Merrily Farms

The Guns of August

"We thank you for the wonderful 3 days at the farm last weekend. A special warm "thank you" to Merri for the wonderful cooking and the "feel at home" atmosphere!"

A carpenter found it between some walls we tore down when we were fixing the place...a check.

Dated August 1914 it was only for ten dollars and drawn on the Bank of Ashe...hidden and then somehow forgotten. A mystery, who and why? Was someone saving to buy a fancy suit (or perhaps a new dress) so they could sit properly with that pretty girl (or handsome guy) who lived down the hollow?

Only ten dollars? Imagine how much that meant back then, in these deep mountain woods caught in a recession and war. The bank went bust in the great depression and the person who stashed that check is certainly gone. We asked around but the old timers down the way didn't remember. So we sent the check to the family who had been here since they built this house from timber cut right on the land. They told me this was their grandfather. They did not know what the money was for, but that check is worth much more than ten bucks to them (even with interest) and now hangs on their wall.

The farm house remains here, stout as ever, rambling front porch (with rocking chairs) overlooking a rolling lawn and marsh at the creek where the frogs sing all night. Yet to our surprise (and joy) there are just none of those pesky mosquitoes anywhere on the land.

Shade provided by huge black walnuts. Pick them in autumn 'til your fingers turn black.

Fully restored, shining, white paint in and out...green tin roof where raindrops dance.

A real parlor with fireplace, perfect for playing games with kids or for properly sitting with a pretty girl... Queen size pillow top beds in three rooms and one with two singles. Two bathrooms including one, real antique claw footed bathtub built in times when long soaks were enjoyed. Sunrise on the front porch, stairs that creak, sweet silence, North Carolina spring water you pay a fortune for at the store on tap...all no extra charge. Young country girl to hold your hand not included. Fireflies to adorn summer moonlight walks guaranteed.

Details of all our accommodation is available here.