to manage at least 3 acres eventually. One of the fun plans is to build a lavender labyrinth, but we will wait until after the spring flooding to figure out the exact location.
I have no doubt that this is going to be quite an adventure. I plan to post all our work here, and share the adventure with you. Come back soon...
The house needs extensive work, with a sill replacement first on the list. That list of things we want to do is 4 single-spaced pages long, by the way. We've met a wonderful contractor, who is beginning work on Monday. I look forward to working with him. It turns out he was friends with some of the eight children who were raised in this home by the previous owners, so he knows the house. Actually, it seems like everyone in the area knows the house--the previous owners were veterinarians, and everyone seems to have been a client! If you're reading this and you know the area, yes, it's the Benson house.
The property includes a separate garage/apartment, which we will be fixing up pretty soon, because that income will come in handy. I also have plans for the downstairs garage/clinic space, including education and retreat offerings. There is a barn as well, which needs some new doors, siding and paint, but it seems pretty sturdy. It will serve to dry lavender very well.
The lavender part of the equation will begin Spring 2016. I hope to put in at least half an acre this year. We are planning to manage at least 3 acres eventually. One of the fun plans is to build a lavender labyrinth, but we will wait until after the spring flooding to figure out the exact location.
I have no doubt that this is going to be quite an adventure. I plan to post all our work here, and share the adventure with you. Come back soon...
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