I’m going to be extremely fair in my review and explain all details and why. I know many people love this place, and I was so excited to go here but I need to be very honest in the ways they can improve and why 3 stars and not 5 stars from us. ||The booking and check in process was smooth and easy. The front staff were very friendly on the phone and in person. They walked us around to show us the grounds. Our room was exactly as we expected so no surprise there. It was ready when we arrived, clean and stocked with the basics (towel, soap). We didn’t have high expectations for a new/updated room as the photos are exactly how the room was. No fancy frills but clean and absolutely fine to stay in. The beds are not that comfortable but fine. The wall paper in farm house 6 was peeling a bit and wear and tear around the unit was present but we did expect the room to be outdated and didn’t have any issues over all with the room. ||The main reason for our 3 star is really based on food, amenities, and grounds. As for food, do not have high expectations as it’s very basic. I would rate it 2 at best, but it’s all inclusive and does feed the mass groups. Our waitress the first night was awful, we didn’t eat for almost an hour. She told us she was rusty and not ready for the groups yet. Little weird, but I guess she was being honest. The other night/day team were much better and more competent. One odd thing we did notice, food is not in abundance when it’s put out for guests to grab. Once something runs out, it runs out. I’m all for not wasting food, that’s very important but we noticed often food would run out (cookies, appetizers, and other items to grab-go). For example, the cocktail adults evening, majority of the finger appetizers ran out. Another night, they had watermelon for dessert and it ran out. Ultimately, we can’t say we didn’t eat, we did, some items just would run out and that was it in terms of offerings. Another concern was the indoor pool, it was freezing. Like unable to swim at all -cold- cold. I would think summer time the pools outside are much better, but we didn’t try those as it was too early in the season (April). The toys on the main lawn near the sand pit and volleyball area are all broken and worn out. One of the swings broken and missing. The kiddie barn is broken where the kids play. The boats near the lake are all broken and dingy. I understand this place is more about family legacy and farm life, which yes is special, but most things I found are falling apart around the main lawn area especially. Just in general, broken or not cared for. I am not expecting anything to be brand new or perfect but they’re run down.||We did most of the kid events and the play doh was all dried out and the crafts very limited. We felt there could’ve been a few more kid friendly events going on (maybe a movie, more crafts, outdoor music/games, outdoor events). The activity staff seemed really uninterested when it came to many of the events too which was unfortunate. Rather than really engage the kids they often stood around. These are the main reasons for our 3 star review. The concept and legacy idea for families is awesome, but the upkeep just isn’t there and not as much engagement as we hoped. I love being outdoors, and for my kids to enjoy their time outside and farm life but they need to clean up a bit here. A few things we did love, to be fair and honest, the farm animals, Pony Ride, Easter egg hunt, and magic show. They were fun and engaging. Also, my kids absolutely loved trying to get eggs from the Hens (despite the limited number, but that’s not East Hill’s fault, that’s just kiddos who claim them all and run away before others get a chance to grab one from the Hens). ||I also had a massage, that’s not East Hill, but their outside vendor they use in their main lobby. It wasn’t very good. The lady was nice but the chair massage was not relaxing or enjoyable. She barely massaged me. I wouldn’t recommend spending $20 on this add on. ||This spot has so much incredible potential if they just maintained it better. Such special memories for families to create here. I get leaving the rooms nostalgic and maybe the farm areas, but the grounds, toys, arts and crafts and a few other areas could use some upkeep. Unfortunately that’s why this is only a 3 star...
Read moreI’m going to be extremely fair in my review and explain all details and why. I know many people love this place, and I was so excited to go here but I need to be very honest in the ways they can improve and why 3 stars and not 5 stars from us.
The booking and check in process was smooth and easy. The front staff were very friendly on the phone and in person. They walked us around to show us the grounds. Our room was exactly as we expected so no surprise there. It was ready when we arrived, clean and stocked with the basics (towel, soap). We didn’t have high expectations for a new/updated room as the photos are exactly how the room was. No fancy frills but clean and absolutely fine to stay in. The beds are not that comfortable but fine. The wall paper in farm house 6 was peeling a bit and wear and tear around the unit was present but we did expect the room to be outdated and didn’t have any issues over all with the room.
The main reason for our 3 star is really based on food, amenities, and grounds. As for food, do not have high expectations as it’s very basic. I would rate it 2 at best, but it’s all inclusive and does feed the mass groups. Our waitress the first night was awful, we didn’t eat for almost an hour. She told us she was rusty and not ready for the groups yet. Little weird, but I guess she was being honest. The other night/day team were much better and more competent. One odd thing we did notice, food is not in abundance when it’s put out for guests to grab. Once something runs out, it runs out. I’m all for not wasting food, that’s very important but we noticed often food would run out (cookies, appetizers, and other items to grab-go). For example, the cocktail adults evening, majority of the finger appetizers ran out. Another night, they had watermelon for dessert and it ran out. Ultimately, we can’t say we didn’t eat, we did, some items just would run out and that was it in terms of offerings. Another concern was the indoor pool, it was freezing. Like unable to swim at all -cold- cold. I would think summer time the pools outside are much better, but we didn’t try those as it was too early in the season (April). The toys on the main lawn near the sand pit and volleyball area are all broken and worn out. One of the swings broken and missing. The kiddie barn is broken where the kids play. The boats near the lake are all broken and dingy. I understand this place is more about family legacy and farm life, which yes is special, but most things I found are falling apart around the main lawn area especially. Just in general, broken or not cared for. I am not expecting anything to be brand new or perfect but they’re run down.
