1117a Farm - Fertile Land & Abundant Clean Water
Essex, Essex County, New York
Nestled between Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York, the Lewis Family Farm is a testament to the vision and determination of its creators, Sandy and Barbara Lewis. Rarely does a property of this size and grandeur become available. This vast 1100+ acre farm and cattle ranch is a thriving organic ecosystem where sustainable practices harmonize with the land, fostering a balance that is absolutely necessary for a healthier environment. In an increasingly troubled world, this is truly a sanctuary, free from rising oceans, receding shorelines, and natural disasters that occur more frequently worldwide.
The Lewises have channeled wisdom, respect for soils, and determination into crafting a property that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. Thoughtfully planned infrastructure ensures that every aspect of the farm is optimized for efficiency and prepared for the future. No expense was spared in redeeming the land from past trespasses. Long compacted fields were completely dug up. Modern tile drainage was installed, utilizing state-of-the-art geolocation and laser trenching at 25’ intervals, assuring that the pastures retain moisture in dry weather and drain off in the wet season.
There are six houses on the farm – the owner’s restored 1880s farmhouse, their favorite guest house, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home for the caretaker, and 3 other 3 bedroom, 2 bath houses planned for workers. They could certainly be used for residential rental income as there is local demand. Outbuildings include a 7,500 sq ft heated workshop with a 4-ton ceiling hoist capable of handling any of the heavy farm equipment. Upstairs is a well-appointed workout room with a bath, shower, and sauna for relaxing after your workout.
The cattle are hardy for our winters and only eat organic grass. There are no antibiotics in the water here. The commitment to sustainable agriculture ensures that the land remains bountiful for generations. Lewis Family Farm is iconic. Incredibly beautiful, strategic, and free of impurities... This unique property sets a new standard, proving that responsible land management is not just an ideal but a practice deeply ingrained in the farm's ethos. The wealth of on-site resources includes a wood lot and sugarbush, a rock quarry with potential for another, apple trees and grape vines, plentiful wildlife, including deer, turkey partridge, and numerous species of songbird, miles of interior and exterior electric fencing, subsurface tile drainage at 25' intervals using modern materials and state of the art laser trenching for drought and flood mitigation. There is abundant clean water from 10 wells and two ponds, one of which was purposely built with a dry hydrant readily available for firefighting if needed.
The Lewis Family Farm is a legacy waiting to be embraced by those who share the same passion for organic living and the boundless beauty of the North Country.
Robert (Bob) Martin & Caroline Rupp
, Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty