The historic Sweet-Sherman Homestead
The circa 1845 Sweet-Sherman Homestead is the surviving 18-acre residential and working center of an original 240-acre family farm in rural Columbia County, New York. In 2022, the homestead was listed in the National and State Registers of Historic Places as “a good example of a rural Hudson Valley homestead” with “a rare collection of intact mid-19th century barns” recognized for its significance in local agricultural and architectural history. The homestead features a large Greek Revival farmhouse, functionally related outbuildings and historic yards, prime farm and pasture land, and scenic vistas — elements that together preserve the historic function, meaning and experience of a historic family farm.
I am seeking to revitalize the homestead as a living cultural heritage site — a place-based venture grounded in regenerative farming, biodiverse and heritage landscapes, and new public-facing uses that are authentic, culturally relevant, and financially self-sustaining. The 18-acre property is zoned rural residential-agricultural with special permit use for agri-tourism and would be well suited for any of the following uses:
Farming: Production of heirloom plants, seeds, specialty crops and flowers, as well as heritage species, silvopasture and edible landscapes.
Food related activities: Farm-to-table dining, food preparation and cooking classes, education, artisan workshops, community dinners, guest chef events, and farm store.
Demonstration & education site: Regenerative farming, pollinator-friendly landscapes, building rehabilitation, resource conservation, and vernacular architecture and knowledge.
Small industry: Craft beverage and value-added products.
Accommodations: Farm-related workspace, farm-stays, farmer residencies, and group meetings.
Toward this end, I am seeking a new owner-steward, or a farmer and investor partners who would bring both vision and resources for this heritage site to achieve its full cultural, ecological, and commercial potential. For inquiries with the owner, please find contact information in About/Bio.
“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.”
― Wendell Berry