THE STORY
WHISPER FARM: The History…and it’s Future.
Dramatically set on 100 acres of high breezy land with long distance views, Whisper Farm was once part of a large grant of land by The Lords Proprietors to the Corley family in 1790. Since then, the land has passed from oldest son to oldest son, until it was sold to the first “outsider” three years ago. Appreciating my experience in conservation & thoughtful restoration, this
My passion has been bringing Whisper Farm back to beauty, function and productivity. Clearing the jungle of weed trees choking the formerly productive fields, revealed a surprise: two old barns were hidden under the overgrown thickets. Though the original structures could not be saved, I salvaged what I could and used that to rebuild strong new barns that are now atmospheric settings for unique memorable stays & celebrations. The work continues clearing land, building gardens, and rebuilding other old structures discovered on the property.
historic homestead left the family, for the first time in 230 years, and it’s stewardship was granted to me, Marianne Yost.
The 1817 Farmhouse was modernized preserving its original features. All the wood used for these buildings came from this land. My lifelong collection of fine art, antiques and rare books now graces the walls of the farmhouse.
The farm fields have returned to production, with the first crop of cotton being harvested in nearly 100 years. Sunflowers are now grown as a highly popular crop that are also a beautiful background for events. Flowers will continue to be the future focus of crops at Whisper Farm, as we are exploring farming Lavender and Hydrangeas as cut flower crops.
Newly planted Bermuda grass pastures and paddocks, framed by black board fencing wind through the property and offer accommodations for both horse and rider. Our guest rooms can include a stall and paddock, and there are miles of trails for riding.
There are several live fox hunting fixtures within hacking distance. Centrally located to four Aiken hunt clubs, Whisper Farm hosts hunt breakfasts, dinners, and stirrup cups regularly. Of course, non-riders will enjoy these same trails for hiking, both long strenuous workouts and gentle country walks, whatever you choose.
We cherish the wild things here. A new butterfly garden provides habitat for visiting and resident pollinators. During the summer you hear the melodious whistle of the wild quail or a vixen fox’s bark as she calls for her mate. The yipping howls of coyotes on a cold winter night provides a thrill and the reminder that there are still wild, pure and natural places left in the world…and Whisper Farm is one of them.
I can personally attest time spent under a dark night sky, lit only by the Milky Way above, or seeing the orange ball sunrise hailing a fresh new morning across a misty field will recharge your soul.
Whether you are seeking a peaceful, “unplugged” get away or country side wedding, I invite you to come enjoy the natural beauty of Whisper Farm.
Marianne Yost - Chief Caretaker, Whisper Farm
