By Kristina Smith
Tucked into a quiet corner of Ontario’s Prince Edward County—a region still blissfully under-the-radar for most travellers—sits a farmhouse retreat that seems to exist outside of time. Framed by golden wheat fields and a canopy of whispering trees, with a forest trail leading to a private stretch of waterfront, this seven-bedroom retreat offers the kind of serenity that makes you exhale the moment you arrive.
Owned and operated by New York City-based husbands Dan Hadad and Dan Fricker, the property has become more than just a vacation rental. It’s a deeply personal project, a love letter to slower living and thoughtful design, and a place they themselves escape to whenever city life gets too loud.
“We remember waking up here for the first time and just thinking, wow, this is truly a magical place,” said Fricker. “And we wanted to share that feeling with others.”
That intention is evident in every room of the house. Originally an authentic country farmhouse, the home has been restored with a keen eye for detail. Think creamy whites, natural wood tones, and original pine floors underfoot. The aesthetic is as calming as the surrounding landscape, designed to help guests immediately slow down.
With seven bedrooms and eleven beds, the space easily sleeps 14—a rare find in the County. It’s ideal for family gatherings, friend getaways, or retreat groups looking for a home base that’s as cozy as it is expansive. The main-floor primary bedroom includes a king bed, while the upstairs features two queen rooms and four rooms with twin beds, offering privacy for all kinds of group dynamics. Three newly renovated bathrooms add modern comfort without disrupting the home’s heritage character.
Communal spaces are where the farmhouse shines. The open-concept kitchen flows into a spacious dining room, anchored by a long, family-style table that practically begs for shared meals and slow mornings over coffee. Sun-soaked living rooms feature overstuffed couches and reading nooks. Outside, guests can gather on the deck, light up the BBQ, or roast marshmallows under a sky unspoiled by city lights.
But perhaps the most unforgettable feature is the land itself. The farmhouse sits on over a dozen acres, with original barns, winding forest paths, and a secluded bluff that leads down to Adolphus Reach—a quiet stretch of water where the Bay of Quinte meets Lake Ontario. It’s about 150 steps down through the trees, and worth every bit of the climb back up.
“When you get through to the end, the water just appears. You can’t see people in any direction,” said Fricker. “You’re just isolated. It’s really nice.”
The Dans have focused on making the farmhouse and barn spaces retreat-friendly, offering a 34-foot-long renovated studio on site for private bookings. Yoga instructors and wellness facilitators are invited to host their groups with as little or as much hand-holding as desired.
“Some retreat leaders, if they’re new to it or new to the area, we can point them in the direction of, say, a winery that’s a bike ride away, or maybe activities they want to fit into the weekend. We can dial it up or down based on what the hosts need,” said Fricker.
The same goes for groups staying at the farmhouse, who may wish to bring in a private chef, for example, as Fricker did recently for his mom’s birthday dinner, or have a private yoga session booked in the studio during their stay.
While it may feel worlds away, this farmhouse retreat is still a short drive to everything Prince Edward County has to offer—from the wineries of the countryside to the boutiques and bakeries of downtown Picton. Sandbanks Provincial Park, with its infamous dune-backed beaches, is about 30 minutes away.
Beyond the aesthetics and location, what really sets this place apart is the spirit behind it. As a queer-owned property, inclusivity and hospitality are woven into the fabric of the guest experience, and both Dans agree that the community of Prince Edward County itself lends to that feeling. A portion of each booking also supports The Dans’ own animal welfare foundation, named for their late pup, Neeko, a cause they are passionate about.
“It’s not just about giving people a beautiful place to stay,” said Fricker. “It’s such a unique experience. You’ve got this beautiful farmland—13 acres of open space, old buildings and barns, horses in a neighbouring field. You can see 360-degree views of the sunrise and sunset from the house. It’s nice to have space to roam around.”
The property is open year-round, offering a whole new kind of magic in the quieter months—something the Dans have experienced firsthand.
“ During COVID, Dan and I personally spent a lot of time there. We got out of our place in Toronto and ended up spending the better part of six months there. It was great. While I thought it was peaceful in the summer, waking up there with snow-covered ground is even more serene.”
As you hike down the forest trail to the shore, or watch the sunset from the deck with a glass of County wine in hand, it’s hard not to feel that intention. Whether you’re planning a restorative wellness retreat, a reunion with old friends, or just a quiet weekend to unplug, this farmhouse retreat is more than a destination. It’s a feeling you won’t want to leave.
Getting There: Prince Edward County is about a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto. The exact location is shared upon booking.
To Learn More or Book: Visit welcometothedans.com.
Neeko’s Foundation: Learn more at neekosfoundation.org.