March 9, 2023
Welcome to The Straw Hat, where my family and I will share stories and experiences about locating and cultivating our dream farm outside Charlottesville, VA.
We're excited to share our journey of purchasing and cultivating our farm, from the challenges to the joys as we embark on this adventure. Whether you're a fellow farmer, nature lover, or simply curious about the farm life, we invite you to join us on this adventure. Let's get started!
Finding the Farm
My husband is a Physician and I own a boutique PR agency. We married in 2009 and blended our families, his son and my daughter and son. Throughout the past few years together, I heard amazing stories about how he grew up in rural Connecticut, his adventures as a boy and his love of nature. I grew up as a city/suburban girl, but was an equestrian and enjoyed riding through college. I am also an animal lover and advocate.
Back in 2018, our family was talking over the dinner table about where we would eventually like to locate to. We had considered places up and down the east coast, but there was something so special about the Charlottesville area. Whenever we'd visit, it already felt like home. So we decided that was where our search for our little piece of paradise would begin. We loved the idea of living more sustainable, growing our own food, flowers, vines, raising chickens and goats and of course, bees.
Then the pandemic hit, our hunt for land was placed on hold as my husband was caring for patients in the ICU. It was a rough time. In late 2021 and early 2022 the searching for land resumed. This land in Ruckersville was for sale! It included 80 acres of rolling hills, two ponds, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains. As soon as we stepped onto the land we felt, we are home!
We made an offer and it was accepted. The land was ours. Our family shared ideas for a name and unanimously voted for Blossom Ridge Farm and Vineyard.
The past few months we have met with contractors about the building of the new barn, and taking down the old barn and shed. Both were so old, neither could be saved. But we did save some reclaimed wood for the new barn, the 100 year old cupola, as well as some beautiful lamp post laterns.
Our new sign is being designed and we are meeting with landscapers. I have many years experience in PR and as a certified event planner, I wanted to have a stunning, rustic but elegant barn where we can host weddings, parties, special occasions and more.
Our future plans include lavender fields, tulips. grapes, fruit trees, vegetables and more. You can learn about our entire plan by visiting the "Our Story" section of the website.
We will build a small farm shop along with a pole barn for the future goats. Our family will build homes next year, then our chickens will be added.
We are so thrilled to be undertaking this adventure and I am glad you will be along for the ride.
More to come!
Kari and Paul