Welcome to the Farm.
Dear Farm Stay Guests,
We look forward to welcoming you to the farm! Dan and I have been growing food and caring for the land for 19 years. We have planted apple trees, witnessed the birth of hundreds of lambs and calves, and made thousands of wood fired pizzas. We are excited to share all of it with you and your loved ones.
Please read through to the end of this letter, where you’ll find a rental agreement, ideas for what to pack, and details about how we provide all of the food & fun you need. We will provide you with pillows, duvets, and sheets. If you would like us to make the beds for you - let us know (there is an extra charge of $10/person).
We are eager for you to enjoy this beautiful landscape—to relax, explore, be nourished, reconnect, and rest. As soon as you turn down our driveway, you become part of our farm family!
If you have any questions, please text/email me.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
kate & dan
Farmers and Hosts
Kate’s mobile: (607) 434-9788
Farm: (607) 865-7965
Important Notes about your farm stay.
CHECK IN AND GETTING TO YOUR TENT
Check-in is 4-6pm.
Park behind the second (smaller) barn and check in at the farm store. We’ll show you to your tent and help you get settled. Please text Kate when you get off Rt 17 at Roscoe - it will help us to know your arrival time. Late arrivals are very disruptive. There will be a $50 fee for arrivals after 7pm. KATE (607) 434-9788
Check-out is between 10 am and noon at the farm store.
WHAT TO BRING
We will provide you with pillows, duvets, clean sheets for each bed and clean BATH towels. BRING EXTRA blankets, if you are coming in the early or late season or if you tend to be cold.
BEACH Towels for swimming in the pond and drying off from playing in the creek. Shower towels may NOT be brought to the pond. If towels are damaged there is a $50 replacement charge. There are Beach towels for sale in the store.
Flashlights or headlamps (It gets REALLY dark at night)
Hats
Sunscreen lotion
Waterproof boots/shoes (The grass is wet in the mornings, but tromping in the fields and creek, and visiting the animals are great morning activities.)
Rain gear and umbrella
Slippers or FlipFlops (Please don’t wear shoes in the tent to help keep the floors clean.)
Insulated cooler (For taking home Stony Creek meats, soups, salads, and more!)
SAFE CHILDREN
The farm is a busy place! A creek runs through the landscape and there is a safe haven of sorts on the tent-side of the creek. (Please make note of the small pond at the far end of the field.) On the barn-side of the creek we are actively farming and ask that children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety. We drive big tractors and machinery. For this reason, we ask you to accompany your children when they visit the farm store, climbing dome, gardens, playhouse, and farther reaches of the farm.
TENT LIVING
The tent is your home while you are at Stony Creek Farmstead. It is ready for you to move in the moment you arrive. There is a binder in your tent with lots of information about your stay.
The wood cook stove can be lit if you need to chase back chilly evening air. If you need help with the stove just ask. We’ll be glad to assist.
You will be supplied with solar lanterns. Each tent has its own flush toilet, cold water sink and an insulated cooler. Hot showers are located in the shower house. Please note, there is no electricity or wifi in the tents. There are two places on the farm to access wifi if necessary. There is no cell service on the farm.
Cooking in your tent: Each tent has a firewood cook stove, an outdoor hibachi grill and a single butane burner. There is butane for sale at the farm store. The tent is completely stocked with kitchen items, including pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, and glasses, a french press and kettle. Stony Creek provides fresh food from our and other local farms that you can cook in your tent. We also provide farm-made meals and an assortment of foods in the farm store. See all about the FOOD AT STONY CREEK FARMSTEAD below
NO PETS
Please leave your pets at home. This is a working farm with livestock that can be threatened or injured by domestic dogs. We have two beautiful Maremmas (Rey and Daisy) that serve as guard dogs for our livestock. While they are very affectionate with humans, they do see other dogs as invaders and a threat to the livestock they protect. We ask you to leave your beloved pet at home. Thank you for your understanding.
