When I first heard about the concept of farm stays, I’ll admit, I wasn’t exactly sold. I imagined basic rooms, a rustic setting, and maybe the chance to milk a cow for the sheer novelty of it. But after my first experience staying on a farm, I realized that farm stays offer so much more than just a bed to sleep in—they offer an authentic, immersive experience that connects you with nature, local traditions, and, most importantly, the people who are working tirelessly to preserve those traditions.
My journey into the world of farm stays began when I visited a remote organic farm in the hills of Tuscany, Italy. I was searching for something different—a place to escape the crowds, immerse myself in nature, and experience a way of life that felt far removed from the usual tourist trail. When I found this small family-run farm, I was immediately drawn to its philosophy of sustainable living and its focus on organic farming practices.
Upon arriving, I was welcomed by Maria, the farm’s owner, who immediately made me feel like a part of her family. The farm, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, was tucked away in the rolling hills. It was the kind of place where you can truly disconnect from the world—there were no cell signals, no Wi-Fi distractions, just a deep sense of tranquility that I hadn’t experienced in years.
The accommodation itself was charming—simple yet comfortable rooms in a beautifully restored farmhouse, each one overlooking the lush hills. But what set this farm stay apart from any other was the opportunity to get involved with the farm’s daily operations. It wasn’t just about staying there; it was about becoming part of the farm’s rhythm.
Each morning, I woke up early to the sound of roosters crowing and birds singing. Instead of lounging in bed, I joined Maria and her family in preparing breakfast for the guests using fresh, homegrown produce. I learned how to make the perfect ricotta cheese from the farm’s goats, and together, we’d bake rustic bread in a wood-fired oven. It was this hands-on approach that truly made the stay memorable. I wasn’t just a guest—I was an active participant in the farm’s day-to-day life.
One of the most surprising parts of the experience was when Maria invited me to help harvest olives during the annual olive-picking season. I’d always thought of olive oil as something you simply bought from the store, never realizing the amount of work that went into producing it. With each olive picked from the trees, Maria shared stories of her family’s history, how her grandparents had cultivated these lands, and how they had passed down sustainable farming practices through generations. It wasn’t just about the harvest—it was about preserving a way of life, and I felt honored to be a part of it, even for just a few days.
Evenings were spent enjoying hearty, home-cooked meals in the farmhouse kitchen. These meals, made with ingredients grown on the farm, were beyond anything I could have imagined. Fresh pasta, grilled vegetables, locally made cheeses, and olive oil from the very trees we had harvested earlier in the day—everything had a story, and every bite felt like a connection to the land and its people. The farm-to-table experience was incredibly special, but what made it even more meaningful was the intimate setting of sharing these meals with Maria and her family, along with the other guests. There were no menus, no fancy decor, just real food and real conversation.
Another farm stay that left a lasting impression on me was in the lush countryside of New Zealand, where I spent a week on a sheep farm in the Otago region. What made this experience so unique was the chance to connect with not just the land, but the animals. As a city dweller, I’d never really understood the bond between farmers and their animals, but spending time on this farm, I began to see things differently.
Every morning, I accompanied the farmers as they rounded up the sheep for shearing. I was taught the delicate art of sheep shearing—something I never thought I’d try! At first, I was nervous about handling the sheep, but under the guidance of the farm’s expert shearers, I gained a new respect for the animals and the skill required to care for them. It wasn’t just about collecting wool—it was about understanding the care and attention needed to raise healthy, happy animals in a way that also benefited the environment.
What struck me most about these farm stays was how much more they offered than just a place to sleep. They provided an opportunity to immerse myself in the land, to understand where my food came from, and to connect with the people who worked tirelessly to sustain these rural ways of life. I learned valuable lessons about sustainability, agriculture, and the importance of supporting small-scale farms that prioritize quality over quantity.
Farm stays are the perfect way to escape the tourist traps and experience something truly authentic. Whether you’re helping harvest crops, learning to cook traditional meals, or simply relaxing in a peaceful, natural environment, these stays offer a deeper connection to the world around you. They’re not just about accommodation—they’re about creating memories, learning new skills, and forging meaningful relationships with the land and the people who call it home. After my experiences, I’m now a firm believer that farm stays are the ultimate way to travel if you’re looking for something more than just a place to rest your head.