Our Farm
Dreams do come true. My husband Chris and I pursued a shared dream of owning a rural property after our two daughters left the nest. We purchased our beautiful farm in 2010.
We’re proud to share our farm with visiting individuals, couples, teams and small groups looking to explore what’s possible in connecting with horses and nature. Building on the property’s natural beauty and rural heritage, we’ve worked hard to create a serene space for exploration, renewal and wellness.
The farm is located in Otonabee South-Monaghan Township near Rice Lake – just a 90-minute drive northeast of Toronto. It’s nestled in the scenic Southern Ontario countryside and offers a variety of opportunities to find tranquility in the sights and sounds of nature. Not far from Peterborough, Port Hope, Campbellford or Cobourg, an extensive variety of accommodations, restaurants, tourist attractions, historic sites and shopping are available to complement your visit.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Rural Life
Experience the simple pleasures of rural life, beauty of nature, rejuvenating pleasure of fresh country air and unconditional welcome of the farm’s inhabitants on our 80+ property.
Its rolling pastures are divided by century-old hedgerows of stone and cedar rail fencing. You’ll meet our resident goats, our herd of horse guides and Leroy – our donkey – here too.
The farm also features a 20-acre mature forest of spruce and sugar maples that are tapped each spring to produce rich maple syrup. The woodland trail offers cool serenity, wildflowers, butterflies and beautiful vistas of the pasture fields from the drumlin above.
Field Stone Labyrinth
A seven-circuit stone labyrinth is a special feature of our farm, acting as a powerful metaphor for the journey of life. There are no wrong turns. Clients will often leave mementos of their journey to wellness and personal experience at the farm along the labyrinth’s path.
Farm History and Heritage
The farm was first settled in 1846 by an Irish farmer named James Barnes. The original homestead – a small log cabin – still stands on the property and is used as an outbuilding.
The current home is a beautiful Gothic Revival Cottage typical of the early rural homes of Southern Ontario. The home was built by James’ son Richard in the 1880’s and was his marital home with his bride Maggie Cameron. The Cameron family name remains on our country road: Cameron Line.
While the original homestead would not have all of the creature comforts we’re lucky to have now (like electricity, running water and indoor bathroom facilities), various additions include separate living quarters, a kitchen, a great room and our favourite: a massive front veranda that’s perfect for contemplating lessons learned with the herd.
The various outbuildings of the farm have unique stories to tell as well. Our eight-stall horse barn features the original foundation of dressed fieldstone – a unique feature of barn construction in the nineteenth century. The time-worn wooden walls of the barn are an original feature and act as a poignant reminder of lessons in strength and resiliency.
The blend of old and new acts as a metaphor for building new potential on the solid, grounded foundation of what is.
The centerpiece for our work at the Mane Intent Inc.™ is the indoor 9100 sq. ft. arena built in 2014. This is where most of the journeys to the heart take place under the shelter of a wood and metal roof and the spirit of all who have walked the arena’s soft, sandy-loam ground.