The Farmhouse

Rent our Historic Home

This colonial center chimney home, built in 1778 has been fully restored; a virtual museum, yet comfortable and inviting. Built 2 years after our country was founded one can almost envision the Smith family tending to their daily activities in the original keeping room with its beehive oven. Guests can use and enjoy many of the antique furnishings and objects from this early period.

History Buffs

Rent for a weekend, a middle-of-the-week getaway or enjoy a family vacation on the farm. The 5,000 square foot house consists of 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and can accommodate up to 11 overnight guests. The most fascinating artifacts displayed in the home are the original 300 year old deed to the property as well as Matthew Smith’s original last will and testament.

History Buffs

Rent for a weekend, a middle-of-the-week getaway or enjoy a family vacation on the farm. The 5,000 square foot house consists of 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and can accommodate up to 11 overnight guests. The most fascinating artifacts displayed in the home are the original 300 year old deed to the property as well as Matthew Smith’s original last will and testament.

All the amenities

Modern amenities include central air, SONOS speakers in each room, automatic back-up generator and a large dressing room. The home is equipped with a fully functioning kitchen, a Viking gas stove, place settings for 40 (dishes, glasses, flatware, napkins) and a gas fireplace in the great room. The house can accommodate functions or gatherings for up to 50 guests. See Special Events for a description of the many fun outdoor activities to see and do.

Smith Farm Gardens is located in East Haddam, CT. To reach the village of East Haddam from the west, one must cross the CT River by way of the historic East Haddam Swing Bridge, built in 1913. At the time of its construction, the bridge was reputed to be the longest swing bridge of its kind in the world. Adjacent to the bridge is the award-winning Goodspeed Opera House, built in 1876-77, home of the American musical. The performances are typically excellent, several having gone on to Broadway.

The venue is also in close proximity to the historic villages of Chester and Essex with their many shops and restaurants. Essex is home to the vintage Essex Steam Train where a combination train ride and boat ride on the CT River is a fun way to spend an afternoon. For those more adventurous and outdoorsy, there are 44 hiking trails in our Eightmile River watershed area, which includes four towns: East Haddam, Colchester, Lyme and Salem. For more information about things to do, we’ve curated a destination guide to help you choose the best restaurants, shopping, movie theaters, local attractions, hiking trails and more to visit while you’re here.