About Us
Mission
Our mission is to offer a supportive environment for those seeking to foster individual, community, and social betterment. We opened the doors to Bailey Farms with a vision of providing nonprofits and others, particularly community-focused groups, with a private, affordable, and relaxing sanctuary.
History
Bailey Farms was settled by John Young in the early 1800s, and the original farmhouse still survives. The property was acquired in that century by “Old Ira” Bailey, from whom the Farm gets its name.
In the early 1900s, the property was purchased by a Broadway actress. Next, legend has it that a wealthy New York gentleman took ownership of the Farm and in 1937 built a replica of a Georgian estate house for his wife, who had admired a picture of a similar structure in a British magazine. They were succeeded as owners by a horticulturist. Along the driveway he planted the magnificent Japanese Katsura trees that, to this day, welcome guests to the property.
Twenty years ago, Bailey Farms became the retreat and conference center it is today, dedicated to serving the larger community. We regularly welcome schools and colleges; professional and business associations; churches, synagogues, and other religious / spiritually oriented groups; community, civic, and cultural groups. The hope is that the rich and varied history of Bailey Farms, along with its quiet serenity, will inspire those who spend time here and that visitors leave refreshed, renewed, and rededicated.
Programs
- Educational seminars
- Organizational planning sessions, workshops, and conferences
- Conflict resolution trainings
- Youth group and religious retreats
- Mind/body/spirit/wellness and health retreats
A Retreat With a View
The main building sited, in a woodland setting with a large pond, contains excellent conference facilities featuring abundant natural light and views of the sheltered garden and quiet courtyard (perfect for breakout group meetings).
Facilities
Great Room/Dining room
- Loft-sized room with wood-burning stove
- Comfortable seating areas, great for reading, relaxing, and small-group discussions
- A wall of French doors leading to a sheltered garden with outdoor seating
- Plank tables in the dining area, suitable for breakout sessions and other activities
- A fully equipped country kitchen with two stoves, two refrigerators, two dishwashers
(Catering services are available, or guests may prepare their own meals or provide their own chef)
Conference Room
- A multipurpose meeting room that accommodates up to 35 guests
- Rustic wood paneling and a large, wood-burning, stone fireplace
- Antique Oriental carpeting
- Original stable doors that open to a cobblestone courtyard with additional seating
Optional Equipment
- Television with DVD/VHS player
- Wi-Fi (free high-speed wireless internet access)
- Pull-down presentation screen
- Dry erase board
- Easel stands
Accommodations
- Comfortable single-, double-, or multiple-occupancy guestrooms
- Shared and private bathrooms available
Grounds
- Walking paths, gardens, and pond
- Outdoor spaces available for sports, dance, artwork, and games, such as volleyball, soccer, badminton, croquet