OUR FARM IS YOUR FARM
Please feel free to visit the guest chickens, collect an egg or two, and roam the fields. Children are welcome in the fenced paddock as long as they are accompanied by adults. PLEASE ENSURE GATES ARE CLOSED AND LATCHED WHEN YOU ENTER AND LEAVE so that our animals do not escape!
FARM CHORES AND APPRENTICES
We do farm chores and feed the animals in the morning between 6am and 8am and in the afternoon between 4pm and 5pm. We have seasonal apprentices who help us with these tasks. We encourage you to join us!
THE FARM TOUR
We’ll give you a farm tour the first morning you are here. The tour will begin at the shower house at 11am. We’ll walk through the pastures, the gardens and barns. We’ll talk about the season, what crops we are currently harvesting, where animals are, why we move them around so much, and our growing techniques. Please ask as many questions as you like!
FOOD AT STONY CREEK FARMSTEAD
Cooking and eating will be one of the most memorable parts of your stay at the farm. We’ve got you covered for all your meals!
FARM STORE
The farm store is always open for you. We keep it stocked with local cheeses, fresh salads, prepared meals, and local beverages as well as the basic necessities like - canned beans, chips, and condiments. In the farm kitchen, we make seasonal salads, kimchi and pickles, salad dressings, spaghetti sauce and taco meat, a variety of soups/broths, hummus, and pestos! Fresh bread is made every morning. You will also find farm-made granola, pancake mix, cookies, and local specialties. Of course Stony Creek farm meats and eggs are available! You’ll find seasonal organic vegetables and fruits, local goodies and a limited supply of essential items such as toothbrushes, matches, soap, etc.
In the store you will find a clipboard with your name on it. Please write down the items you take from the store and we’ll settle up at the end of your stay.
PRE-ORDER MEALS
Please use our online store to pre-order your meals before you come.
EVENING ARRIVAL MEAL
Order a hot meal from the farm kitchen that will be waiting for you when you arrive. Farm made soup, fresh greens from the garden, salad dressing, local cheese, homemade bread (enough for 3 adults) - $56
THE GARDEN HARVEST BASKET
This is the best way to get all of the vegetables and herbs of the season! Harvested the day of your arrival, you will receive enough vegetables for four meals. Vegetables/herbs vary with the season. - $23 early season and $25 mid to late season (must preorder)
BREAKFAST BASKET
Fresh bread, farmstead bacon/sausage, eggs, butter, jam, fresh veg from the garden and fresh herbs. Vegetarian option includes cheese instead of bacon (feeds family of four) - $46
PICNIC BASKET
Local cheese, dry sausage, warm rolls, something to spread on or dip into, veggies or a farm made salad, fruit, something to wet your whistle - enough for family of four - $48
FARMER’S SEASONAL STEW
You’ll receive all the ingredients, the firewood, the recipe and the cooking utensils to prepare a delicious farmer’s stew at your tent. Please let us know if you prefer lamb, beef or chicken, lentils/chickpeas for vegetarian option (enough for 4 hungry people) - $35
PIZZA NIGHT
Join us at the outdoor wood-fired brick oven for an evening of delicious farmstead fresh pizza! We bring the homemade dough and all of the fixings, you bring your friends and a big appetite! It is always the highlight of everyone’s stay. Garden fresh salads are included and watermelon as dessert. You can pick up S’Mores fixings in the farm store. Please bring your own beverages. $25/adult $20/kid, children under 3 free ALL YOU CAN EAT
BBQ
There is an outdoor grill at your tent! Choose the cuts of meat you want and then fire it up! If you would like to BBQ on the night of arrival just let us know the cuts you want and we will make sure they are defrosted and ready to go! Otherwise - you can choose your own cuts from our store freezer when you get here. Check out our available cuts in our online farm store.
SAFE CHILDREN
The farm is a busy place! A creek runs through the landscape and there is a safe haven of sorts on the tent-side of the creek. (Please make note of the small pond at the far end of the field.) On the barn-side of the creek we are actively farming and ask that children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety. We drive big tractors and machinery. For this reason, we ask you to accompany your children when they visit the farm store, climbing dome, gardens, playhouse, and farther reaches of the farm.
