Ohio natives Dan and Annette Morgan were living in New York City when they decided to buy the farm.
"We both grew up in northeast Ohio," says Morgan. "Annette in Parma and myself in Lakewood. We were tired of city living and wanted to return to Ohio to friends, family and Ohio's great wealth of natural resources." In May 2005, after a six-month search for properties about an hour outside of Cleveland, the couple bought their farm sight unseen from their apartment in Manhattan. With 24 hours to back out of the deal, the Morgans drove to Ashland, Ohio that night and got the first look at their new home the next morning.
The 144-year-old Amish farmhouse on 10 acres had been well cared for, but the new owners had to do a number of "English upgrades," including all new electric, septic, plumbing, structural improvements and a new roof. The process, says Morgan, "made us very popular with local contractors."
By 2007, the couple found it inefficient to work in Cleveland while commuting from the farm. Having successfully operated a vacation rental property in Lake George, New York, during the early 2000s, the Morgans decided to make their farm a vacation destination.
"The big question was, who is going to want to come to Ashland, Ohio on vacation?" recalls Morgan. "Even our insurance agency thought we were crazy. We're now getting the last laugh." In fact, the Morgan Farm Stay enjoys healthy bookings from people in search of many types of getaways. "You could say we were inspired by a farm stay concept, which is very popular in Europe," says Morgan. "We travelled to Wales in 2003, and were very taken by the public policy and national trail system in place, allowing hiking access right through farm land all across the country. The farm land was breathtaking, and we wondered why more people in our home state of Ohio don't have more access to farm land."
Now, vacationing groups and families can enjoy the Morgan's farm entirely to themselves, preparing meals in a large modern kitchen and enjoying all the comforts of home while taking advantage of the pastoral farm setting. "Although we recently set up wifi, most of our guests avoid the computer and are grateful for the VHS and DVD players with no-commercial television. This gives our guests the true feeling of getting away."
All varieties of groups have taken to the farm stay concept. Many times, the location provides a convenient middle ground for groups from far-flung parts of the country. According to Morgan, environmentally conscious vacationers also enjoy Morgan Farm Stay. "We practice sustainable farming practices, as well as promote healthy, all-natural food choices," says Morgan.
Another aspect of the farm's appeal is the nostalgic quality. "Many people have a connection to a farm in their past, and want to revisit and/or share past memories with their spouse and children. One family came in from Anchorage, Alaska for a weekly rental last summer for this reason." So-called "girlfriend getaways" are also very popular, and the Morgans are happy to accommodate them. "We notice the most wine bottles in the recycle bin after these get-togethers," says Morgan.
Though the farmhouse offers charm reminiscent of a bed-and-breakfast, including a 100-year-old cast iron tub with modern fittings, guests can enjoy the run of the property. "Most of our guests love the way their kids can run wild throughout the grounds while they relax on the porch," says Morgan. "Families also love preparing meals together made with fresh local farmed goods, provided by nearby farms."
As for the Morgans, they still get to enjoy their own time at the farm they purchased sight unseen. "We love staying at the farm between guests. If we can get to a stopping point with the hard work, we usually manage to find some time for ourselves and our friends and family." When they're not busy with rural life, the couple calls Cleveland home. "We rent a 15th-story one-bedroom apartment overlooking Lake Erie," says Morgan, "and love the best of both worlds."
For more information on Morgan Farm Stay, visit the website, find it on Facebook or view the property's listing on HomeAway.
All photos by and courtesy of Dan Morgan.
