Live on a Horse Farm, Kids Ride Horses, Gather Eggs, Hike, Fish, Swim, Sauna

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December 2024

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Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Todd, NC
  • Appalachian State University
    23 min drive
  • Kidd Brewer Stadium
    23 min drive
  • Tweetsie Railroad
    27 min drive
  • North Wilkesboro (IKB-Wilkes County)
    65 min drive

Room options

About the area

Todd

In Todd .At this Todd farm stay, you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of Elk Knob Gameland and 12 miles (20 km) of Tater Hill Plant Preserve. Elk Knob State Park and Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex are within 12 miles (20 km).

What's nearby

  • Horn in the West - 21 min drive
  • Boone Mall - 22 min drive
  • Appalachian State University - 23 min drive
  • Kidd Brewer Stadium - 23 min drive
  • Tweetsie Railroad - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pie Daze - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Wahoo's Adventures - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Nosh - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Ole Mexican Foods - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Ole Mexican Foods - ‬25 min drive

About this property

Live on a Horse Farm, Kids Ride Horses, Gather Eggs, Hike, Fish, Swim, Sauna

Willet Ponds Farm in Todd, NC offers...More than a place to stay: an Appalachian farm experience. The Old Farmhouse is one of three houses we rent on the farm. If it is booked for the time you want, ask us about our other houses: the Willet Nest and The Pioneer Homestead. You'll find more about them at WilletPondsFarm.com

It's all about the farm, and the peaceful, enriching experience your family will have here. A week in the country is worth a month in town. You may simply choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery right from the porch. Or you are welcome to join us in the daily workings of the farm, taking care of the donkey, the pot-bellied pig, bunches of bunnies, a herd of horses, and a diverse flock of fowl (including peacocks!). Wake to the rooster's crow and help gather eggs. Treat yourself to the simple joys of life and discover why we have an extremely high guest return rate.

This quaint, century-old farmhouse offers an excellent venue for experiencing the Appalachian countryside: fresh mountain air, babbling brooks, nature at your doorstep. Tucked away on a dead-end road with extensive hiking trails right on the property, the Old Farmhouse takes one back to a slower day, a simpler time. Generous decking wraps around three sides, ending in a covered porch from which unfolds the brilliant green valley and a pastoral scene that will keep you dreaming wistfully from the porch swing.

The house has been well lived in and well loved for generations. It’s authentic—there is spirit and character here. The Old Farmhouse is picture perfect in every way your imagination tells you a quaint Appalachian farmhouse should be. Antique furniture, rustic wormy chestnut cabinetry, knotty pine and hardwood floors, handmade quilts, and vintage photographs will remind you of its Appalachian heritage.

A spacious, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable family room, and attractive sunroom with double French doors give you plenty of space to relax inside. The farmhouse has two charming bedrooms on the ground level, each with a double bed, plus two upstairs “attic” bedrooms (two single beds each) that will enchant your children—they absolutely love it here.

Willet Ponds, our 100-acre farm, is 5 minutes from historic Todd and the scenic New River (tubing, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, & swimming, not to mention easy bike riding along the river), 15 minutes to Elk Knob State Park, and only 20 minutes to either Boone or West Jefferson. From Boone you’ll have easy access to the ski slopes, Tweetsie, shopping in Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Grandfather Mountain. But be sure to schedule in some down time to just enjoy the profound serenity of the property, to watch the horses graze.

The adventurous can work up an appetite hiking the 3-mile loop trail over our private mountainside, taking in awesome views of a 100-ft. waterfall cascade and of the valley below, then enjoy a refreshing swim in our spring-fed pond and the thrill of fishing for trout to put dinner on the table (fishing poles provided, stocked trout are sold per pound). You can explore two mountain streams on the property that are just the right size to play in, then roast marshmallows at the convenient bonfire pit. As dusk falls, the spring peepers begin to sing a chorus while countless fireflies rise from the pasture, performing a natural light show rivaled only by the brilliant night sky that’s so full of stars, it can only be imagined from the city.

Cozy in Winter: While the house does not have a usable fireplace, the Toyostove heater features the glow of a fire and keeps the house cozy on the coldest nights.

In addition to our menagerie of animals, we also live on this, our dream farm, in a house across the way (not too close). We personally manage the Old Farmhouse, making it clean and comfortable, in hopes that you’ll feel that you’re staying in a home, not a generic rental cabin. We make sure to take care that you have everything you need, be it a cup of flour or freshly laid free-range eggs.

Many guests ask if they can ride our horses.
While we are not a riding stable open to the public, we try to accommodate your interests and offer custom trail rides, arena lessons for beginners, and lead line rides for kids. Please let us know in advance if you want to book such horse activity.

Other memorable experience upgrades include renewing in our world-class rustic sauna, and baking in our Old World pizza/bread oven. View our web site for details.

Bed linens, towels, detergents, and soaps are provided as well as a starter roll of paper towels and toilet paper. Ample wood for the fire pit is available at no cost, but you might want to bring charcoal for the grill. Old play shoes or boots might be wise to bring for those who want to spend time in and around the barn.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve made room for you here, too.

