A common characteristic among naturalists is their insatiable appetite for history. Most have a need to explore the human history of the area as well as to observe the flora and fauna. Understanding both natural and human history helps with the interpretation of the species that are to be found in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy speculating how a former activity may have contributed to the wildlife and plant species that currently occur in the area.
At Brook Farm Cottage in Bloomfield one has no need to travel far for history. It is as close as the backyard.
The cottage is the east side of the large farmhouse, which was built in 1820. As such, the house dates back to the pioneers of the area, with the first owners being a Quaker family who settled the land in about 1790. As recently as 20 years ago, the converted woodshed was used by Shirley Vincent, one of the owners of the property, as the Bloomfield clerk’s office for the village.
Adjacent land once contained a buttery, a blacksmith business and a cheese factory, all dependant to some extent on the water from the Bloomfield Creek and an ever-flowing spring.
Originally a 98-acre farm when purchased by the Lauries, the property now consists of the house, some outbuildings and 22 acres, which stretch up the creek as an eastern boundary for 2000 feet. Bloomfield Creek flows into the millpond at the Henry Leavens Conservation Area prior to continuing on to empty into West Lake near the large Wesley Acres Church Camp.
Where Pioneer Trees Still Grow
Half of the property is covered with woods, and small meadows ablaze with wildflowers. Wildlife abounds in this natural setting and sightings of mammals and birds can be anticipated on a regular basis. The house is surrounded by large mature trees and has two creeks as its boundaries at the front near the road - one, the Bloomfield Creek, and the other being a stream coming from the well on the adjacent property.
There are many treed areas on the property. Around the house are mature maple trees, firs, spruce, larch, pine, poplar and willows. The major stand of maples are along the creek where they were planted shortly after the large 10-acre pond on the property was drained in about 1900. Behind the house there are about 10 acres of trees and open meadows from three different times of planting of more recent times. Throughout the property there are many volunteer Manitoba maples which have self seeded over the years from those that were planted by the pioneers who desired a fast growing tree.
Brook Farm Cottage can be offered as either a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom rental. Fully winterized and with separate entrances with its own furnace, it has been used as a second dwelling for a good number of years. Two bedrooms upstairs are interconnected with the innermost having a two-piece ensuite bathroom.
It is a rare treat to have an accommodation such as this, boasting a natural backdrop of woods, meadows and streams, situated within the village itself. A short walk or drive downtown and you will soon become immersed in a world of both nature and history. The 48-kilometre Millennium Trail passes through the village. The Henry Leaven Conservation Area, known locally as the Bloomfield Mill Pond, is nearby. Wander around the Nyman Open Gardens, or drop into Gent’s to see about outfitting yourself in the appropriate Tilly Endurables for the hikes you may want to enjoy during your stay. There is a plethora of quaint antique and craft shops designed to appeal to varied tastes. Purchase a Prince Edward County T-shirt at County Magazine, check out a glass studio at Elements, taste some fine chocolate or gourmet coffee at Carruthers, or get some ice cream at Slickers. You can tantalize you taste buds with organic cookies from the Cookie Shop & More, or rent a bicycle to see the rest of the village at the Bloomfield Bicycle Company.
These are but a few of the interesting shops and businesses waiting to be discovered during your stay at Brook Farm Cottage. And if you want to eat out, JJ’s Texas Grill is literally on your doorstep.
Named after Captain Bloomfield, a British officer in the War of 1812, the village remains the same thriving community that it was during the heart of early Quakerism in Prince Edward County. The homes are reputed to be among the best preserved in the County, whether of brick formed in one of the many kilns that once operated in the West Lake area, or crafted of lumber milled during the village’s early years.
More to Explore
When you are through touring Bloomfield, and want to explore further, the village of Wellington on the shore of Lake Ontario is but a 10-minute drive away. Sandbanks Provincial Park is just as close, renowned for its sweeping sand dunes, wildflowers and birdlife. Of course, historic Picton is nearby too.
If it’s an interesting combo of nature and history you are looking for, it can all be found at Bloomfield, and Brook Farm Cottage is the obvious choice to serve as home base during your visit.
Brook Farm Cottage is located at 102 Main Street (Highway 33) at the east end of Bloomfield. The driveway to Brook Farm Cottage is on the east side of JJ’s Texas Grill. For more information, or to reserve, click
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