⬩ History of the Farm ⬩

In 2000, Founders Ken Holzberg and Tom Kopfensteiner purchased the 15-acre parcel that would eventually become Stonewood Farm. It was heavily wooded back then, without any structures or improvements, but its crude stone drainage systems and gnarly old apple trees suggested a more productive past.

 

With advice from community resources and local experts, they selectively cleared the property themselves — for five long years — to return it to its agrarian roots. Along the way, they learned invaluable information about its natural features: the seasonal position of the sun, the slope of its topography, views to be captured, trees to be preserved and protected, soil and drainage conditions to consider, ledge outcroppings to be avoided.

In the end, the land told them where the buildings, market garden, pond, and other improvements should be. This intimate understanding of their property was key to successfully designing a farm and homestead that function harmoniously with nature.

In 2013, with a newly cleared field and a single barn completed, they began farming in earnest. A short time thereafter, they opened the doors to the First Harvest Food Pantry and received a USDA organic certification. While the mission was always a charitable and educational one, Stonewood Farm officially became a not-for-profit organization in 2021.

Today, the Farm’s residential buildings create a small cluster of vernacular structures surrounding a central courtyard garden, graced by a large pond and tumbledown stone walls. The Farm’s agricultural buildings — the Cookhouse, Equipment Barn, Chicken House, and Greenhouse — overlook an abundant market garden brimming with a seemingly endless variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers.

Designed by Ken, all of the buildings are infused with carefully selected vintage and natural materials, architectural antiques, and the work of fine craftspeople, providing a sense of age and timelessness that pays respect to nature, history, the surrounding landscape, and agrarian values. They also create a lovely setting for our on-farm fundraising dinners and cooking classes.

Stonewood Farm ⬩ 110 Bangall Road ⬩ Millbrook, New York 12545