Inn the Ground: Farmhouse

When Brenda Smola-Foti bought this land in 2008 it was a clean slate. No electricity, no house, and — as she discovered shortly after — not enough water to support a farm.

So began her journey with water. Four failed attempts at drilling wells, and then, as she describes it, she learned to listen to the land and began to sense where the water might be. The fifth well came in. Still not enough for farming, but enough for a house. Over the next two years she worked with a drafter to design and build her home.

That home is The Farmhouse, and it’s the place where an artist-turned-farmer realized her dream of returning to her farming roots. She opened it to guests in 2021.

It sits atop a hill facing Inn the Ground, looking out over the pastures of Tabula Rasa Farms. Two bedrooms, both master suites, 2.5 baths, with a spacious open floor plan, high ceilings, a wood-burning stove, and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen. The Scandinavian-influenced design is precise in a way people notice — one guest’s summary was that every single light in the house has a dimmer.

The artwork throughout brings warmth to what could otherwise read as austere. Brenda is an artist, and it shows.

The large deck has both covered and uncovered sections and a grill. Just outside the front door is a pond, one of the permaculture features on the farm and the place wildlife gathers. You can sit on the deck and watch the cows graze.

Coffee, tea, eggs from the pastured laying hens, and breakfast sausage from the farm are provided. The Source Farms Stand is a minute away, stocked with local and seasonal goods.

Guests have access to the wider property — walking and hiking trails, gardens, farm animals, tennis and pickleball courts, and the outdoor wood-fired pizza oven. Farm tours are available.

Downtown Carlton is about ten minutes. Exact location provide upon booking.