sykes hollow farm is a beautiful, private and peaceful home for retired horses in the gorgeous mettowee valley. we are ideally located 4 miles from the dorset green and 15 minutes to manchester. you will love visiting the horses and chickens while exploring the farm and its 30 acres of fields, woods, paths, brook and swim pond. accommodations include the pond house with 2 bedrooms and the separate barn studio with 1 bedroom. if sustainability is a priority, the entire farm is powered by the sun! The space the farm is a meticulously maintained property off a dirt road just outside of dorset. this listing is NOT just a house rental. this listing is an entire farm experience for you and your family! you choose how involved you want to be. feel free to join me for chores and meet the animals! learn all about them and how to take care of them. (pack your boots and be prepared to get dirty!) see what grows in the veggie garden. discover who lives in the pond. or just pass the day reading in one of the hammocks. the pond is a perfect spot for morning yoga and meditation or a refreshing swim on a hot summer day/night. your accommodations are in TWO separate buildings about one minute's walk apart. perfect for grandparents, extended family or friends. the pond house sleeps four with TWO bedrooms, but fits six for dining. the pond house has a SMALL country kitchen with barn board and farm sink, a sunny dining and living area, cozy bedrooms, an upstairs common area for reading, games or napping and beautiful views from every window. (the pond house is attached to the main farmhouse, but completely separate with its own parking area and entrance.) the pond house bathroom is upstairs, you must climb a flight of steps to reach it. the pond and brook are located behind the pond house, as is the firepit. swings and hammocks are scattered throughout the property. the barn studio, a separate building, has one double bed and is perfect for singles or couples. it is all on one level, but there is one step from outside to enter. the barn studio does NOT have a kitchen. it has a breakfast nook with mini refrigerator, microwave, nespresso and electric kettle. it is located near the chickens so expect to hear the ladies clucking! the farm uses garnet hill bedding and is green and clean! all -natural cleaning products are used. we recycle and compost. the farm is totally powered by solar. when you book the farm you are participating in sustainable travel. ALL bedding is washed after every booking. the farm does have an automatic generator so if power goes out in the area, you will still have heat/AC and lights. in the winter months you can snowshoe and xc ski right on the farm. merck forest is 5 minutes away and you can snowshoe on its 30 miles of trails. xc ski on the dorset golf course or wild wings xc ski area. you can downhill ski at bromley, 25 minutes away, or stratton, 40 minutes away. in the summer months you can wander the paths, swim in the pond, explore the brook, hike in the mountains surrounding the farm or just relax in the hammocks or on the swings. the firepit is year-round for making s'mores! do NOT miss the stargazing! your host is a certified elementary school teacher, an accomplished equestrian, hiker, paddler, skier, environmental and vt enthusiast who cares about you and your holiday! please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. the farm provides a safe and supportive space where children can run free and explore. the farm is also available for special events. the farm is a place for people who care about nature, wildlife, horses, chickens, people and the planet. if that appeals to you, come visit! important facts to note: there is no tv, but there is great internet through vtel's fiberoptic cable. shoes off inside the houses, please. the pond is not fenced so young children must be supervised at all times. there is absolutely no smoking anywhere on the farm. the entrance to the farm is gated. you must open the gates, drive through and then close the gates. Guest access you need your car!