Farmhouse School

02/01/2025

Imbolc is here! This Gaelic festival falls on the mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. I learned about it while seeking excuses for keeping my holiday decorations up as long as possible. All the joy, light, and evergreens* come down traditionally (for Christians) on January 6th, the epiphany or twelfth night. Things seem stark and sterile and sad until the first spring bulbs appear. But the pagans kept the indoor signs of life going until Imbolc, and I'm with them. I can handle a few short weeks of winter now that I know we're halfway to spring and the days are noticeably longer. Today, I will clear the houses and my head as I celebrate light, growth, and new beginnings. May your days be brighter and your blessings abundant.

*All those evergreens came from the farm - blue spruce, yew, arborvitae, boxwood, and pine. I am going to miss them!

12/14/2024

From the world's best real estate broker: "This place is so magical! Come enjoy Christmas on the Farm with us and see how this one-of-a-kind property could be both your new home AND your new business! Cookies and cocoa will be served!"

I will be out washing/walking my dogs but come enjoy a few festive moments taking a gander.

12/14/2024

Hey friends! I've been quiet on social media lately while I prepped to sell my property. There has been plenty of interest, and now it's officially on the market.

Here's the thing: after years of building Farmhouse School, it would be a shame to see it disappear. The past few months were my busiest yet, and I am turning away customers daily. I would love to pass the torch (or tongs?)

Are you (or someone you know) passionate about cooking, teaching, and creating a welcoming community?

This is an amazing opportunity to take over a thriving business with:

Established curriculum & recipes
Top Google search ranking
Loyal social media following
Turnkey operation ready to go

Come see Farmhouse School in person and learn more about this exciting opportunity at an Open House this Saturday, December 14th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Even if you aren't in a position to buy, but are keen, let's connect. There may be a scenario where the buyer wants to rent the schoolhouse space while they reside in the farmhouse.

Let's chat and see if this could be the perfect next step for someone!

3N369 Lafox Rd, Saint Charles, IL 60175 is for sale. View 111 photos of this 5 bed, 3.5+ bath, 4400 sqft. single family home with a list price of $975000.

10/21/2024

Boy howdy have I been busy getting ready for the Sip & Shop Estate Sale this weekend! I've been sorting, cleaning, researching, pricing, and staging every day for a few weeks. I am a little embarrassed by how much stuff I accumulated. It's hard not to do when one has a barn to stash things in.

The forecast looks splendid and I will have a lot of beautiful, useful, and unique items to shop. Cooks, home decorators, hosts, collectors, gardeners, and teachers especially will appreciate this sale. Some heirloom-quality treasures are gift-worthy, too. Think Waterford, Limoges, Haeger, Wedgewood, Pfaltzgraff, etc.

If you want first dibs, you will want to buy a ticket for Saturday morning. If you like unbelievable bargains, come on Sunday when anything left will be up to 50% off the tagged price.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-and-shop-estate-sale-at-farmhouse-school-tickets-1041493885247

10/11/2024

Join us for a screen-free day of fun, learning, and delicious food on Indigenous People's Day! This cooking class, designed for kids ages 5 and up, offers a unique opportunity to explore Native American history and traditions while developing valuable life skills.

Here's what you can expect:

Hands-On Activities: Harvest and shell Cherokee Trail of Tears beans, then use them to create delicious three sisters quesadillas with fresh salsa. Learn to make Sean Sherman's corn stock for a hearty apple and winter squash soup. Finally, bake up a batch of cheerful sunflower cookies.
Cultural Education: Hear stories about Native American history and traditions that go beyond the stereotypes.
Nature Exploration: Embark on an autumn nature scavenger hunt around our farm.
Skill Building: Develop essential kitchen skills like measuring, knife safety, and using tools, while also practicing social skills like sharing, taking turns, and table manners.
We encourage all kids to try at least one bite of each recipe, but don't be surprised if they come back for seconds!

This class is a wonderful way for kids to:

Learn about different cultures and traditions.
Connect with nature and the environment.
Develop essential life skills.
Have fun and make new friends.

Register today at https://www.fhouseschool.com/kids-camps

10/09/2024

"There are fungi in our pizza pie!"

Nature provided THREE giant puffball mushrooms behind the farmhouse. The pre-K kiddos got to pick, smell, poke, slice, and peel them. Topped with sauce and cheese, they made tasty little snacks.

Photo credit Mandy Glasener

10/08/2024

The Sip & Shop Estate Sale is going to be ginormous. (Ironic that the most successful social media post I have ever created is the one where I announced my retirement.) There will be stuff in the barn, school, carriage house, and tents. I will need help!!! There's going to be a "Friends & Family" preview on Friday, Oct 25th and anybody willing to help (esp on Saturday Oct 26th) will get "Leslie Loot" to spend at the pre-sale. Friends have already been placing dibs. LMK if you are game!

10/07/2024

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT - I am taking early retirement, starting in January. As such, I need to downsize, big time. There will be a spectacular estate sale here on Saturday October 26th and Sunday October 27th. If you've been here, you have seen the antiques and the vintage linens and tableware. There will be a whole lot more (furniture, decor, garden, holiday, bedding, books, records, artwork and more. SO MUCH MORE!)

Come shop and I'll pour you a glass of sparkling wine while you search for one-of-a-kind treasure! Things will be priced to sell!

Magnificent assortment as historic farmstead and cooking school close shop. Foodies, hosts, and collectors will find LOADS of treasure.