TENT LIVING
The tent is your home while you are at Stony Creek Farmstead. It is ready for you to move in the moment you arrive. There is a binder in your tent with lots of information about your stay.
The wood cook stove can be lit if you need to chase back chilly evening air. If you need help with the stove just ask. We’ll be glad to assist.
You will be supplied with solar lanterns. Each tent has its own flush toilet, cold water sink and an insulated cooler. Hot showers are located in the shower house. Please note, there is no electricity or wifi in the tents. There are two places on the farm to access wifi if necessary. There is no cell service on the farm.
Cooking in your tent: Each tent has a firewood cook stove, an outdoor hibachi grill and a single butane burner. There is butane for sale at the farm store. The tent is completely stocked with kitchen items, including pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, and glasses, a french press and kettle. Stony Creek provides fresh food from our and other local farms that you can cook in your tent. We also provide farm-made meals and an assortment of foods in the farm store. See all about the FOOD AT STONY CREEK FARMSTEAD below
NO PETS
Please leave your pets at home. This is a working farm with livestock that can be threatened or injured by domestic dogs. We have two beautiful Maremmas (Rey and Daisy) that serve as guard dogs for our livestock. While they are very affectionate with humans, they do see other dogs as invaders and a threat to the livestock they protect. We ask you to leave your beloved pet at home. Thank you for your understanding.
OUR FARM IS YOUR FARM
Please feel free to visit the guest chickens, collect an egg or two, and roam the fields. Children are welcome in the fenced paddock as long as they are accompanied by adults. PLEASE ENSURE GATES ARE CLOSED AND LATCHED WHEN YOU ENTER AND LEAVE so that our animals do not escape!
FARM CHORES AND APPRENTICES
We do farm chores and feed the animals in the morning between 6am and 8am and in the afternoon between 4pm and 5pm. We have seasonal apprentices who help us with these tasks. We encourage you to join us!
THE FARM TOUR
We’ll give you a farm tour the first morning you are here. The tour will begin at the shower house at 11am. We’ll walk through the pastures, the gardens and barns. We’ll talk about the season, what crops we are currently harvesting, where animals are, why we move them around so much, and our growing techniques. Please ask as many questions as you like!
FOOD AT STONY CREEK FARMSTEAD
Cooking and eating will be one of the most memorable parts of your stay at the farm. We’ve got you covered for all your meals!
FARM STORE
The farm store is always open for you. We keep it stocked with local cheeses, fresh salads, prepared meals, and local beverages as well as the basic necessities like - canned beans, chips, and condiments. In the farm kitchen, we make seasonal salads, kimchi and pickles, salad dressings, spaghetti sauce and taco meat, a variety of soups/broths, hummus, and pestos! Fresh bread is made every morning. You will also find farm-made granola, pancake mix, cookies, and local specialties. Of course Stony Creek farm meats and eggs are available! You’ll find seasonal organic vegetables and fruits, local goodies and a limited supply of essential items such as toothbrushes, matches, soap, etc.
In the store you will find a clipboard with your name on it. Please write down the items you take from the store and we’ll settle up at the end of your stay.
PRE-ORDER MEALS / RESERVATIONS AT STONY CREEK FARMSTEAD
Please use our online store to pre-order your meals /reservations 48 hours before you come.
