Renting the farmhouse at SCFF

Hidden in its own valley just five minutes from Tamworth, Shibagau Creek Forest Farmstead is perfect for family weekends, friend reunions, and creative retreats.  With 3 main bedrooms and a sleeping loft with 7 beds, there is plenty of room for medium-sized gatherings.

The solar-powered farmhouse dates back to the 19th century and retains much of its rustic character. Inside, wood floors, simple furnishings, colourful rugs, books, board games, and comfortable gathering spaces create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a rustic off-grid retreat.

The farmhouse accommodates up to 12 guests, making it well suited to family gatherings, weekends with friends, small retreats, and creative getaways. Three queen bedrooms are located on the ground floor, while an open sleeping loft provides additional double and single beds.

Off-Grid living, done comfortably

A stay at SCFF is intentionally different from a conventional cottage rental.

Solar power provides lighting and allows guests to charge their devices. Water comes from rain barrels and a hand-pump well. There is an indoor washroom with a waterless toilet, an outdoor shower, and a bright composting outhouse overlooking the property, affectionately known as the “loo with a view.”

There is no Wi-Fi or television. Cell service reception can vary. The idea is to make room for something slower and more connected.

Cooking and gathering outdoors

One of the most distinctive parts of the SCFF experience is the outdoor kitchen.

Guests can prepare meals using the BBQ and propane camp stove. Cookware, dishes, cutlery, cooking essentials, and dining supplies are provided. Two coolers are provided on site for food storage.

Meals can be enjoyed on the kitchen deck, in the screened dining tent, inside the farmhouse, or outdoors beneath the trees. After dinner, relax by the fire pit and watch the stars.

One hundred acres to explore

Guests renting the farmhouse have private access to the property.

Walking trails wind through the forest and down toward the river. There are places to picnic, watch birds, listen for wildlife, or simply sit quietly. A hammock overlooking the valley is an especially good place to spend a slow afternoon.

At night, the absence of surrounding light makes the sky one of the property’s greatest features. SCFF is located near the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area, making it an excellent setting for watching meteor showers, finding constellations, or seeing the Milky Way stretch overhead.

Dogs are welcome, so four-legged companions can enjoy the farmstead as well.

Close to Tamworth and nearby adventures

Although the farmhouse feels wonderfully secluded, the village of Tamworth is only about five minutes away. Guests can find groceries, cafés, a pharmacy, a gallery, and a much-loved used bookstore there.

Nearby lakes offer opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Bon Echo and Frontenac Provincial Parks make excellent day trips, while Kingston and Prince Edward County are within reach for visitors interested in waterfronts, restaurants, galleries, and wineries.