Handsome Brook Farm

This was our second visit to East Handsome Brook Farm (EHBF). After discovering the B&B on their website, we had come for the first time in September and we liked the countryside around there so much we came back a month later to look into buying vacation property in Western Delaware County.
In publicity materials EHBF is portrayed as a operating farm for families with children to visit. It is a great place for that. The kids get to help feed the sheep, chickens, calf and pigs as well as join in various farm tasks such as picking blueberries. We did not have small children but we observed how much other families were enjoying themselves. Not long before we got there, two lambs were born and were they cute cavorting around. Actually, for me, just watching the older sheep grazing around outside the house gives me a warm, fuzzy and serene feeling.
But EHBF is much more than just a farm visit. The owners Betsy and Bryan are extraordinary hosts. They can tell you a great deal about what to see and do in the area, such as visiting the museums of Cooperstown, not far away, or where to eat in the restaurants of Oneonta, the small city with two colleges that is about 20 minutes away. Or you can just explore the historic small towns of the area with their tree lined streets and impressive 19^th century Victorian, Italianate and Greek Revival architecture. The nearest such town is Franklin, only 4 miles away, and it is one of the prettiest. Among its attractions is a summer theater with a company composed of accomplished professional actors from «the city.» i.e. New York. It takes place in a wonderful old building which was once a dormitory for the boarding school which put Franklin on the map in the 19^th century.
Another important thing to note is that Betsy and Bryan are sensational conversationalists not only in giving advice about what to see, but also in discussing all sorts of topics. They both have rich experiences in starting successful businesses all over much of the U.S. and Bryan is currently a professor of ancient history and literature at a college in Oneonta. In addition, they are very well connected both with the local people who have lived in Delaware County all their lives and the people who have moved from the city in recent decades. It’s rare to find a couple so much at home in both circles. They are well versed in how people from the outside have greatly enriched the area, including artists and likewise accomplished individuals in other fields. So, building on these past experiences and connections, they can talk about whatever interests you from farming and environment to sports and higher education. For example, they can tell you about their experience with environmental innovation. When driving in, you will note right away, their all electric smart car recharging in the driveway, and if you ask, you will find that their heating is geo-​thermal. But don’t worry, they are very sensitive to the preferences of their guests, and don’t push topics in which their guests are not interested. All this explains why, although Betsy and Bryan have lived in about a dozen places from the East Coast to Denver and from Chicago to Texas, EHBF has become their favorite location, edging out Denver and Savannah, two other places where they loved to live. How many people have you met from Denver who think rural upstate New York is the best place to be?
The B&B itself is an expanded 19^th century farmhouse, nicely furnished in a very comfortable style with some great conversation pieces. Everything is done to make you feel at home. The bedrooms are very nice and open directly on a deck overlooking the backyard by the picturesque brook. Breakfast is excellent. Bryan specializes in whatever eggs you want, and Betsy is always baking muffins, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies. So if you’re on a diet, be prepared to face great temptations!
Be forewarned that EHBF has been featured in major media outlets and has a devoted clientele of repeat guests – at least that’s our impression. Just while we were there, Newsday, the Long Island newspaper, published a big spread on EHBF with appealing photos of families with Betsy and Brian and their animals. So reservations can require some lead time at certain times of the year. But the farm is open much of the rest of the year and the area is always beautiful – in fall, winter and spring, even in November when there are no leaves and no snow. We have been in Delaware County visiting at various times for years, and thus we are in a good position to say, from our point of view, that EHBF is nestled in one of the most beautiful, unspoiled wooded valleys in the county. And then if you drive up further there is a «top of the world» section where there are more open farms and beautiful views all around. This is what gave us the idea that maybe we should buy a place thereabouts.

All the amazing reviews of Handsome Brook are true!
My husband and I aren’t the biggest fans of mom/​pop style B&B’s; staying at a stranger’s house, no matter how cute, just isn’t something that typically feels comfortable for us. But Handsome Brook really isn’t your typical B&B! Betsy and Bryan are two of those wonderful types of people with whom you feel privileged simply to be acquainted. Betsy’s baked goods (fruit crisps! cookies!!) are positively delicious, as are her preserves.
The animals on the site are adorable. The grounds are not a fully functioning farm; I believe the animals are there to provide some amount of sustenance, but mostly for the adorableness of simply being there. We had a wonderful time picking eggs in the morning, reading by the creek amongst the sheep, hens and super-​awesome cats during the afternoon, and sitting in front of the fire pit in the evening.
It really was in all an unbelievably beautiful, idyllic experience, great for couples and families. I can’t wait to go back again. Highly recommend!

