It's been an exciting time on the farm the last few months as we get the new farmhouse ready for guests in 2023! So far, most of the work has been giving the inside a fresh coat of paint and getting an empty house filled with all the things that make a house a home. We have spent most of the winter painting and shopping around to fill bedrooms, the dining room, the living room, and the kitchen with supplies to have it ready for people to rent as a farm stay this year!
We have been getting questions about the farm stay and we thought we would share some common questions with answers:
Question: Can I rent the farm stay in 2023?
Answer: Yes! For this year as we are new to short-term rentals, and have projects to complete like exterior painting and replacing wood shingles, we are only renting via our website (www.barmranch.ca) or you can reach out to us directly to ask for specific dates. You can email bar_m_ranch@hotmail.com or call/text 902-277-1780 (Dave's cell) and ask for specific dates. The minimum rental is for 2 nights and for March/April (while we work on the finishing touches inside between guests) it will be $100/night plus tax . From May onward it will be $200/night plus tax. The house is set up with 4 beds and 2 bathrooms and the whole house is included when renting.
Question: Where is the farmhouse in relation to the farm?
Answer: Since both our main house (Meister homestead) and the farmhouse were originally built by brothers, they are both on the same main farm property. The two houses are on either side of the barn, and all on the same side of the road. The farmhouse is a small fenced lot which is surrounded by pasture as you can see in the picture below. It has close access to a nature trail, our event building, and other highlights on the farm
Question: What's the layout of the farmhouse?
Answer: The house is a 2 story single family home with a kitchen, pantry, bathroom (with shower), dining room, living room and kitchen downstairs. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms (4 beds), a bathroom and an office space.
Question: Is it on Airbnb/Is it an Airbnb?
Answer: Although it is a short-term rental, it's not listed on Airbnb or equivalent online platform. We plan to eventually list it on that type of site but for right now, we'd like to take our time to complete the exterior work, and understand how to make a great short-term rental/farm stay and get great photos. That means for right now, bookings are done through our website and/or through contacting us directly.
Question: Can I tour the farm? Can I see the animals?
Answer: To get a farm tour of the animals, tractors and other farm sights, check with one of us before hand to coordinate a time. We will only offer guided tours because we are a working farm, and need to ensure a safe experience around equipment and animals. We will have a self guided nature trail through the farm and woodlot, and it will be marked with signage to go at your own pace and enjoy nature.
Question: Are pets allowed and why not?
Answer: We get this question a lot! Although we have dogs and are dog-lovers we don't allow pets at the farmhouse for a few reasons. With dogs of our own we know they sometimes have accidents, make messes, and can scratch the floor (most of our wood floors are original to the house and some are painted). The cattle can get spooked by dogs and with some dogs seeing our free range chickens as a lunch snack, we have decided to limit pets coming to the farm both for our events and for the farm stay.
Question: Do you have a hot tub/Do you plan to have a hot tub?
Answer: Although hot tubs are popular for many short-term rentals, we do not offer one or plan to offer one. Since the house is a historical farm home, we feel a hot tub wouldn't fit the rustic charm and character of the space. It may also not be practical or feasible based on the layout of the property.
