McMinnville, Oregon, is home to the Gahr Farm, which offers two cottages: Willow Cottage and Harry's Cottage. Willow Cottage, built in 2008, features a modern single-floor design near wetlands, while Harry's Cottage is designed for a more traditional feel with its standard roof and porches. Both cottages include full kitchens and laundry facilities. The property spans 350 acres, with 310 acres dedicated to wildlife conservation. Some activities available on the premises are hiking, birdwatching, photography, and stargazing. Visitors can also visit the on-site garden and interact with goats and chickens. The Gahr family, the current owners, try to focus on providing a peaceful and secure atmosphere. They prioritize cleanliness and aim to respect guests' privacy. Policies include the prohibition of pets, smoking, or parties. The Gahr Farm operates year-round, with peak months in July and August. The farm has a fairly large demographic, from couples, families, and repeat visitors.
Situated in the town of McMinnville, Oregon, the Gahr Farm offers two cottages for reservation. Namely, Harry's Cottage and Willow Cottage. Each of the two cottages has its own distinct layout. Willow Cottage, constructed in 2008, boasts a single-floor design with a flat roof that includes more “modern touches,” according to one of the owners. This cottage is situated near wetlands, providing a relatively secluded and private atmosphere. On the other hand, Harry's Cottage is meant to provide a more traditional feel with its standard roof and front and back porches. It features a queen bedroom and two twin beds. Both cottages are equipped with full-size kitchens and laundry facilities. While the cottages come fully equipped with linens, towels, and toiletries, the Gahr Farm operates without a breakfast service. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen to prepare meals at their leisure.
One feature of the Gahr Farm is its 350 acres, with 310 acres protected as a wildlife habitat. On the land, visitors can explore the different hiking trails. Harry's Cottage is shaded by a grove of oaks, while Willow Cottage is positioned near wetlands and open fields, offering a different perspective of Oregon's landscape.
The Gahr Farm offers a variety of activities. Patrons can explore miles of the aforementioned hiking trails, go birdwatching, and participate in photography, capturing the vistas that the property provides. Furthermore, the night skies are also known to provide conditions for stargazing. On the farm itself, guests are welcome to visit the garden and interact with the resident goats and chickens. It's a relatively “small hobby farm,” says Tim, one of the owners.
The owners of the Gahr Farm want guests to feel "at peace" when staying at either of the two cottages. They also aim to provide a secure area, from the cottages to the expansive property. The Gahr family resides on-site, in hopes of providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind for those staying at the property. Dedication to cleanliness is another goal for the Gahr Farm. The family makes an effort to prepare each cottage before check-in, with the intent that guests find a clean and inviting space upon arrival.
The family's approach to interacting with patrons is based on the desire to give individuals their personal space while staying at the farm. While they try to extend a welcome and offer assistance, they also intend to respect their guests' preferences. Tim explains that some of those who stay on their farm often seek solitude and that, as a family, they try to respect their wishes, allowing guests to enjoy their stay undisturbed.
An opportunity to explore nature is offered at the Gahr Farm since it is located on a relatively large plot of land, and the family encourages those staying in the cottages to explore the property and observe the local wildlife. While there are no organized activities or events hosted on the farm, guests can embark on their own adventures, whether by hiking along the trails or simply observing the natural surroundings.
As for policies, the Gahr Farm has three rules: no pets, no smoking, and no parties. These policies are in place to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and ensure the comfort of all visitors. The farm operates year-round, with the busiest months typically being July and August. Tim personally mentions May and June as notable times to visit due to the foliage starting to bloom.
The Gahr Farm's demographic is fairly diverse. The owners mention that they have received families and couples looking for a getaway. Repeat guests have also become common for the business. One previous patron left a review, saying, “There is plenty of privacy and great paths to walk along. It’s a great location and about seven miles from the quaint town of McMinnville.”
For those seeking local dining options, the Gahr family recommends Peerless Restaurant & Bar and Sage Restaurant. Additionally, the farm's proximity to the Oregon coast, the Evergreen Aviation Museum, and numerous wineries within a five-minute drive offer patrons a variety of attractions to explore during their stay.
The history of the Gahr Farm in McMinnville, Oregon, began in 1967 when Ted Gahr, the patriarch of the family, purchased the land that would become the foundation of this retreat. Ted was not just the landowner, but he also farmed the land himself. He dedicated hours to the property, cultivating its soil and nurturing its growth for many years. The land itself bears historical significance, having been a part of a larger farm spanning six to eight hundred acres before Ted acquired it. Ted and his family purchased half of this expansive property.
The family is unsure of the exact date of the Gahr Farm's transition into an Airbnb-style lodging experience; it is believed to have occurred in the late 1990s. The cottages, Harry's and Willow, were handcrafted by Ted Gahr and his family. Harry's Cottage was a collaborative effort between Ted and his grandfather, while Willow Cottage was entirely constructed by Ted himself.
Tim and Jenny Gahr are the current owners of the property, with Tim being the son of the original owner. Tim says that the joy of welcoming guests and showing them the different aspects of the property is his favorite part of the job. While the Gahr Farm has evolved over the years, Tim and his wife have focused on minor updates and refinements, ensuring that the essence of the property remains unchanged. As for the future, discussions of expansion into camping areas have been entertained, but these plans are still in the early stages.
18605 SW Masonville Rd.
McMinnville, Oregon 97128
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Tim & Jenny Gahr
Ted and Harriet Gahr
