Our Story
Muddy Brook Farm is a working farm and gathering place in the Schoharie Valley of Upstate New York, set beneath Vroman’s Nose.
Rooted in the land and shaped by the seasons, the property is cared for through hands-on growing, shared meals, and a deep respect for its surrounding landscape. What began as a historic homestead has grown into a place to stay, explore, eat well, and reconnect — welcoming guests, locals, and travelers throughout every season.
Origins & History
Muddy Brook Farm is rooted in a long history of farming and stewardship in the Schoharie Valley. The land has been shaped by generations who worked it, cared for it, and passed it forward, leaving behind a landscape that continues to evolve with each season.
The farmhouse was originally built in the early 1800s and remains the heart of the property. Thoughtfully restored for modern living, it retains much of its original character, offering a quiet connection to the past while serving as a comfortable place to gather today.
Just beyond the homestead stands the historic Dutch Barn, originally relocated from the Hudson Valley after the Revolutionary War. Once central to early agricultural life in the region, the barn has been carefully preserved and remains an important part of the farm’s landscape. With future plans for restoration, it is intended to once again serve as a space for gatherings, events, and community connection.
Over the years, the property has passed through the care of several families, including the Van Houten family, who helped steward the land during an earlier chapter of its history. Each generation has contributed to the landscape and legacy that exists today.
We acknowledge that Muddy Brook Farm sits on the ancestral lands of the Kanien’kehá꞉ka (Mohawk people). We honor their presence, history, and continued relationship to this land.
Vroman’s Nose & the Long Path
Rising directly above Muddy Brook Farm, Vroman’s Nose is one of the Schoharie Valley’s most iconic natural features. The rocky promontory offers sweeping views of the valley below and has long drawn hikers, locals, and travelers to explore its distinctive terrain.
Vroman’s Nose is also a designated segment of the Long Path, a long-distance hiking trail that begins near the George Washington Bridge in New York City and continues north through the Hudson Valley and Catskills. The trail passes right through Vroman’s Nose, connecting this landscape to a much larger network of wilderness and trail culture.
Because the trail runs so close, Muddy Brook Farm serves as a natural waypoint for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Guests are welcome to park at the farm before setting out for a walk up the Nose or a longer segment of the Long Path, and to return afterward to rest, eat, or explore other parts of the property.
The presence of Vroman’s Nose and the Long Path shapes the rhythm of life here — defining both the land and the ways people move through it.
The Farmhouse
At the heart of Muddy Brook Farm sits a restored farmhouse dating back to the early 1800s. Originally built as a working homestead, the house has been thoughtfully cared for over generations, retaining its historic character while adapting to the needs of life today.
The farmhouse now offers year-round stays for guests seeking a deeper connection to the Schoharie Valley. Inside, original details sit alongside modern comforts, creating spaces designed for rest, gathering, and unhurried time together. Large windows look out toward the surrounding fields and hills, grounding the experience firmly in the landscape beyond the walls.
Whether shared meals around the table, quiet mornings with coffee, or evenings spent unwinding after a day on the trails, the farmhouse serves as both refuge and gathering place — a continuation of its role at the center of the land.
The Land & Gardens
Market Garden
At the heart of Muddy Brook Farm lies our Market Garden. 15 abundant beds, each 100 feet long, carefully built with compost, soil, and biochar. This living foundation not only holds water but also sustains a vibrant microbiome, creating the perfect home for healthy, thriving crops.
From crisp seasonal vegetables to fragrant herbs and radiant flowers, our diverse crop plan ensures something fresh and beautiful is always in season. Depending on the time of year, you can browse our Muddy Market, take home hand-picked produce and floral arrangements, or even roll up your sleeves and harvest straight from the beds yourself.
More than just a source of food, the Market Garden is where community and cuisine meet. It provides the freshest ingredients for our private farm-to-table dinners and offers neighbors and visitors alike a chance to enjoy the flavors—and the beauty—of the Schoharie Valley.
Mushroom Farm
One of the most distinctive features of Muddy Brook Farm is our flourishing mushroom operation. Here, mycelium weaves its magic through rows of oak logs, creating the perfect environment for gourmet fungi to thrive.
At the heart of our production is the shiitake mushroom. Prized for its rich, savory flavor and countless culinary uses. Alongside shiitakes, the land also offers opportunities for foraging morels and discovering other wild fungi, making every season a chance to taste something new.
There’s nothing quite like the flavor of a freshly harvested shiitake. Join us to learn the art of inoculation and harvesting, and take your culinary journey to the next level.
Muddy Brook Farm continues to grow slowly and intentionally, shaped by the land, the seasons, and the people who spend time here. Each part of the property — from the farmhouse to the gardens, the barn, and the trails above — reflects a shared commitment to care, connection, and place.
Whether staying for a weekend, stopping through on the trail, or returning season after season, the farm offers space to settle in and experience the valley as it is.