From Barn Dreams to Winter Wonders: Life at The Essex Ranch

Slowing Down to See the Beauty Around Us

Have you ever stood still long enough to truly notice the world noticing you back? At The Essex Ranch, slowing down isn’t just about admiring sunsets or walking the pastures—it’s about being present enough to witness the subtle ways nature responds to us.

Just the other morning, Shon and I sat by the edge of the lake, sipping coffee as the mist rose from the water. A deer stepped into view, pausing for a long moment as if studying us. It was a quiet reminder that this land isn’t just ours—it’s shared with the creatures who call it home.

As 2025 begins, I find myself reflecting on these moments of connection. The Essex Ranch is transforming in ways big and small, but what stands out most is how it invites us to pause, to notice, and to appreciate the beauty in stillness.

The Barn: A Sanctuary in the Making

One of the most exciting updates this month is the barn—a project that represents so much more than a building. This space is about stewardship, about creating a safe haven for the animals who will one day roam these pastures and become part of our family.

The pad site is prepped, the clay from the lake has been laid, and the foundation is beginning to take shape. Overlooking the water and surrounded by pastures, the barn will be a central hub for the ranch. It’s where our horses will find shelter, where our mini Highland cows will graze nearby, and where future generations will gather to experience the rhythms of ranch life.

An aerial view of the barn pad at The Essex Ranch, overlooking the tranquil lake and expansive pastures. This foundation represents more than construction—it’s the groundwork for stewardship, connection, and future family memories.

For me, this barn also represents a personal milestone. Growing up, I had a deep fear of horses after a childhood encounter with a Clydesdale that left me shaken. But over the years, I’ve worked to overcome that fear, learning about these majestic creatures and their unique ability to connect with us on an emotional level.

Now, I can’t wait to welcome two horses to the ranch—ones we’ll choose carefully, not just for their beauty, but for the bond we hope to share with them. I imagine our grandchildren meeting these horses for the first time, their eyes wide with wonder, and I’m reminded why we’re building this place: to create a sanctuary for our family, for the land, and for the future.

A Winter Wonderland at The Essex Ranch

A peaceful winter morning at The Essex Ranch, where fresh snowfall blankets the fields, trees, and lake. The serene landscape glistens under a soft gray sky, with deer quietly grazing in the distance, embodying the calm beauty of nature in its simplest form.

January brought a magical moment: the ranch’s first snowfall of the year. Overnight, the landscape was transformed into a peaceful winter wonderland. The snow blanketed the fields and trees, and even the lake seemed to shimmer with a new kind of beauty.

Standing at the window with a warm mug in hand, I watched as the deer moved quietly through the snow, completely at ease. It felt like the ranch itself was pausing, inviting us to do the same.

Of course, the snow didn’t slow Shon down. He spent the day trimming trees and tackling projects, breaking in his new Le Chameau boots in true rancher style. His dedication never wavers, no matter the season, and it inspires me to keep pushing forward—even when progress feels slow.

Looking Ahead: Building for the Future

This month marks an exciting milestone: the installation of our first windows and doors. Each decision—from the layout of the barn to the placement of the fireplaces—brings us closer to creating a home that reflects our vision for The Essex Ranch.

But more than that, each decision is about building a legacy. I imagine a future where this ranch becomes a gathering place for generations to come—a place where our family can find joy, purpose, and connection.

An Invitation to Be Present

The Essex Ranch isn’t just about building structures—it’s about building a way of life. Here, we honor a slower pace, a closer bond with the land, and a deeper gratitude for nature’s gifts.

To our readers:

• Go for a walk and notice the small wonders around you.

• Watch the wildlife—they might be as curious about you as you are about them.

• Embrace each sunrise—it holds the promise of renewal and possibility.

Question for You: What’s your favorite way to slow down and reconnect with nature? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Thank you for joining us on this journey—one snowfall, one barn, and one quiet moment at a time. Here’s to living each day with intention and awe.

With gratitude,

The Essex Ranch