Homestead Memories

This is a hello to all of you and your pets that remember being guests sometime during the past 20 years at the Homestead ranch in Midpines. You came from all over the world and filled seven guest books with your familiar names and loving comments about "the most comfortable house since grandmother's."

The oak and pine tree-surrounded 2-story house is the same.

The broad view through the big bay window is unforgettable.

And out back, the old hay barn and corral are even better for the passing years.

You might still feel the glow of morning sun as you leaned over the back fence while the horses approached from the pasture for an apple or a carrot. Beyond, the view of 23 acres of meadow, mountains and a glimpse of our house in the distance reminds you of how wonderfully alone you and your family were at this ranch.

As you may remember, we, your nearest neighbors, were a brisk 5 minute walk from the Homestead, but our black lab, Moses, could run across that meadow in one minute flat, always ready to great new people and canine friends.

Inside the lodge-like living room, the stone fireplace was ready for another warm welcome after your long walk in the surrounding woods. The book and record collection, board games and the horse shoe pit off the patio were a splendid old-time departure from the usually provided amenities such as television, pool, tennis court or golf course.

Remember the kitchen that was stocked with everything you might want for making breakfast early on or perhaps very late next day. Everything needed for home cooked dinners was there too.

The built in stone barbecue on the patio was especially great for home cooking, with all tools and supplies on hand.

Many of you couples remember using the downstairs bedroom, with the queen size bed, the room (according to some guests) "larger than our entire house in the city !!"

Others of your family or group of friends, probably used the twin beds upstairs ...

and another in an adjoining room with that lovely antique bedstead.

When you brought an even larger group, there was the "tree house", a loft apartment near the main house having twin beds, a tiny bathroom, and a view that only birds usually experience.

Great Memories

Now, after having to suspend the Homestead way of life for about a year, memories can be relived. We are able again offer this to others who share a longing for the peaceful old-fashioned Homestead way.

Some things have changed:
Our Helen passed away this Autumn;
Moses is in dog heaven;
and Whisky and Uma, our horses, are buried high on the hill along with our kitty and two ducks that you remember back in the eighties.

But the Homestead Guest Ranch is much as it was, including two younger horses, Belle and Ginger, grazing in that same lovely meadow. Our delightful border collie, Mimi, is doing well following Moses' tough-to-follow welcoming act.

$195.00 per day for one or a couple, and $55.00 for each additional person. Children 12 and under, $35.00. Unfortunately, a 10% County Tax must be included.
But, a well-behaved dog is free, and, we have great extended stay discounts!

Perhaps the most important memory of all is that you, alone or with a partner, or with a family or group of friends, have the entire ranch to yourselves. This most desirable feature of the Homestead Guest Ranch has never changed.

By Reservation Only ~

Confirmed 10 days in advance ~ No "Drop-ins"
Two night minimum

Contact ~
Email:	hbfowler@yosemite.net or jlrobbins@sti.net
Phone:	(209) 966-2820 (before 5 PM) or (209) 742-2110 (after 5 PM)
Post:	Box 13 Midpines CA 95345