The Story Behind The Essex Ranch: From Stilettos to Snake Boots, and Everything in Between

Here we are, at the start of an adventure we never quite imagined for ourselves. Welcome to the story of Essex Ranch—a journey filled with dreams, a dash of daring, and a whole lot of love.

It all began with my husband, Shon, contemplating retirement. He was planning to retire this year, and we thought it would be wonderful to have a weekend place—a sanctuary away from the city hustle, where we could spend quality time with our grown children. We dreamed of a place where we could slow down, reconnect with each other, and enjoy the simpler pleasures in life. So, we set out on a quest to find that perfect piece of land.

Finding Our Slice of Heaven

Our first attempt at property hunting was, to put it mildly, a bit of a misfire. The first place we looked at was rough around the edges—okay, rough all over. It was the kind of place that makes you want to run back to the safety of your city condo and never look back.

But then, we found it—the perfect spot. 127 acres of pure, untouched beauty, complete with an 8-acre lake, a pond, seasonal creeks, wooded areas, meadows, and fields ready to grow coastal hay. It was everything we had dreamed of and more. The moment we stepped onto the land, we knew it was meant to be ours. We called our friend and realtor, Joseph Romero, and before we could even say “country living,” Essex Ranch was ours.

Dreaming Big, Living Bigger

Originally, the plan was modest: build a weekend getaway where we could escape the city noise and reconnect with nature. But then Shon, ever the visionary, had what he called a “brilliant” idea. He came to me one evening and said, “If we’re going to build a weekend home—a ranch retreat—why not go all in? Let’s build a full-time home, a real ranch, sell our house in the city, and live out there full-time.”

And just like that, our plans grew from a weekend escape to a full-fledged life change. I agreed—because that’s what loving, supportive wives do, right?—but inside, I was nervous. You see, I’m a city girl. I love my stilettos and the sound of city life. The thought of trading that in for cowboy boots and the quiet of the country was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Embracing the Unknown

Here’s the thing: I know nothing about ranch life. I’ve never planted a garden, raised a chicken, or even thought about what it takes to maintain a pond. But as the idea began to settle in, I realized something profound: it wasn’t about what I didn’t know; it was about what I was willing to learn. And I was willing—more than willing—to learn.

I started to see this new chapter not as a departure from my old life, but as an opportunity to grow, to evolve, and to embrace a different kind of richness. It’s easy to get comfortable in the city with its conveniences and distractions, but out there, I have the chance to connect with the land, with nature, and most importantly, with my family, in ways I never could before.

Growing Together with the Land

Life on Essex Ranch is about more than just building a home—it’s about building a life. It’s about planting seeds, both literally and figuratively, and watching them grow. It’s about learning to be patient and finding joy in the journey, even when it’s messy or challenging. It’s about embracing the dirt and the dust, the hard work and the sweat, knowing that every effort is a step toward something beautiful and meaningful.

As I look out over our land, I’m filled with a sense of possibility. Yes, there will be mistakes, and yes, there will be tears (hopefully more of the happy kind!). But there will also be laughter, learning, and countless moments of wonder. I’m learning to trade my stilettos for snake boots, to find beauty in the simplicity of a sunrise over the lake, and to feel at home in a place where the stars shine just a little brighter.

The Adventure Awaits

So here we are, with two years ahead of us to build, to learn, and to grow. We’re diving headfirst into this adventure, and I’m inviting you to join us. Come along for the ride—whether you’re a seasoned rancher or, like me, a city slicker with a lot to learn. Together, we’ll discover what it means to truly live in harmony with nature, to be good stewards of the land, and to create a legacy of love, laughter, and learning.

Life at Essex Ranch won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. So, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, some dirt under your nails, and maybe a few surprises along the way, we’d love to have you join us on this journey. Because, at the end of the day, life is about the stories we create, the memories we cherish, and the love we share.

With open hearts and a little bit of dust,

The Essex Ranch Family