A horsey little place

Since 2005, when Hillesum Farm became Hillesum Farm, it has been a place for four-legged critters, mostly of the equine persuasion.

But not only that. It has also been a place for learning how to live on the land, in a place where fields seem to grow giant limestone boulders, where the vegetables grown are to be shared with rabbits, raccoons and deer, and where lush flower gardens are quickly overgrown with what grows naturally as soon as you take your eyes off them.

Learning to see what makes sense in such a place, and what is just foolishness takes time. So some of the fancy gardens have been rewilded, and the little vineyard has sprouted trees between the rows. The old farmhouse still has no right angles, and the old bank barn has grown older still, each adding to the charm and character of the place.

Today, Hillesum Farm continues to evolve with the land rather than against it. Each season brings new ideas, and new opportunities to share this special place with others. While the farm has changed over the years, its purpose remains the same: to care for the land, respect the life it supports, and embrace whatever comes next with curiosity, gratitude, and hope.