Us
We are Michael and Allyson, and we are so grateful you are here whether we meet you in person or know you from afar. Moving to East Tennessee was the evolution of a dream that began in 2015 and culminated in our purchase of Oak Hill Preserve in August 2022. Our dream is to share this special piece of land and all that we have done and will do on it with our community - from neighbors to travelers and everyone in between looking for delicious homegrown food, beauty in the ordinary, a break from the busy-ness of life, and to learn and experience a little bit of the past so each of us might shape our futures.
Aiming to preserve what God created in both the land and our resources here, the bounty it all provides, and the traditional ways we grow food and raise animals, we look forward to sharing what individuals long before us began here.
We sincerely thank you for supporting us! Please connect with us any time via one of the contact methods below.
Farm history
Henry A. Freshour settled this land and built the historic timber frame home at the front of the property in 1910 which has lasted decades through to today. His descendants also erected a carriage house, pole barn used for tobacco drying, and a main barn used for animals, hay storage and dairy production. The farm is now on 60 acres and has been home to his daughter, her family, the Ponders, and now us - only four different owners since its construction. Various crops have grown here including tobacco, winesap apple and plum trees. Wild blackberries and persimmons can be found in different areas in addition to passion fruit, walnut, cherry, pear and more. A spring-fed pond with surrounding trees urges one to take a quiet moment listening to the leaves rustle, and each hilltop boasts different views of the nearby Meadow Creek and Neddy Mountains to the south. Tranquility and an appreciation for nature’s beauty overwhelms all who visit and we look forward to sharing this special place with you as well.
Stop by for a visit to see what’s growing, check out a variety of old farming equipment and structures, and the beauty of this special plot of land.
Journal
Recommendations
Follow our experiences, projects, special events, trials and tribulations via our Journal here.
We have found many local businesses we trust and who have provided excellent products, services or solutions. Here are some we can recommend!
Black Locust Printing Co - Logo and printing services
Dirtcraft Living Soils - Soil and soil products
Dodson Creek Farm Supply - Livestock feed and supply
Helton’s Electric - Generators and electrical services
Silver Mill Feed and Supply - Livestock feed and supply
Simpl Cafe - High quality and local food and coffee
Snowbird Mountain Coffee Co - Locally roasted coffee and eats
The Greene House - Nursery, gardening supplies, tools and gifts
Send a note
Drop us a line with any questions, comments or feedback!