EVENING ARRIVAL MEAL
Order a hot meal from the farm kitchen that will be waiting for you when you arrive. Farm made soup, fresh greens from the garden, salad dressing, local cheese, homemade bread (enough for 3 adults) - $56
THE GARDEN HARVEST BASKET
This is the best way to get all of the vegetables and herbs of the season! Harvested the day of your arrival, you will receive enough vegetables for four meals. Vegetables/herbs vary with the season. - $23 early season and $25 mid to late season (must preorder)
BREAKFAST BASKET
Fresh bread, farmstead bacon/sausage, eggs, butter, jam, fresh veg from the garden and fresh herbs. Vegetarian option includes cheese instead of bacon (feeds family of four) - $46
PICNIC BASKET
Local cheese, dry sausage, warm rolls, something to spread on or dip into, veggies or a farm made salad, fruit, something to wet your whistle - enough for family of four - $48
FARMER’S SEASONAL STEW
You’ll receive all the ingredients, the firewood, the recipe and the cooking utensils to prepare a delicious farmer’s stew at your tent. Please let us know if you prefer lamb, beef or chicken, lentils/chickpeas for vegetarian option (enough for 4 hungry people) - $35
PIZZA NIGHT
Join us at the outdoor wood-fired brick oven for an evening of delicious farmstead fresh pizza! We bring the homemade dough and all of the fixings, you bring your friends and a big appetite! It is always the highlight of everyone’s stay. Garden fresh salads are included and watermelon as dessert. You can pick up S’Mores fixings in the farm store. Please bring your own beverages. $25/adult $20/kid, children under 3 free ALL YOU CAN EAT
BBQ
There is an outdoor grill at your tent! Choose the cuts of meat you want and then fire it up! If you would like to BBQ on the night of arrival just let us know the cuts you want and we will make sure they are defrosted and ready to go! Otherwise - you can choose your own cuts from our store freezer when you get here. Check out our available cuts in our online farm store.
Rental Agreement
Stony Creek Farmstead LLC Rental Agreement & Conditions
The following agreement and accompanying Terms and Conditions of Rental binds a contract between the following two parties:
‘OWNER’
Stony Creek Farmstead LLC, 1738 Freer Hollow Road, Walton, NY 13856, (607) 865-7965
The property rented in this agreement is known as Stony Creek Farmstead guest cabins Max number of occupants – 6 per unit
1. Rental Period
The property will be ready for occupancy from 4pm on arrival and must be vacated by noon on day of departure (unless otherwise agreed with THE OWNER).
2. Payment and Damage Deposit
The rent for the period is payable as follows:
Online credit card
A credit card must be on file in the case of any damage. Please enter CC data above. Your card will not be charged unless THE OWNER has a valid claim to make upon it. If no claims are made then the credit card information will be destroyed 4 weeks after THE RENTER’S departure from the property.
3. Utilities
THE OWNER will provide THE RENTER with water, linens, a stove, and a butane burner. The renter will purchase firewood, butane and charcoal separately.
4. Restrictions
Smoking is not permitted inside the Tent. Pets are not permitted.
5. Damage
The cost of any unreasonable damage caused by THE RENTER will be charged to their credit card. THE RENTER will be responsible for any damage caused in excess of $100 and will be invoiced separately. The credit card information will be destroyed after the owner has inspected the property.
6. General Conditions
The maximum number of guests using the rental premises shall not exceed the total number stated in the tent rental agreement.
THE RENTER shall, at his expense, and throughout the period of the rental, keep the property in a state of cleanliness and in good condition and repair. THE RENTER acknowledges that at commencement of the rental, the property is in good and substantial repair except for any defect
THE RENTER may report to THE OWNER's representative during the first day of the rental. THE RENTER shall leave the property in good repair, cleaned and swept, dishes washed, beds stripped, all garbage separated appropriately in sealed garbage bags and placed tidily near the farm store.
Any unsafe or dangerous condition must be reported to THE OWNER or his representative immediately. The renter acknowledges that the use of the property is entirely at the renter's risk. The renter shall indemnify and save harmless THE OWNER against and from any and all expenses, costs, damages, suits, actions or liabilities arising from any and all loss of or damage to personal property, injury or death resulting from the use of the rental property, grounds, fields, river/lake use.
Stony Creek Farmstead Rental Rules
CHECK-IN TIME is between 4 PM and 6PM and CHECKOUT is between 10 AM - 11AM. NO Early/late Check-in or late checkout without prior approval.
Leave no trace - Guests are responsible for their own tent, and making sure it stays safe during their stay. If there are any damages to the tent or any of the farm’s property, guests are responsible and will be fined accordingly. Before departure, bring all of your trash, recycling, and compost to appropriate areas. All the linens should be removed from the beds and surfaces cleaned. The tent should look like it looked when you arrived.
No Smoking - in and around the barn, farm store, animals, and tents. Any smoking should happen on the road or at the communal fire pit. Any evidence of smoking other places on the property will result in a $200 fine.
Do not flush - anything other than toilet paper. The septic system is very effective; however, it will clog up if improper material is flushed. No tampons, pads or wipes of any kind should be flushed. If it is found that these products have been flushed and clog the septic system, you could be charged damages of up to three hundred fifty dollars ($350) or the cost to have the septic system pumped.
Fire safety - The cookstove is a fully vented wood cookstove. It is provided for guests to use to cook meals and warm water for washing dishes. It is a source of heat while it is active. A fire requires constant adult supervision.
Farmstead boundaries - All children should remain on the tent side of the creek unless accompanied by an adult. In order to preserve the privacy of Peter and Karen Marsiglio, please do not go beyond the wooden fence unless you are walking along the driveway.
Respect each other - Any guests who prove to be disruptive may be asked to leave the farm.
Keep in mind that the farm is not only a business, but also home to the farmers and their family. Quiet hours begin at 10:00pm.
About the farm animals - Most of the animals are out on ever changing pasture. We move the animals all of the time in order to keep them on the cleanest, freshest grass. Please do not go over to the beef cows without first checking in with dan or kate - we have a very large bull, Zeus who can be protective of his herd. Also all of the animals are surrounded by electric fences. If you touch the fences you will get a jolt of electricity - not lethal, but perhaps upsetting to small children. The Farm Stay chicken fence has a single electric line on the inside.
Respect the animals - This is their home. A good guide is to behave like you would in a library. Quiet voices and slow movements are best and will afford you the best opportunity to interact with the animals. Pets are not permitted on the farm under any conditions.
The renter assumes full responsibility for fulfilling the terms of the rental for the period stated.
I grant Stony Creek Farmstead LLC., its representatives and employees the right to take photographs of me in connection with Stony Creek Farmstead LLC., Pizza Night, and Farm Stay. I authorize Stony Creek Farmstead LLC., its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically.
I agree that Stony Creek Farmstead LLC. may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
STONY CREEK FARMSTEAD LLC
RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
My Family desires to stay and/or participate in activities (collectively “Activities”) at Stony Creek Farmstead LLC (“Stony Creek”)’s farmstead in Walton, NY (“Farmstead”). “My Family” may include myself, my spouse, my parents, my children, and/or other minors in my care. “Activities” may include tent stays, cooking, art workshops, pizza night, animal interaction, playground equipment and other activities at the Farmstead.
As lawful consideration for being permitted to participate in Activities, I agree to all the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement (“Release”) on behalf of each member of My Family. I represent and warrant that I have the authority to sign this Release on behalf of each member of My Family.
I agree and acknowledge that participating in Activities at the Farmstead involves other risks of injuries, illness and damages, including, but not limited to, injuries, damages or losses relating to or resulting from slips, falls, drowning, trauma, health failure, animal or flora contact, and/or other mishaps whether known or inherent in the Activities or whether foreseeable or unforeseeable. Possible injuries to members of My Family can include death, personal injury, paralysis, property damages, loss of service and other injuries and damages.
I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims, now known or hereafter known, against Stony Creek and Stony Creek owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasees”), on account of illness (including Covid-19 or other), injury, death, or financial loss or any other type of liability whatsoever arising out of or attributable to Activities, whether arising out of the negligence of any Releasees, other Farmstead guests, or otherwise. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim against any Releasee, and forever release and discharge Releasees from liability under such claims.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT POND USE
Our neighbor welcomes Farmstead guests to swim in his pond at 1691 Freer Hollow Road, Walton, NY (the “Pond”). The Pond is not on property owned, controlled or supervised by Stony Creek. There is no lifeguard at the pond. I acknowledge the dangers of swimming in the Pond and that members of My Family will swim in the Pond at their own risk. I am responsible for monitoring whether members of My Family swim with proper supervision. Stony Creek bears no responsibility for injuries of death resulting from use of the Pond by members of My Family and the release herein will apply to use of the Pond by any member of My Family.