We did most of the kid events and the play doh was all dried out and the crafts very limited. We felt there could’ve been a few more kid friendly events going on (maybe a movie, more crafts, outdoor music/games, outdoor events). The activity staff seemed really uninterested when it came to many of the events too which was unfortunate. Rather than really engage the kids they often stood around. These are the main reasons for our 3 star review. The concept and legacy idea for families is awesome, but the upkeep just isn’t there and not as much engagement as we hoped. I love being outdoors, and for my kids to enjoy their time outside and farm life but they need to clean up a bit here. A few things we did love, to be fair and honest, the farm animals, Pony Ride, Easter egg hunt, and magic show. They were fun and engaging. Also, my kids absolutely loved trying to get eggs from the Hens (despite the limited number, but that’s not East Hill’s fault, that’s just kiddos who claim them all and run away before others get a chance to grab one from the Hens).
I also had a massage, that’s not East Hill, but their outside vendor they use in their main lobby. It wasn’t very good. The lady was nice but the chair massage was not relaxing or enjoyable. She barely massaged me. I wouldn’t recommend spending $20 on this add on. This spot has so much incredible potential if they just...
Read moreEast Hill Farm isn't just a place to stay, it's an experience. I just finished unpacking after a week at EHF Adult Farm Camp (formerly known as Mid Week Getaways), and I'm already missing all my new friends and the farm! It's tough to put into words just how fun and relaxing EHF is, but I will do my best. It's really something you need to see and experience for yourself!
The activities were varied and you could participate at your leisure. If you preferred to sit by the fire, sleep in, or take a walk down one of the scenic trails, it's all yours for the taking. I'm in my early 30's and went alone. My family and friends were skeptical, thinking I'd be bored or that I wouldn't form connections with the fellow guests. Well, they couldn't have been more wrong!
There were plenty of activities to keep us busy (bread making, arts & crafts, meditation, guest speakers, golf cart tours over at Shattuck, Bingo, steel drum lessons, and more.) I immediately felt at ease and I made new friends very quickly. I adored everyone in my group. There was plenty of laughter whenever we were together! It was truly like being with family. My fellow guests were EHF veterans, having visited many times with their families over the years. They quickly welcomed me into the fold though, and were happy to show me around and offer tips!
I loved that everything was all inclusive. Your room, all meals and activities are included in the rate. It was $550 very well spent!
The EHF staff are all wonderful. Danielle, Olivia, and Jane were so wonderful and they were always smiling. It can be exhausting working directly with people all day every day, but they always kept the energy levels high and the atmosphere fun and friendly.
The food. Oh my god, the food. I didn't have a single bad meal the entire time I was there, and I was there for 5 nights. Breakfast is cooked when you order, and they'll make whatever you like. Most of the meals were served family style i.e. take the dish, serve yourself, and pass it on. Warm bread with butter is always on the table, along with full pots of coffee at all times. The menu was delicious, and any time I felt like something a little lighter (grilled cheese, tuna wrap, etc) they were happy to accommodate my requests. They also have cookie jars and hot drinks available 24/7. My room was in the Main Inn, so it was very easy to sneak quietly down the stairs for some cookies & hot chocolate late at night!
There is also plenty of downtime to sit in one of the spacious, comfy living rooms and chat with fellow guests in front of a roaring fire. My room was very spacious, you could easily fit 2 more people. I stayed in Main Inn room 1, which includes an adjoining sitting room with a day bed and chair. My room also included a mini fridge, full bathroom, and beautiful views from my windows! The shower was great as the hot water never ran out and the water pressure was excellent. It was very clean & cozy.
The grounds are truly a sight to see. After breakfast I liked to go for a walk to burn off some of the calories. I'd grab a bag of bread from the dining room and feed the chickens. I'd walk further down the trail as well. It was so peaceful. Fresh air really does wonders for the soul. My work is very high pressure and stressful. I hadn't had a true vacation in over a year. By my 2nd day at EHF, the tension was gone and I slept better than I've slept in a long time.
I don't have a single negative thing to say about East Hill Farm. It's a special place and I am so grateful that it exists. A part of me is sad because I've gone 30 years and am only just now discovering EHF. But, as one guest told me, better late than never! I plan to return in the Spring! Thank you East Hill Farm for providing an environment where I could relax, have fun...
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