Favorite Things to Do On the Property:
1) Roast marshmallows at the fire ring.
2) Walk the hiking trail up to the seldom-seen falls.
3) Feed the chickens and gather eggs.
4) Search for treasures hidden around the farm.
5) Fish in the trout pond.
6) Harvest apples and blueberries.
7) Explore the Fairy Forest and build a fairy house.
...the list goes on and on...

Property manager

Walton Conway

Languages

English, German, Russian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: internet access

Things to do

  • Kayaking
  • Playground
  • Sauna
  • Shared/communal pool

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels
  • DVD player
  • TV

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop

More

  • Dryer
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 22

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: No Exceptions

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Children adore this place!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Live on 100 acre Farm Pet Horses Gather Eggs Hike Fish Swim

Live on a Horse Farm, Kids Ride Horses, Gather Eggs, Hike, Fish, Swim, Sauna Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 104 out of 110 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 110 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 110 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 110 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 110 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jason b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend
Awesome weekend. The kids loved the experience. We will certainly go back. No post 'Helene' issues. Can't wait to go return. Thank you Walton.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica I., Charlotte, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Best mountain vacation!!
This was our second year staying at the Old Farmhouse. It was just as wonderful as last year! Property is well maintained, clean, and has everything that you need. Our family of six enjoyed helping with the farm chores, talking with Farmer Walton (such an interesting and kind man), roasting marshmallows around the fire pit, petting sweet Piper and Penelope, and generally just relaxing and being together. We also canoed on the New River and spent time in Boone. We hope to be able to come again in the future for sure!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liz R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Lovely property Walt is always friendly and helpful. The area is so peaceful. We love it!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen H., Greenville, SC

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, quiet, spacious and fun
My wife and I, and our kids really enjoyed this quiet and rural farm- plenty of space for the kids to roam, they loved collecting eggs from the chickens, feeding the pig and brushing the horses. Small pond is great for taking very young ones canoeing.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love this place.
Such a special place to spend time, away from the hustle and bustle. It’s close enough to a couple of towns that you can venture out easily, but I always feel totally relaxed and at peace when I’m here. By no means us it a luxury vacation, but that’s the point. Surrounded by the wonderful animals, creek, mountains, etc it is truly amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best place to stay EVER!!!!
We could not have asked for a better place to stay. We only stayed a short, weekend stay but we had a blast. We were there in mid October and the fall colors were absolutely beautiful. The house was perfect. My wife absolutely loved it. She said it reminded her of her aunts house in Kentucky. The whole farm is wonderful. We really enjoyed hearing the roosters crow each morning and petting the horses, donkey and best of all was meeting "Piper" their dog. Piper went along on one our hikes up the mountain. If we could give it a 10 star rating we would. We are defiantly going back. If you want to experience the best in mountain living on a fantastic real live farm then you need to book this place for your next vacation. You won't regret it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh R.

Liked: Cleanliness
"Best vacation EVER"
This was the quote i got from both my daughters. All the comforts of home, literally in the middle of nowhere. The wifi was excellent. We had everything we needed. Short drive to town and all necessities. The fire pit was used on our last night for smores. I give the farmhouse 5/5 stars, and would definitely recommend it to anyone going to an App St game!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another great visit to the farm
We all enjoyed the views, treasure hunt, and animals very much! We’ll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica I., Charlotte, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Best mountain house ever!
Our family of six truly loved our stay at the Old Farmhouse! The house was clean and comfortable as well as filled with interesting books (a complete set of Shakespeare's plays!) and toys for the children. It was an old house, but everything worked well. The one bathroom was gigantic, and we did not have a problem sharing it. While the attic had a very low ceiling, it had several windows and was perfect for the children. Farmer Walton was a charming and interesting host and the entire family (children, teenagers, and adults) enjoyed feeding the animals, finding eggs, hanging out with Piper (the dog) and Valentine (the turkey) on the deck, exploring the fairy trail, and hiking the many other trails. My older kids and husband even learned how to build a fence! The location was very convenient as well; it was only 20-30 minutes to Boone and 5-10 minutes to Todd, a very small town, but home to a great outfitter for canoeing/kayaking on the New River. Everyone was sad to leave, and we are definitely hoping to stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Most beautiful place.
A year later all the kids still talk about this place. Just something magical about sitting on the front porch and being greeted by a peacock. Or watching the rabbits hop around. My kids favorite part was probably playing in the creek. Owner was absolutely fantastic and let us feed all the animals. They let the kids help with chores. Its an experience, i think they'll always have.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

