Thanks to two of our former guests, Kerry & Mary Hersch, who shared some of Kerry's wonderful photos for our site. Stirling, a spacious 5-bedroom farmhouse (sleeps 16,) on 60 beautiful, Ozark acres, offers opportunities to explore, play in the creek, or just sit on the deck and relax! Other Cottages on our property can be booked separately: ***The Milk House (sleeps 4-6) ***Thirties -apt on lower level of Stirling, (sleeps 4-6) The space Stirling, the Milk House and Thirties offer beds for up to 26 people, making it a perfect, peaceful location for family and friends to gather together. Enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the country while being only ten minutes from the quaint small town of Carthage, and 15-20 minutes from larger Joplin. PLEASE NOTE: I cannot accommodate any animals inside the house. Also we are a working farm, so there will sometimes be farm activities going on while guests are here; and a few people, my cattle guy, mower, husband and I may come and go discreetly as we take care of the land and the animals. The base price is for six people. The fee for each additional guest is $20/person/night. Non-walking infants are free. Originally a dairy farm, the 1930's hand-built stone and wood house has five bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms are on the main floor: ***Twigs is the large, charming master bedroom, with king-size bed, chaise lounge, and views of cows grazing in the east fields. ***Vintage offers a king size bed, an antique double bed with a single trundle underneath and antique furniture. Four large windows showcase colorful sunsets. ***The Sunroom has a comfortable daybed with trundle underneath and offers stunning views of morning sunrises. There are two large dormitory style bedrooms with a half bath on the second floor: ***Maps has three twin beds (one is extra long) and is decorated in a travel theme. ***Blooms has four twin beds and is decorated in a brightly colored garden theme. Also on the property is the original remodeled Milk House (which sleeps 2 on a daybed & trundle in the main room, 2 on a daybed & trundle in the adjoining office & 2 on cots or airbeds to accommodate 6 guests total. The base price is for two people using only the Milk House, not the Office. Each additional guest is $20/night/person & includes the Office which would be 800 sq ft total. "Thirties", the 600 sq ft studio apartment below Stirling has a daybed & trundle in the main room, and is separated from the "bedroom" (two twin beds) by an art screen. Both are booked separately. You may click on my profile photo & scroll down to see complete descriptions, photos, availability & fees. Additional amenities: FARM TOUR At the Cottage farm, (weather/season permitting,) we offer a Farm Tour which includes interacting and hand-feeding our long-hair Scottish Highland heifer, Hannah & our baby bull, Hezzy; Tom and Harry, our two Alpacas; Marigold our La Mancha milk goat (and the other goats;) Liberty and Justice, our Anatolian/Pyrenees goat guardians; and Jill, the affectionate barn cat. Across the road at the Stirling farm are beautiful St. Gertrudis cattle, my assortment of chickens, and three affectionate outdoor cats. In addition to interacting and hand-feeding the animals (except Libby,) the tour includes milking lessons when Marigold is still producing, and egg collection - $30 for a group of 1-10 people - $40 for 10-20 people. MASSAGE: I am acquainted with an experienced massage therapist, who brings her table and supplies to the property. One recent guest who has experienced professional massage therapy in many of her world-wide travels, said, "Elise gave me the best massage I have ever had!" (Advanced notice necessary-payment made directly to Elise - please contact me for her number.) CATERING: There are also two caterers within five miles of the farm: Angie Smith – catering – smoked meats, etc. Mende Staggs – cakes and catering Communication and payment made directly to them. Please contact me for their phone numbers. (I also provide a discount for active clergy and active military personnel.) Cancellation Policy: ***Strict: Full Refund for 48 hours after you click "Reserve". ***Full Refund if you cancel 14 days prior to check-in date. ***50% refund if