By the Light of a Peacock Lamp

When I was curating this space, over 5 years ago, the idea I had in mind was to create my own virtual version of a hobbit house.

I wanted the reader to be able to imagine a cozy space containing many rooms, nestled someplace beautiful with rolling hills visible from the rounded windows. Within those rooms, I wanted all the comforts of home to be found.

Hearthside, as the name implies, is meant to be a gathering place, warm and welcoming. A space of safety, vulnerability and heartfelt/thoughtful conversation.

Sharing about my recent (and much too brief) visit to Chinaberry Farm is perfectly suited for this space!

My cousin got married a few weeks ago (Congratulations Katie & Sean!) and although I wasn’t coming in from all that far away, I had some additional family that was, so, my Auntie/Uncle graciously rented a charming listing near their house to ensure no one had to rush off back home after the ceremony.

When I got the call that informed me of the rental, I was told “Oh Candice, you are going to love it!”. Personally, I was so moved by the gesture I wouldn’t have been too picky about my accommodations but that exclamation landed right on my heart because it is very much like my Auntie to go the extra mile to make people feel special.

Chinaberry Farm was described to me on that same phone call and as excited as I was to see more, I didn’t look it up before loading up my car. You see, I really enjoy being awestruck! I wanted to save as much of that feeling, as I could, for my arrival.

It was only about an hour drive from me but the winding roads that took me off the interstate, made it pleasantly feel like I was deep in the countryside, very appropriate considering that I pulled up to a big red barn (pictured above).

My face positively cracked wide with smile at the sight of it. I took a deep breath and long exhale. Before I ever opened the door, peace radiated from the property, along with a much needed calm. It was only an overnight visit but I could tell it wouldn’t feel that way at all.

After taking a few photos of the exterior, I made my way inside and, well, what a sight it was to behold!

I immediately looked up to take in the exposed beams of the barn as it’s boarded floor creaked under my feet, only a small part of the charm. Hundreds of antiques lined the floor/wall space. There was SO MUCH to see, yet it all felt like it had a place.

This old barn has been converted into three bedrooms, two of which look to me like house facades from the outside looking in. Each of those have a large bed and full bathroom. The third room, downstairs, has two sets of bunk beds and a bathroom!

This brilliant design allows for the accommodation of either a large group or all the room doors lock allowing for privacy if only one room is required. I personally love the later option as I’ve already been daydreaming about a solo writer retreat weekend!

I was making my way through the self guided tour when my cousins arrived!

After several long and teary eyed hugs, we finished acclimating ourselves to our lodgings, together.

In addition to the third bedroom, the common area dining room can also be found downstairs.

We were truly amazed at the creative way all of the pieces were placed in/around the more modern amenities needed, such as the coffee/tea brewers 😉

As if we weren’t already in love, just out the back door of the lower level of the barn, we found the unexpected surprise of a horse, a donkey and a feeding barrel turned to a pool!!

My heart went from happy to elated by culmination of all of the sights and sounds and I was very ready to spend some time in my surroundings.

(I surprised no one with my choice to stay in The Library Room ;))

It’s my hope that by posting images along with the text that you are able to get a ‘feel’ for the environment and begin to understand how greatly it added in the priming of our heart space for the fellowship that awaited us.

After returning ‘home’ from the wedding celebration (which was spectacular itself), my cousins and I got into our pjs, plated the snacks and popped the top on a few beers.

Choosing a place to set up was quite the task, simply because there are so many areas designed for gathering. Dozens of antique chairs, love seats, couches and lounges fill the barn and are thoughtfully arranged like I’d imagine a ‘sitting room’ of old to be. Ultimately we chose a long table to the right of the staircase leading downstairs, with church pews as it’s benched seating and topped with a set of peacock lamps whose pastel shades cast us in blue hazed light.

The cousins I’ve mentioned, Nita & Jesi, are on my mother’s side of the family whose linage contained the sweetest/dearest of souls, my great-grandmother (Martha). She was a true matriarch who made certain that the entire family gathered regularly and that when we did, the environment was filled with the purest love, joy and hospitality. With the ever revolving smells of delicious food in the air, our time together was filled to the brim with hugs, play, laughter, conversation and full bellies. She wiped our tears away too.

At Momaw M’s we could let our guard down and find rest. As much as she is missed in the physical plane, we know her spirit and essence lives on in the ones who got to love her. The kind of love she embodied recognizes itself in another and I am so grateful I am connected to many of her kindred.

When Nita & Jesi arrived to the barn, the time spent apart vanished at the site of them. We entered one another’s embrace with all of the love and enthusiasm of the compounded decades before and when we sat down under the peacock lights, “Momaw energy” flowed abundantly. The three of us carried on in that bliss of fellowship until the early hours of the morning.

Falling asleep and waking the next morning with the same full heart is a feeling I won’t soon forget and the setting of our little reunion made it all the more extraordinary.

Momaw M would have been in awe of the Chinaberry Farm barn and although my aunt Terry may not realize it, I am sure that it was her connection to Momaw that led her to that listing and each time we return to it (which I know we will), we find rest together surrounded by walls that were no doubt designed to help people find just that ❤