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Notes on Amish Property

9/14/2013

1 Comment

 
    Right now, we have a number of Amish farms to sell. This is very unusual, but several families are moving out to form new communities, which leaves some potentially empty farms. Most of these will be taken by other Amish, but some on the periphery will go to others. That is where you and I come in. But first.....

    Just so you are not surprised, there are certain similarities between them that I need to discuss. You will find the land well-cared for and improved and the buildings usually occupy a nice setting, with as much privacy as the location can afford. There is a good feel to them; they feel like a farm should feel, with large gardens, fruits and berries.

    The buildings often have galvanized metal roofs and are built very traditionally, with cement block foundations. The homes have storms and screens instead of thermopaned windows and they do not object to plywood floors, although the plan is always to upgrade to hardwood when they can. I love their floor plans. Downstairs, they are typically very open with huge rooms that flow one unto another, with a master bedroom and perhaps a pantry. Since they like large families, there are often many bedrooms on the second story. Basements are full-sized and are used for storing winter's food and for clothes washing. There is always a spot for firewood as they heat by wood. You'll find these homes well-insulated and very comfortable to live in. You'll also find them painted blue on the inside (I joke that the community must have got quite a deal on a very large amount of blue paint). What they do not have is electricity, indoor bathrooms (there is running water to the kitchens, however), or modern kitchen cabinetry. They make cabinets for others, but do not use them much themselves.

    Out of respect to their religion, we do not show these properties on Sunday and we  apologize for the inconvenience. We may drive you by, but we won't go in. They generally ask that we take our pictures only from the roadside and that we do not advertise them on the internet. The release of other pictures, such as the homes' interior, may be decided on a case by case basis. I cannot guarantee that I can send such pictures to you.

    The thing to keep in mind is that these good folks are sort of caught in a time warp of their own creation. Imagine the United States of 100 years ago, and this is how they try to live - simply, without ostentation, but with humility, honor, and hard work. Their religion (they will never preach to you), strong family ties, and their relationships to others in the community allow them to live vastly fulfilling lives.

1 Comment
L Hunter
12/22/2013 06:08:07 pm

Hi, I am a young farmer from the UK what are the immigration and agricultural prospects on some if these farms, NY state looks a very attractive place to farm. Any information would be appreciated

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    Roland Vinyard, the James Harriot of Farm Real Estate.

    Beware, these are long, sometimes funny, often educational, & always interesting. Virtually all the names have been changed - we don't want to swell anyone''s head or embarrass anybody.

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