"The Farm is a true reflection of the agricultural way of life in
Vermont."
"The Retreat Farm is unique because of its architecture, function and
location. The land needs of the farm allow it to keep its meadows
open for agricultural and recreational purposes. Its history of being
part of a large psychiatric hospital is intriguing. A visit to the
working jewel will result in a greater understanding and appreciation
of a rural way of life."
"The Retreat Farm is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in
Vermont."
"When Retreat Healthcare announced the farm's demise, concerned
citizens in Brattleboro rose to the occasion to save this treasured
resource."
"In time, The Windham Foundation, one of the largest foundations
chartered in Vermont, saw that the preservation of this property and
its continued operation fit within its mission."
"Brattleboro residents, in concert with the Vermont Land Trust, raised
additional funds to purchase facade easements and conservation rights
on the open land to assure that the farm will retain its appearance
and usefulness for the foreseeable future."
"Because of limited land availability on the farmstead proper, all the
original buildings were constructed to form a unique "farmhouse
square," a green space surrounded by working farm buildings with a
beautiful view to the east."
"Last, the central reason that sets the Retreat Farm apart is its
embrace of the tradition of dairy farming and the Vermont way of life."
"The farm currently milks 100 Holstein cows. While most of its milk is
sold through a cooperative, some is brought to its sister company,
the Grafton Village Cheese Company in Grafton (see
www.graftonvillagecheese.com) where the milk is processed into
cheddar cheese using time honored hand crafting methods."
"This cheddar product is handcrafted from the Retreat Farm's very own
Holstein milk. It is aged about one year and has a very rich and
creamy taste. The cheese is produced at a sister facility of the
farm, the Grafton Village Cheese Company in Grafton, Vermont."
"Visitors are welcome to the Retreat Farm to see its unique
architecture and savor a Vermont tradition."
...........
All of the above are quotes taken from the Windham Foundation's Retreat Farm website:
http://www.theretreatfarm.com/foundation/retreatfarm/