you cancel 7 days prior to check-in date (minus the service fee) PLEASE NOTE: I CANNOT ACCOMMODATE ANIMALS INSIDE THE HOUSE. Guest access We are located near a wide variety of interesting family attractions as well as adventures for art buffs. We are just off of I-44 at Exit 18 or 22, with easy access to area attractions (complete directions will be given after booking. ) In mid-October, Carthage hosts one of the top 20 Missouri gatherings - the Maple Leaf Festival: "a tradition for over 41 years, this week-long celebration offers what is considered one of One of Missouri’s largest parades followed by a variety of special events including more than 80 craft booths and food vendors." For more information about the Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage visit the Carthage, MO Chamber of Commerce website. Carthage is also host to the annual Marian Days celebration, which started in the 70's as a pilgrimage of Vietnamese Catholics and their descendants in honor of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary, as well as in memory of their homeland across the Pacific. The festival, held the first week of August, is highlighted by a huge outdoor Mass held on the grounds of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix, and is noted for its variety of authentic food vendors and cultural tent-shops. * Five Minutes (Fidelity - 3 miles west): --Pump 'n Pantry Convenience Store --World's Largest Small Appliance Museum, a seriously fun place to see unique, beautifully crafted vintage appliances in JR's Western Wear Store and the store is a great treat as well! * Ten Minutes (Diamond, MO - 7 miles south): --George Washington Carver Birthplace, Museum and Nature Center --Diamond Grove Adventure - a child's delight! Train ride, tunnel slides, petting zoo, and more... * Fifteen Minutes (Carthage, MO - 10 miles north): --Carthage square and legendary Courthouse (with small museums and antique working elevator,) --Cherry's Art Emporium, a quality gallery show-casing nationally and locally famous art talent --The Woodshed, featuring live music every Friday evening --Phelps House, a historic mansion open for tours on Wednesdays, April- November --Mother Road Coffee House --Route 66 Deli --Precious Moments Park --Red Oak II, a restored 1930's village --Civil War Museum --Antique Stores --Self driving tour of Victorian homes on Grand Street --Wal-Mart SuperCenter --YMCA * Twenty Minutes (Joplin - 12 miles west): --Spiva Art Center --Wildcat Glades Conservation Center --Tilt Studio, arcade and family fun spot * One Hour (Springfield - 50 miles east): --Bass Pro Shop --Fantastic Caverns --Dickerson Park Zoo --Wilson Creek National Battlefield --Ted E. Bear's Toy Factory --Mediacom Ice Skating Rink (year round) --Springfield Cardinals Minor League baseball team * One Hour (Noel - 50 miles south): --float the Elk River * One and a Half Hours (Bentonville - 65 miles(south): --Crystal Bridges Art Museum --Sam Walton Museum --Area shopping, Pinnacle Hill Outdoor Mall * One and a Half Hours (Branson - 90 miles southeast): --White Water --Silver Dollar City --Fantastic Shows Other things to note Carthage Attractions Attractions • Historic Square featuring Jasper County Courthouse • Cherry’s Art Emporium • Koka Art Gallery • Civil War Museum • Phelps House • Historic Homes Driving Tour • Boots Motel • Art Central • Red Oak II • Rt. 66 Drive-In (April – October) • Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre • Precious Moments • World’s Largest Small Appliance Museum Activities Indoor • Grace Lanes Bowling/Arcade • Roller Skating • YMCA • YMCA Youth Center • Simulated golf • Play area for toddlers • Gaming systems • Lucky J Arena • Skinner’s Pottery Outdoor • Ruby Jack Trail • Kellogg Lake Park  Frisbee Golf Course (Frolf)  Fishing  Spring River • Municipal Park  Golf Course  Pool • Griggs Park  Skate Park  Pickle Ball Courts • Central Park • Historic Walking Architectural Tour via Clio app A great time of year to visit is during kidding season (usually in April and May) when the goats at our barn across the road begin to give birth. Goat kids are like puppies - cute, cuddly, and lively! Many people stop on the road during this several week period, just to watch the baby goats skip & play.