BRANDI G., ROCK HILL

Liked: Cleanliness
Breath of fresh air
Such a wonderful place away from the hustle of everyday life. Close enough to enjoy Boone, but far enough away to unwind. Great for kids to unplug and enjoy nature. Look forward to coming back in the summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

harvey n.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean well kept everything was maintained very well
It was very cold with snow but they had plenty of heat we stayed very comfortable it is a very beautiful place
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ryan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Remote Todd NC Getaway
The property is a great getaway to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world. There is tons of trails to hike with kids and beautiful views of the mountains and creeks. The property owners are very accommodating. They were gracious with my 4 crazy kids while feeding the animals. Thats a job in itself! :) We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Darren B., Matthews, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Great as always
Lovely stay as always. Beautiful property and hosts were great as always.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
A magical getaway
My family (my wife and I, my daughter and her young children) had a wonderful time. It was like being conveyed to another time. Honestly the whole experience was beyond words. We particularly enjoyed the long walks in the "enchanted" forest with Piper (the friendly collie), relaxing on the porch swing, and breathing the clean fresh mountain air. There was something for everyone to do or to just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet on the front porch swing. The owners were amazing and the house was spacious and inviting. I can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness
On the farm
Great place to stay with kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ella F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our annual family refuge
This was our 3rd trip back to the farm and as always, we loved every minute of it. We had 8 people in the house, 4 adults and 4 kids and it fit us all. The kids spent every minute they could on the farm and we enjoyed relaxing around the property. The house has everything you may need, otherwise Boone is close enough to get any additional supplies.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super Willet Ponds Farm Stay
We were seeking an enriching 'farm experience' to share with our grandchildren. Willet Ponds Farm was everything its website promised. Our grandchildren had a wonderful time interacting with a large variety of animals. Their up-close experiences were priceless. Betty and Walton were great hosts and very patient with the kids.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Judith F.

Liked: Cleanliness
A restful haven
My daughter and I spent three wonderful days at the Farm house. Waking up to this beautiful natural scenery was a gift, horses grazing in the field, peacocks and chickens in the yard and the best dog just waiting to greet you. What a glorious way to have your morning coffee sitting on the porch swing with the sun shining and taking in all that beauty. And If that wasn't enough, there is a sparkling, clear stream that runs past the farmhouse. The property has many hiking trails as well as its own amazing waterfall. As a guest, you are invited to participate in the feeding of the chickens and any other animal just walking in the vicinity (pot-belly pig, peacocks, and a duck). The setting offers so much that you would not really need to leave, but if you do venture out there are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking and rafting nearby. We would love to return to this little bit of paradise.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nora B.

Liked: Cleanliness
WONDERFUL FARM EXPERIENCE
Betty and Walton are wonderful hosts. They are so gracious and kind. Their farm house was perfect for our family of eight. Everything we needed was there. There were plenty of spaces for everyone to spread out and enjoy. The farm itself is MAGNIFICENT! Betty and Walton are so gracious to share it. Walton is so good with the kids, including them and encouraging them with activities around the farm. Our grandkids did not want to leave. Our whole family looks forward to going back to the farm. Bonners
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carrie T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for kids
We stayed at the farm to celebrate my daughter’s third birthday. It was a perfect way to celebrate. We helped feed the animals, walked the fairy trail, took a hike, and checked out an old outhouse :) The house was full of toys and had everything we needed. The hosts were very responsive and accommodating. I highly recommend this stay if you are looking for a sweet interactive experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing escape
Our long weekend at willets pond was wonderful. Me plus my 3 kids (16,14 and 10) loved our time at this beautiful retreat. It was so fun to be able to spend time w the animals- all just outside our door. Plenty of trails by the property to explore. Lovely covered porch. Hosts struck just the right balance of being avail, informative and engaging and giving your family space and privacy. We have already recommended this spot to many and will definitely go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Incredible Experience For The Whole Family
We had the most amazing experience at the farm. We stayed in the Old Farmhouse. Walton and Betty were incredible hosts. We arrived in the late afternoon. The house was very welcoming as bd very clean. The house had 4 bedrooms which was the perfect set up for us. We had a total of four adults and three children. The first night we went sledding on the property. There were three sleds that are provided and we went sledding and had a blast. The next day we were able to feed the animals and the kids loved it. There were chickens, ducks, turkeys, a loving pig and the most beautiful peacocks you’ve ever seen. The kids also got to play with the horses and rabbits. We would absolutely recommend staying here. It’s a great experience that can be shared by the entire family. The kids also went hiking several times and played in the Ferry Forest. They also hiked to the top of the mountain. We can’t thank Walton and Betty enough. They were extremely helpful and accommodating. We came the week between Christmas and New Years and celebrated New Years at the farm.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Farm Stay
What a charming place to stay! We had our two kids (ages 4 and 7) with us and they loved the farm animals - helping to feed the chickens, pet the pig, and brush the donkey. We loved hiking around the property. The home is about 20-30 minutes away from most shopping/restaurants. Loved having a full kitchen so we could eat breakfast before heading out to explore and being able to make dinner at home if we didn’t feel like going out to eat. Great stay!

10/10 Excellent

Aaron S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just as listed
Enjoyed the farm life and property very much, waking up to peacocks and chickens and horses was great.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020