What a wonderful retreat this is! We had a wonderful relaxing weekend with our girlfriends! Thank you for the wonderful food and accommodations. - Keisha and friends
About the Retreat
- Updated 1800s farmhouse with original log construction
- Located 20 minutes from Dayton, 1 hour from Cincinnati, 1 1/2 hours from Columbus and Indianapolis
- Easy to access, just a few miles from US 35
- Secluded location in the middle of farm fields, surrounded by gorgeous scenery
- Maximum occupancy 8
- Self-hosted. Your group will have the house to yourself.
- Ramp accessibility to the front porch
- Crafting space is on first level as soon as you enter, includes two open rooms connected by a large opening
- Includes 8 – 6’ crafting tables, each with an adjustable rolling chair, OttLite, cutting mat, and under-table electric access. Tables are arranged in two groups of three, and one group of two. Ironing board and iron available.
- 4 bedrooms on the second level, each with 2 twin beds
- Lots of windows to enjoy the scenery
- Kitchen is stocked with supplies to do your own cooking, or you may add the meal package and enjoy delicious meals which are prepped and ready for you.
- Outdoor space to enjoy
- Beautiful flower gardens
How It Came To Be
Hi, I'm Anna. I'm the crazy kook who dreamed up Windmill Lane Farm. I've been teaching craft classes and organizing retreats since I was in my early 20's. Opening up a craft retreat house was not something I ever dreamed of, that was until my life took a few major detours. Here's how it came to be...
In 2009, my first husband and I were looking for a home to settle in. My dad owned the property and had been renting it out for a number of years. We decided to purchase it from him. The home had been rented for 45 years and was in need of some serious love and attention, so we did a major remodel mostly by ourselves with the help of some very handy family and friends. Our daughter was born in 2014. Fortunately/unfortunately our marriage ended shortly thereafter. There's a silver lining, as there often is. I recently met a wonderful man and we decided to get married. The downfall was I had to leave the home I had known and loved for ten years.
Then came the decision of what to do with my house. This was quite a challenge for me. My family still owns and farms the surrounding land, and therefore, I was not interested in selling it. No one in my family needed the house, so the next option that came to mind was renting it for someone to live in. I wasn't really thrilled about that idea though. In the midst of my debate of what to do with the house, someone at one of my card classes asked if they could continue getting together at my house to craft when I wasn't there anymore. My response at the time was, "Sure, I don't mind!" and I didn't really think much more about it.
That thought must not have gone away however, because it eventually gave birth to the idea of Windmill Lane Farm. It's a place I have loved and cherished, and now I want to share it with you. I hope you will grow to cherish it too.
In 2009, my first husband and I were looking for a home to settle in. My dad owned the property and had been renting it out for a number of years. We decided to purchase it from him. The home had been rented for 45 years and was in need of some serious love and attention, so we did a major remodel mostly by ourselves with the help of some very handy family and friends. Our daughter was born in 2014. Fortunately/unfortunately our marriage ended shortly thereafter. There's a silver lining, as there often is. I recently met a wonderful man and we decided to get married. The downfall was I had to leave the home I had known and loved for ten years.
Then came the decision of what to do with my house. This was quite a challenge for me. My family still owns and farms the surrounding land, and therefore, I was not interested in selling it. No one in my family needed the house, so the next option that came to mind was renting it for someone to live in. I wasn't really thrilled about that idea though. In the midst of my debate of what to do with the house, someone at one of my card classes asked if they could continue getting together at my house to craft when I wasn't there anymore. My response at the time was, "Sure, I don't mind!" and I didn't really think much more about it.
That thought must not have gone away however, because it eventually gave birth to the idea of Windmill Lane Farm. It's a place I have loved and cherished, and now I want to share it with you. I hope you will grow to cherish it too.
More About Me
I'm a farm girl at heart with a crafting addiction on the side. I love to cook, garden, and be outdoors. I'm a farm wife, mom of 4, owner/operator of Windmill Lane Farm, and a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, something I truly love. If you enjoy stamping, scrapbooking, or crafting in general, make sure to check out my blog for new ideas daily.
History of the Home
Researching the original history of the farm is on my to-do list. Here's what I know. The original part of the home including the kitchen and two rooms above the kitchen, was built in the early 1800s using log construction. The house was added onto once in the early 1900s and it went through many changes throughout the years. My grandparents, Harold and Janet Leis, purchased the home and surrounding acreage from Ed and Lillie Marion in 1964. It changed hands to my dad in 2003 and to me in 2009. My family has farmed the land surrounding the home since the 1964.