Visiting Handsome Brook Farm is like visiting with old friends… only you’ve never met them before.
Driving up a winding road, overlooking beautiful rolling hills; dotted with the occasional farm or home, you come across a sign welcoming you to Handsome Brook Farm. Roll the windows down and listen to the sounds of the farm inviting you in… Ned the sheep and his deep voice, the water moving over the rocks of Handsome Brook, the wind blowing gently through the trees and the greeting of the proprietors, Betsy and Bryan.
As they welcome you into their home, they make it clear that this is not just a place to rest your head at night but it is also your home for the length of your stay. If you wish to borrow a book from Bryan’s library, help yourself. Wish to sample some of Betsy’s amazing cooking, it’s right there on the table waiting for you. But be warned, you won’t be able to eat just one (especially the blueberry muffins).
Tour the farm, meet the animals and get involved with the farm chores if you wish. During our stay in mid-​June there was a calf that needed his bottle, a flock of gentle sheep that would eat right from your hand, two little pigs that are curious about you and what leftover food you may have brought them from breakfast, a collection of chickens who are as content sitting on your arm as they are producing the most delicious eggs for breakfast and then there are the two barn cats, Zach and Asterisk. A clear favorite of my girlfriend and of the other guests staying there, these two cats are more than willing to share a little love with you. Always ready for a good scratch behind the ears or to hop up on your lap while you sit outside and read, they are truly some of the most affectionate cats I have ever met (and I have had cats for most of my 35 years).
Venturing off the farm can be an adventure and Bryan is more than willing to lead your way in the form of recommendations and directions. The center of the town of Franklin is a short drive away and looks borrowed from the canvas of a Norman Rockwell painting. The town offers a few options of things to do and eat, including a small but enjoyable farmers market on Sundays. The real variety is about 20 minutes away in the city of Oneonta. A fun college town with all of the things you would expect… small eclectic restaurants, unique stores and people with guitars entertaining passers-​by.
One thing to be aware of, your cell phone will not get reception on the farm. Accept it. Learn to be unchained from the constant chiming of new messages, emails and calls. If a phone is a necessity, the farm offers free use of their house phone as well as free Wi-​Fi if you feel the urge to have to check on the latest news.
Whether you are a family looking for something different than an amusement park vacation or a couple looking for quiet, romantic weekend away, nothing is better than Handsome Brook Farm. My girlfriend and I are already planning another weekend away together and another with her kids. They have truly made us customers and friends.

This is the most amazing B&B in New York state! It’s so homey and wonderful here. From the fresh eggs to the peaceful brook, this place is the ultimate rural getaway. The rooms are very cozy and clean. The kitchen is well-​equipped and fresh ingredients are plentiful (fresh eggs, homemade jams, etc.). We would highly recommend this B&B to anyone looking to have a relaxing stay in the countryside.

Had an excellent time! Brian and Betsy are so great. The whole experience was lovely from the first minute. Super cute house and animals! learned a lot also. Love the heated towel rack! Highly recommended.

Handsome Brook Farm is a very special place, a beautiful, peaceful oasis with sheep, chickens, pigs, a cow, beautiful gardens and great blueberry fields. My son and I spent hours hanging out with the animals, picking berries, and just hanging out by the brook that runs through the property. The owners of this wonderful spot couldn’t be more welcoming or helpful. Their energy and enthusiasm image for a delightful welcome. Breakfast is delicious and filling. The rooms are very cozy and spotless. The rest of the house couldn’t be more comfortable. I can’t wait to go back!

Relaxing and fun weekend with the kids! My husband and I stayed here with our one and 4-​year-​old. It was a really great weekend. Comfortable room, fun farm, relaxing Catskills, and friendly owners. Lots of things to do! Also good restaurants nearby. We will be returning to Handsome Brook Farm very soon! :)

We had a delightful, restful time at Handsome Brook Farm. Our young daughter fed the sheep, collected eggs and helped care for the baby calf in residence and each morning Betsy and Bryan cooked us a delicious breakfast. We waded in the brook, made good use of the hammock and swings… all in an idyllic, peaceful location. We also spend afternoons in the nearby town of Oneonta, which had lovely shops and restaurants. Highly recommended for a convenient break from the every day.

Stayed here last weekend for 3 nights and had an absolutely delightful time. Betsy and Bryan are warm, wonderful hosts and made us feel completely at home. Breakfasts are hearty with fresh eggs from their friendly hens and include some of the best homemade pancakes, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls I’ve tasted. We actually skipped lunch because we ended up full until dinner. In the evenings, we were offered fresh baked bread, wine, and an amazing strawberry and rhubarb crisp a la mode.
The house and rooms are very charming, impeccably clean and has the amenities you’d expect from a hotel room: hair dryer, toiletries, luggage rack, towel warmers. Each open out onto the porch for a private entrance and the doors can be kept open for the soothing sounds of the brook and singing frogs.
Animals on the farm are cute and friendly. Sheep eat grain out of your hand and the chickens can be petted and held. Some follow you around and cluck at you softly. We got there very early in the season, but we’re told that they’ll also be getting a calf and some piglets in a couple of weeks.
The grounds are well manicured and feature a big red barn (I’m a city girl so I squealed with delight when I saw it.) The brook, which is indeed very handsome, is close to the house and there are chairs and a tire swing set up next to it, making it an excellent place to relax with a book.
As far as the surrounding areas, Betsy and Bryan can give you great recommendations as to what to do and see, complete with map directions, etc. I was a big fan of Cooperstown (gorgeous little village) and the awesome Farmer’s Museum.