As I have previously discussed the decision to purchase my Dream Farm wasn’t just an overnight whim. We have been on the look for several years for the perfect place. First, we looked in the Utah/Colorado area for land. We almost purchased an undeveloped parcel of property in Colorado near Durango. Let me tell you what, it is just an amazing area so much to do and the views are exquisite. The land was supposed to have a water well already on it. Which was a #1 priority. If you are not aware of Colorado laws and land rules it is very complex. The state has more rules and laws than you can shake a stick at. We had a well inspection conducted and it turns out the well was fake. It was just a concrete culvert stuck in the ground to have the resemblance of a water well. So needless to say, we withdrew our offer. In that area water wells cost $40 – $50 thousand to be installed. Also, the water rights go by seniority. (so, if ten families are on same aquifer and water gets low the 1st one established gets 100% usage then it trickles down to the newest) So there is never a guarantee you will have water available.
So next we started to look in the Arkansas and Missouri area. We went on vacation to that area several times and really like it. So, the search began. The housing market is just crazy right now. Anytime we seen something we liked it was already pending sale or sold already. So, we expanded the search. We actually looked in almost every state but we were determined to pay cash and not go into debt with a mortgage so that narrowed our search window. Several months ago, Chad suggested we go on vacation to the Appalachian Mountain area. We went thru Tennessee and Kentucky. Now mind you Chad has been to 46 out of the 50 States so he already known areas he likes. I hadn’t ever been in those areas. If you get the chance go!!! Especially to the ARK ENCOUNTER. Life-size Noah’s Ark | Ark Encounter
So, we really started to focus on that area for several reasons. 1. It is just breathe taking. 2. The weather 3. We already knew we wanted a Hobby Farm. 4. The prices. So, we had seen a few places we were interested in but it’s really a challenge to find a real estate agent who is helpful when you live out of state. I’m sure most of y’all, who know me realize I am a researcher and control freak. So I watched a ton of YouTube videos, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok on the areas we wanted to retire to. I was watching a TiKTok Video on Kentucky when I came across an informative video from a realtor. I commented on her post and we began to chit chat. She was really helpful. We were actually in the process of having her figure out what all our needs and wants were when Chad got the phone call he was promoted to Senior Warden. So, I had to tell her to give me a few weeks to get resettled LOL.
Things just seemed to fall in place with the help from Paula Lyddane. I actually seen a different property in Kentucky I was interested in looking at. I called Paula and was going to have a look at it when Chad said “hey I really like this Amish Farm 100% more”. I had actually viewed it before myself on relator.com but thought it may not be what he wanted. We discussed the Pros vs Cons of buying an Amish farm and decided the Pros way outweighed the negatives. The home was built in 2009 and is solid as an OX. One of the things I love about it is Chad and I will get to design it our self and put the kitchen of my dreams in, design the nicest B and B we can. Just how I envision it should be. We will get brand new electricity and plumbing that should give us many years with trouble free service. We intend to put way heavy duty stuff in so we won’t have to worry.
Chad is exited he had a few must have criteria (1. Over 10 acres. 2. Able to shoot his guns and hopefully hunt. 3. A work shop for him to piddle in and the rest wasn’t too important) he always says as long as it has the 4 S’s. place for him to Sit, S@#t, Sleep, and Shower… Although right now it only has 2 out of the 4 in modern terms hahaha.
When I called Paula about the Amish Farm she was just as excited as we were. The next morning is when I left Lamesa and headed to Livingston to pick up my dad and we headed to the Farm. I already knew before I even went inside this was my dream come true. Heavenly Father answered my prayers and sent my Heroine Paula. She has been the most amazing help with this process.
So today was stop #3 of getting things loaded up to move and we packed up everything we had at our Lake property in Livingston. Bright and early tomorrow we will head to Pink Squirrel Farmstead in Kentucky. I just can not wait for Chad to get off a few days from work so he will be able to see it also. I still can not fathom buying a Farm sight unseen for my retirement forever home and having to just go with faith it is what I envision. So of course, because It’s how I roll there has been a few hurdles, but I will leave those for another day to discuss….
Pink Squirrel Farmstead 