Magnalia Homestead & Farm
For more than two decades, our humble home and surrounding acres have brimmed with the lives of 11 children, and a weekly stream of guests. In time, it became a homestead. And then it became a farm, too.
Nowadays, people too seldom take time to wonder at the beauty of the Lord surrounding all of us — what the Puritans called the Magnalia Dei — or to experience the common miracle of a meal at Table with people new or different to them. We’ve set ourselves to the vision of creating a place that runs against the currents of our increasingly transactional culture.
So please come visit soon. RSVP for an event or book a stay with us. And if you’ve just visited, please rate us on Google and give us your feedback in a brief survey so we can fulfill our mission better. Thank you!
With anticipation,
Magnalia Community Meals
We delight in the ways that God has made Magnalia Homestead & Farm a “shelter and a beacon” for so many. We host regular community meals here with unique and thoughtful cuisine and ambiance, and with themes that animate the table conversation.
Homestead Lodgings
Our lodgings are connected to literature and history, and the theology behind it. Why? Because life is about story: your story, the stories of others, and the Story behind every good story.
Walden Cabin
Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s legendary 1845 cabin at walden pond, this studied replica was built over a 10-month period with careful attention to detail. Featured woods were locally harvested, the nails were smithed to 1850-era specs, recycled products were used as possible, and framed quotes and historical artifacts are aplenty to help our guests step back in time. There is a single bed in the cabin and a queen-sized mattress in the garret. Firewood and kindling are provided. Books from the period are on hand. Hiking trails and pastures surround the cabin. Guests make reservations direct, or through Airbnb or Vrbo.
Walden Cabin
Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s legendary 1845 cabin at walden pond, this studied replica was built over a 10-month period with careful attention to detail. Featured woods were locally harvested, the nails were smithed to 1850-era specs, recycled products were used as possible, and framed quotes and historical artifacts are aplenty to help our guests step back in time. There is a single bed in the cabin and a queen-sized mattress in the garret. Firewood and kindling are provided. Books from the period are on hand. Hiking trails and pastures surround the cabin. Guests make reservations direct, or through Airbnb or Vrbo.
Guest Journal
More refreshing than mere sleep could ever provide
My two nights in Walden cabin were beyond any and all expectations. I was looking for a simple glamping experience close to an event in the area. What I found was a spiritual episode that reawakened a yearning for more uncomplicated times and a renewed clarity of perspective. The only thing warmer than Walden’;s soothing fireplace was the hospitality of Jim and Rachel’s family. When driving away I felt like I was leaving a little piece of my heart behind. I look forward to coming back to find it.
The Green Room
Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of naming a room for the fanciful color of green (most notably at The White House), as well as by our family’s green screen adventures in the world of film and media, The Green Room is our primary guest quarters at The Homestead. It offers its own full bath, interesting views of homestead life, a special Norman Rockwell plate collection, and a “Crack of Dawn” alarm clock from the roosters just across the way.
The Green Room
Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of naming a room for the fanciful color of green (most notably at The White House), as well as by our family’s green screen adventures in the world of film and media, The Green Room is our primary guest quarters at The Homestead. It offers its own full bath, interesting views of homestead life, a special Norman Rockwell plate collection, and a “Crack of Dawn” alarm clock from the roosters just across the way.
Guest Journal
After a Long Day of Adventures…
After a long day of adventuring on and around the homestead my two friends and I were able to get great rest and feel recharged for the next day sleeping here. The green room bed comfortably fits 3;) We enjoyed our times around the fire in conversation with the VE’s, every delicious meal Aunt Rachel prepared, and of course our time on the basketball court with Eddie. The love pouring out through this home is so evident and makes it a perfect place to stay and recharge. We already miss the homestead so much and can’t wait for the next trip back!
Camp Paradiso
Camp Paradiso is a permanent (16′ x 16′) canvas tent with a sheltered porch extension, set up on a timbered platform with slate floors and period rugs. It is a re-imagining of an extended-stay American camp in a bygone era, for “glampers” young and old alike. It is nestled into a hillside and features a glorious view from the front porch rocking chairs over a brook and on toward the Homestead’s main pastures (where cows and a resident donkey graze). It offers a queen bed with a wood-burning stove, working table, lighting, and the camp artifacts of a late 1800’s Italian immigrant: even a phonograph player! The outdoor firepit accommodates a variety of cooking options. The site interconnects with almost two miles of area trails, suitable for hiking or mountain biking, a pickleball court, community gardens, a working 1800’s blacksmith shoppe, and more. Guests can make reservations direct, or through AirBNB or VRBO.
Camp Paradiso
Camp Paradiso is a permanent (16′ x 16′) canvas tent with a sheltered porch extension, set up on a timbered platform with slate floors and period rugs. It is a re-imagining of an extended-stay American camp in a bygone era, for “glampers” young and old alike. It is nestled into a hillside and features a glorious view from the front porch rocking chairs over a brook and on toward the Homestead’s main pastures (where cows and a resident donkey graze). It offers a queen bed with a wood-burning stove, working table, lighting, and the camp artifacts of a late 1800’s Italian immigrant: even a phonograph player! The outdoor firepit accommodates a variety of cooking options. The site interconnects with almost two miles of area trails, suitable for hiking or mountain biking, a pickleball court, community gardens, a working 1800’s blacksmith shoppe, and more. Guests can make reservations direct, or through AirBNB or VRBO.
Semper Fi Hall
Inspired by Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern, circa 1775, the birthplace of the United States Marines Corp. Hand built from paper sketches by patriotic “Sons of Thunder” (and family friends) in honor of three USMC officers in our family, and in celebration of every Veteran of the nation’s Armed Forces. We celebrate the American spirit here– what it means for us, and for the world. Complimentary dinners have been served with love and gratitude for many vets in this hallowed Hall.
Semper Fi Hall
Inspired by Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern, circa 1775, the birthplace of the United States Marines Corp. Hand built from paper sketches by patriotic “Sons of Thunder” (and family friends) in honor of three USMC officers in our family, and in celebration of every Veteran of the nation’s Armed Forces. We celebrate the American spirit here– what it means for us, and for the world. Complimentary dinners have been served with love and gratitude for many vets in this hallowed Hall.
Guest Journal
Outstanding experiential space
This room has so many great memories for me and I always look forward to the next event held here. It is expertly hosted with details that engage every sense. The warmth and smell of the fire, the lighting, the table where so many deep and engaging conversations take place. Great for meetings and engagements when you want to focus the attention and energy of the group.
The Homestead Library
Farm Activities
“Jesus said in His kingdom, the ‘smallest of all seeds’ will leave a lasting impact much larger than expected (see Matt. 13:31–32). In the same way, the ‘smallest’ things in our lives — ordinary days and meals and homes — can have a much larger impact than you’d ever imagine when harnessed with gospel intentionality.”