Century old native limestone home, newly restored in 2023, in Flint Hills - only 8 minutes from I70. Stay at an Elk Ranch steeped in immigrant history, an Angus herd and love for community. The home has a one floor living area with zero steps AND an upstairs that can be reserved if you have a group event. Ranch work happens daily and you can join us on a gator ride through the pastures. There is also a 2.2 mile wooded hiking trail and several ponds to explore, an RV site on property & more!
The space
The 1800s native limestone home was built by an Austrian immigrant who was a master stone maker. Generations lived in the house prior to the 60's Franklin Lloyd Wright style home was built next door.
In 2023, the limestone house was restored and designed to be a bridge between past and present. The owners live on the ranch . . . he is a business man/hunter, she is a contracting officer/yoga teacher/world traveler - you will feel the influence of both the present and past owners in every inch of this historic home.
The home is truly East/West, a functional Feng Shui, and makes for a unique stay that feels out of this world in a good way. We are excited to have a variety of people from near and far enjoy this very unique experience in the heart of Kansas. We are inclusive and desire for everyone to feel at home.
In designing the main floor and its furnishings, we also held it to be very important that the main floor (other than the original covered porch) is accessible for mobility concerns.
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire house. The main floor includes kitchen/dining room, full bathroom, bedroom and living room, as well as covered porch and front patio with grill.
The upstairs can be utilized for registered guests and you are free to use the desks, tables and yoga equipment (please return it where you found it).
You are also welcome to walk around the property, the trail and ponds.
For guests that wish to have events upstairs to bring additional guests to, such as: retreats for yoga, quilting, writing, etc; small weddings (approximately 30 people); business meetings; and family reunions, additional fees and contracts MUST be signed prior to your reservation.
Other things to note
Seasonally, the elk herd always offers something different to experience.
In the winter months (December-March), they are typically in our larger pastures and can be more difficult to spot from the road, but when you do (or when you ride along for chores) you will find them prancing around and playing like reindeer. They love the cold!
In the fall months (September-November), they are in mating season. While they are the most discreet animals we've ever witnessed, the calls of bugling throughout the farm is something you just can't explain and something epic to experience.
In the spring months (April-May), cows and heifers are in our sections close to the house so that we can look out for their health as many are preparing to have babies soon!
In the summer (June-mid August), moms and babies are roaming around all of the sections closest to the house. The USDA requires that babies get ear tags for identification (they barely notice it) and this is quite the exciting process for us here at the farm. Everyday we spend time counting and checking the animals to make sure everybody is ok. In June, the best time to see the babies is in the morning and at night as their natural instinct is to hide in the grass ALL day long. In July, the babies can't help themselves and frolic and play whenever they have a chance (but the best time to see them with their moms is still morning and night).
The elk ranch is cared for by a first generation rancher who maybe waited his whole life for this. Caring for the herd is a challenge and reward. We are pleased to know that all animals here have lots of room to roam in as close to natural grasslands and woods as possible.
The elk are part of our farm to table business (elk meat is very healthy to eat and tasty!). We work hard to make sure that quality of our herd's life is the best it can be - for them and for us. We offer guided pheasant hunts in the fall and very few guided deer hunts (not inside of fencing). When you see the signs for CSA (controlled shooting area), it is for the pheasant hunting. We do not hunt elk here.
