Grace Farms — Attraction in New Canaan

Grace Farms is, on its own, a marvel—an architectural ribbon unfurling across a Connecticut hillside. But our visit was made unforgettable not just by the landscape or the building’s quiet grandeur, but by our guide, a docent who turned a stroll into a story.

From the moment she welcomed us, it was clear we were in capable, generous hands. She didn’t simply point out features or recite facts—she shared the place, weaving its mission, history, and philosophy into something personal and alive. We toured the back of house, peeked behind doors the average guest might miss, and paused in the luminous tea house, where she brewed a pot for us like a practiced host rather than a guide on duty.

Each stop along the tour—whether the sanctuary’s hushed curve or a simple stretch of meadow—was layered with thoughtful context. She spoke not just about what Grace Farms is, but what it’s for: a space for peace, justice, community, and creativity. Her tone was calm and inviting, but never saccharine. She let the architecture breathe, but filled the silences with meaning.

By the end, we didn’t feel like tourists. We felt connected—to the space, to the mission, and yes, to the woman who had walked us through it. It was thoughtful, beautiful, and wholly unique.

Go for the building. Stay for the people. And if you’re lucky enough to be paired with a docent like ours, you’ll leave with far more than photos—you’ll leave with a sense of...

Beautiful grounds wrap The River building. So many details in the planning of this structure where so well-thought out. While there are ramps and stairs taking visitors from one pod to the next, there are also elevators so that all guests can enjoy their visit and partake in its offerings. During my short visit, they were in between program offerings, but there wad activity everywhere. The lecture hall was closed but 2 guests were getting a private tour, people were studying in the library, the commons was bustling with guest having beverages, food and socializing while others ordered take-away and there were multiple picnics happening. Several people were having a meeting in the mediation room, and the sunken gymnasium was busy with half-court basketball and half-court children's activities. Both 'barns' (air conditioned offices and display spaces) were occupied with visitors and staff. All this happening yet nothing felt crowded. Be aware your ID will be logged at the gate. From there you will follow the road to parking where you can check in at Barn 1 foe the schedule of the day or to get information and use the bathroom (The River has bathrooms in all the buildings-not sure about the mediation room though). It's welcoming to everyone and all ages. There is also a nature path if you like to...

We had our staff development day here, and what a beautiful backdrop it was for a day dedicated to being mindful and refreshing our energy. It doesn't hurt that we got an absolute gem of a day, weatherwise, but the grounds and buildings are exceptionally handsome and interesting. They were gearing up for music, at night, in the amphitheater, and I can only imagine how cool it must be. The entire room is surrounded by glass windows, and at night, it must be stunning. Indoors or out. The River Building has many rooms to relax and read, and they even have a tea bar. If you want to shoot some hoops, they have a sunken court at the other end of the building, and you can spectate from above. Lunch was catered by Grace Farms and was very good. Chicken or veggie wrap with a salad, and the best part was the salted marbled chocolate chip cookie. Many cool exhibits in the barn buildings, and they even boast an art studio for stump painting and more. Justine was our event coordinator and could not have been more attentive. Check out the pics from a fabulous day...the Country Childrens Center will be back. PS - don't pick the apples even they look so good! They use what they can, from the grounds, and apples are one of...