Greetings from the farm…….
To state the obvious, “What a time this is!”
Ever since last March, when we opted not to open because of the covid pandemic, we’ve been contemplating how to make it possible for people to come back to Emandal relatively easily and safely….. for you and us. Our plans reflect months of deep meditation…. walking and working meditation…. the kind of thought processes that deliberate while one’s hands pull weeds, gather eggs, process tomatoes, make compost, hang dishtowels, rake leaves, stir up pots of jam…… all while acknowledging the changes in weather and growth patterns of the surrounding ecosystems…… the forest fires and resulting smoke that seem to be omnipresent, no matter what the month…… heat and drought.
Change is inevitable. Evolution happens. Sometimes, things circle back to the way they started. Other times they take a whole new direction.
Here’s what we know: We know we would love to welcome people to the farm beginning early in 2021, for more than just summer… but for fewer people at a time. As well, we know we will be providing space for folks to cook/prepare/store their own food, instead of us providing meals. Big Changes!
We’re hoping that a different season or seasons will entice some to come experience the farm during spring wildflowers, rushing rivulets, and an abundance of birds……and/or winter raging river time….., and/or even between Thanksgiving and New Year…. the really deep, dark, quiet time of year when thick layers of oak leaves accumulate on the hillsides, moisture drips from branches, and acorns cause one to slip and slide, as if they were ball bearings…..
We intend to make use of at least three self-contained houses, as well as enhance the cabin areas with some utilitarian camp kitchens (late spring and early summer), to spread people out, and make use of more of our plentiful outdoor space.
Emandal is still here…. you’ll have the opportunity to experience it somewhat differently…….
Here is what we’re planning for Emandal in 2021. We’ll let succeeding years unfold…..
Three self-contained places to stay around and about the farm: Our own air BnB, or VRBO, so to speak
Beginning in January, we will have three (3) living spaces available for families/pods/groupings. Each is self-contained and has kitchen and bathroom facilities, a wood stove for heat. Because our late summer season/early fall has become problematic due to dryness and fire danger, we’re hoping we can entice people to the farm in alternate seasons…. or in multiple seasons. The farm will be here, with all that goes on….. but we will no longer be providing meals. 2 night minimum for the living spaces.
1. Bunkhouse: 4 bedrooms (1 queen bed each), 2 bathrooms, small kitchen living area, covered deck. Situated in the farmhouse area, at the back of the garage, on the way to the chicken house. Perfect for 2 families of 4….. or 4 adults, each wanting their own space among friends.
$240/night for up to 4 individuals. $40/person/night for up to 4 more people. (8 total)
2. Strawbale: 2 bedrooms (1 queen, 1 full & 1 bunk), 1 loft (1 queen, 1 queen futon), 1 bathroom, kitchen living area, outdoor shower + outdoor grill and sink. On the bank of the river, closer to Cooper’s Cove and the big metal building. Camping spots surround the house. Beaver, otter, bald eagles, hawks….. fox and bobcats and raccoons.
$240/night for up to 4 individuals. $40/person/night for up to 5 more people (9 total)
3. Vineyard House: 2 bedrooms (1 queen, 1 single each), 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen dining area, living area, covered outdoor area with grill and sink. Separate sleeping cottages available.
$240/night for up to 4 individuals. $40/person/night for up to 2 more people (6 total)
We’ll continue to provide linens for beds. We’re not planning specific sessions for the 3 Living Areas. We just know we have to have 2 days between each stay, to allow for proper cleaning. You are welcome to email me to reserve any of the three Living Spaces at any point now.
tamara@emandal.com
Farmhouse Rooms: $165/night Double Occupancy (may be rented for folks in your group in addition to the numbers allowed for each house)
County Bed Tax of 11% will be added to each stay.
What about the CAMP CABINS?
The middle of April through early August, we plan to have 3 cooking areas (grill, sink, bear-proof storage, picnic table, etc.) available in our cabin area, in addition to the Bunkhouse, the Strawbale and the Vineyard House. Each can accommodate up to 12 people, give or take, with two outdoor bathrooms and one shower-house assigned to each of the three areas. Plan your farm escape with folks you can live with. We will reserve each “grouping” or “pod” as a unit of like minded people….
4 night minimum for cabin camping.
- Lower Camp (Mossy Rock, Blazing Stars, River Bluff)
- Ashanti (Ashanti, Ohana, Fawn Lily, Sleepy Notch)
- BBQ Area (Toad Hall, 11, 12, Ursidae)
Farmhouse Rooms: may be rented for folks in your group in addition to the numbers allowed for each cabin grouping)
As for Cabin Camping: We have no idea what scenario will work out best. 4 nights (but which four nights?) A week? 10 days? We’ll just see how it plays out. Each group booking will stay the same length of time. Occupancy will be kept at no more than 36 people in the cabin area. We don’t plan to use all cabins all the time.
We will wait until January to accept reservations for the cabin camping areas. Families with current deposits will be accommodated on a “try as we can” basis, beginning January 4, 2021. In the mean time, if you have suggestions, by all means suggest! It’s a brand new world!
- Fees for Cabin Camping (includes linens)
- Adults (18 & Over): $50/night
- Youth (11-17): $35/night
- Children: $25/night
- Farmhouse Rooms: $165/night Double Occupancy
Fees do not include County Bed Tax, which is an additional 11%.
A photo taken outside the spring house, which was located below the Dining Room, at the base of several sets of stairs. A good place to keep things that needed a bit of cooling, from eggs to milk and cream to fresh venison.