The Life of Riley is a little slice of heaven on earth. You are immediately welcomed by down-to-earth couple Mike and Jean Murphy, who have owned the property for twenty-some years. There is a fridge full of goodies to greet you, including local homemade ales from a neighbor. Also stocked are farm fresh sustainable eggs, butter, milk, cream, jams, preserves, apple cider and syrup. When we visited, they were tapping their own in the woods. They raise and harvest their own pigs and steer as well, so we enjoyed some of the most amazing breakfast sausage I believe I have ever ingested. On the counter sit baked from the house bread and muffins. Pancake mix and granola are available for your use. The kitchen is fully equipped and roomy, encouraging you to cook up some excellent meals there with the staples left at your disposal. A large white wash tub sink will help take care of the dishes.
A literal welcoming committee of animals will suddenly appear by your door: an old black lab named Josie, and the pussycats – at least three were frequent visitors from the nearby barn. They are not at all noisy, but they love it when you come outside to pet them. A beautiful assortment of red, black, and speckled hens and roosters roam during the day; some of who were brave enough to peck for food on the long side porch facing the fields. The views of the Driftless Area are great and you can easily bird watch and enjoy a nearby red berried tree.
The high ceilings in the renovated Granary give the illusion of more room and airiness. The Murphys have decorated in a charming, vintage and rustic style. The design is clever with a touch of whimsy. An exposed rough wood beam looks as if it is growing out of the main living area wall. Folksy and intriguing local art adorn the walls and ledges. An iron pair of Samurais fight in the bedroom. It is the perfect marriage of antiques and modern amenities with pleasant lighting options and dimmer switches. One is at home and comfortable here, the moment that you set foot in the front door. Happily there are two writing nooks, with an assortment of books and games to choose from. Each desk has a tiny collection of sea shells.
There are hiking paths, a rock quarry, and an overlook with a firepit for your use in the summer. Josie the amiable guide dog will gladly lead the way on a stroll, stopping only periodically to nose out rabbits in the briar patches along the sides of the woodsier paths. Snow sparkles in the fading winter/spring sun, reminding me of the topping on a meringue pie.
The porch which runs the length of the east side of the building is partly hidden by creeping bramble vines. One of the kittens likes to shimmy up there. At night, coyotes yip and howl far in the distance. The air is clean, crisp and very still. There are shooting stars—more starts than I think I've ever seen in my life. The sky out here is peppered with them—winning over the darkness. A pin drops in the snow—I think I can hear it.
The quiet beauty of this tucked-away treasure spot is so peaceful, the mellow grows the longer you stay. Indeed it was hard to leave, and I promised that we would be back. The prices are quite reasonable and there is an old Schoolhouse for rent on the property for larger groups and families.
If you'd like to share this experience, check out: www.lifeorileyfarm.com.
