Last year, famed Arizona chef James Porter opened the ambitious Terra Farm + Manor in the Prescott National Forest. Just a few hours north of Phoenix, this working farm and guest manor is something entirely new not only to Arizona, but the entire country.

Terra is spread across 100 acres – entirely powered by solar power and propane – and features planted farm land, greenhouses, pastured land, rustic barns, orchards, animals, wildflowers, forest trails, black walnut trees, towering cottonwood trees, a fishing pond and a 3,000-square-foot lodge. Within the lodge are eight guest suites, including one 700-square-foot master suite with a large soaking tub, walk-in shower and romantic private patio. There are no TVs at Terra, but Wi-Fi is included with all guest stays. Attached to the lodge is both a 1,500-square-foot cooking studio as well as an 8,000-square-foot patio with sparkling twinkle lights, a pizza oven, cast iron cooking pit and a French stove.

Reservations must be made in advance to stay at Terra, and the property is limited to no more than 16 guests at a time, often capping it at just eight to 10 to ensure a supremely intimate journey yet still safe social distancing. Stays are all-inclusive and only offered as three-, four- and five-day experiences. Each week offers a different theme and itinerary, but all are packed with professional instruction as well as ample time to explore the great outdoors in several unique ways. For example, in late September Terra will host a wellness-themed program, offering nourishing yoga and meditation classes, cooking classes, golf and more.

The journey begins in Prescott, where guests are picked up by private transportation at an agreed-upon location and whisked deep into Prescott National Forest. After about 15 miles along a dirt road into the forest, a magnificent stone gate appears, and the property reveals itself. Once checked in, expect homemade, farm-fresh breakfast daily and three to four hours of hands-on instruction followed by lunch and then a host of optional recreational activities both on-site and off. Just a sampling of activities available on-site include: bocce ball, hiking, sporting clays, fly fishing, archery, guided nature walks, hatchet throwing, yoga, horseback riding, meditation and a host of both indoor and outdoor games such as corn hole, ping pong, poker and darts. Off-site activities – some of which are an added cost and can be booked upon arrival – available include nearby golf lessons with a golf pro, helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, massage services, and kayak tours of the nearby Verde River.

Each night is capped by a farm-to-table six- to 10-course dinner – held on the patio al fresco weather permitting – and there are always relaxing after-dinner activities available.

Lovers of the land are in for an extra treat as well as Terra just announced its partnership with Erich Schultz, owner of Steadfast Farm. Through the partnership, Schultz is using his holistic approach to farm design, crop selection, and long-term productivity to showcase produce in very special ways. He is an expert in what is called small-scale farming, which is a hyper-efficient, precise, and extremely kind-to-the-Earth method of farming. In fact, small scale farming is the most sustainable, local food growing method. It is also touted for improving soil quality, and the overall health of communities.

Terra Farm + Manor is now accepting reservations for fall 2020 and into 2021. All stays are inclusive of all programming, meals, on-site activities, lodging, specialty amenities and taxes. Notable themed programming coming this fall includes a wellness retreat in late September as well as several wood-fired cooking programs. For more information, visit http://www.terrafarmandmanor.com.




By Alison Bailin Batz
Photo Courtesy of Terra Farm + Manor