Välkommen till Arvgården
Välkommen till Arvgården |
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Arvgården, a 118 acre farm just outside Wellsboro, PA, combines the solitude of a rural setting with easy access to activities in Wellsboro and the surrounding region. At an elevation of 1940 ft., the setting offers panoramic views just minutes from the center of town. |
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Arvgården is a farm featuring Corriedale sheep raised with special emphasis on the quality of fleece for the hand spinners. It is also a Bed & Breakfast where we enjoy hosting people in our Swedish style home and sharing our interest in baking, the bounty of our garden and the berries we grow as well as our interest in weaving and other crafts. |
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Guests are encouraged to enjoy the farm by visiting our flock of Corriedale sheep, exploring in the fields and woods, pausing at the pond or just spending time with a good book. In clear weather, the night sky competes with spectacular sunsets for favorite memories of a visit to Arvgården. |
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Accommodations |
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The house, completed in 1999, is built in a Swedish style. The guest wing includes four bedrooms; each has a full private bath and accommodates two people. Guest rooms adjoin a sitting area which opens onto the living and dining rooms, assuring guests both privacy and a connection with the main house. |
| The room rate is $95.00 per night and includes accommodation for one or two people and full breakfast. Every effort is made to accommodate special dietary needs. |  |
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As Others See Us |
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A number of common impressions are revealed when reading the Arvgården guest book.
We are frequently reminded that our description and pictures of the surrounding farmland and views of the distant foothills of the Allegheny Mountains do not do them justice. No camera can fully record the horizon from the dining room window as one scans the farm and beyond to the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon over 10 miles away! The sunsets are something that can only be experienced from our high elevation, unencumbered by nearby buildings or trees.
To visitors, the night sky is something they have never experienced. On the eastern fringe of the first dark skies area designated in the northeastern US, the milky way is a path across the sky and the constellations are as clear as on the planetarium dome. On a clear night, it is possible to see satellites going overhead.
| Many guests comment on the sense of peace and security they experience in the quiet of our rural setting. Sleeping with windows open and hearing the night sounds of summer bring back memories of childhoods spent in less hectic times and places. |  |
We enjoy sharing our interest in the sheep, weaving and other crafts. We provide up close views of the looms and are always glad to introduce guests to our yarns and the handwoven items we produce from cotton and our wool. Limited quantities of these items are available for purchase.
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Guests often express appreciation for the light and airy rooms so typical of the Swedish design. All rooms are comfortably located on one floor. |
We take personal pride in frequent reference to the cleanliness, the attractive table setting and the good food often featuring Swedish specialties. It is a pleasure to see the response when we describe just how much of the food on the table has been grown here and how the jams, breads and muffins are all made here from scratch. We are rewarded with frequent references to the hospitality and good conversation. Of course, we realize that good conversation and a warm atmosphere are as much a reflection on the enthusiasm of our guests as on anything we personally can provide. It is not uncommon to have a guest play the baby grand piano in the living room for a few moments while the last preparations for breakfast are underway.
Arvgården is a combination of the natural wonder of an uncommonly beautiful part of Pennsylvania, the efforts we have made to provide a welcoming and comfortable place to visit, and the warm response of guests who share their delight in discovering what is on the farm and in the Wellsboro area.
We encourage you to visit and add your special contribution to the Arvgården experience.
"You're a stranger when you pull in the driveway, guest as you enter the door, friends after a little conversation, and treated like family for the rest of your stay!" (Geoff and Maureen)
"5 stars all the way." (Mim and Roy)
"What a lovely, relaxing, and refreshing stay we have enjoyed at Arvgården." (Steve and Laura)
"Leave everything alone. Do not compete with perfection." (Robert and Vicki)
"Lovely home; gracious hosts; delicious breakfasts. Thanks for the memories." (Maria)
Directions to Arvgården |
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Show the directions on a separate page for printing.
From the Philadelphia AreaInterstate 476 north to Interstate 80 (Pocono Exit). Interstate 80 west to Interstate 180 (Exit 212) Interstate 180 to Rte 15 north (toward Mansfield). Rte 15 to Rte 6 (Mansfield Exit). Proceed west on Rte 6 for 7.9 miles. At Lewis Homes (on right) slow for intersection. Turn left at Hope Lutheran Church (Gas Co Rd SR 4035). Proceed 1.7 miles to stop sign. (Cherry Flats Rd.) Turn right. Proceed 2 tenths mile to the first left turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Turn left. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
From Harrisburg and DC AreaRte 15 to Rte 6 (Mansfield Exit). Proceed west on Rte 6 for 7.9 miles. At Lewis Homes (on right) slow for intersection. Turn left at Hope Lutheran Church (Gas Co Rd SR 4035). Proceed 1.7 miles to stop sign. (Cherry Flats Rd.) Turn right. Proceed 2 tenths mile to the first left turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Turn left. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
From North of PA State LineRte 15 south to Mansfield and Rte 6 (not Rte 6 Business) Exit at Rte 6 west (Wellsboro 12 miles). After passing junction with Rte 660, continue on Rte 6 west for 2.2 miles. At Lewis Homes (on right) slow for intersection. Turn left at Hope Lutheran Church (Gas Co Rd SR 4035). Proceed 1.7 miles to stop sign (Cherry Flats Rd.). Turn right. Proceed 2 tenths mile to the first left turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Turn left. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
From Center of WellsboroRte 6 east ( East Ave.) to Cherry Flats Rd. (2 miles) Turn right on Cherry Flats Rd. (SR 2018) Proceed to 3rd right turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Distance is approx. 3 miles. Turn right. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
From State College and WestUse I 80 east exit at Rte 220 (Lock Haven). Proceed to Rte 287 north (just past Jersey Shore). Follow Rte 287 into Wellsboro. Turn right onto Rte 6 east at the Wellsboro Diner. Rte 6 east ( East Ave.) to Cherry Flats Rd. (2 miles) Turn right on Cherry Flats Rd. (SR 2018) Proceed to 3rd right turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Distance is approx. 3 miles. Turn right. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
From New York City and Northern New JerseyFollow scenic Rte 6 across Pennsylvania's northern tier. West of Mansfield at the junction with Rte 660 proceed west on Rte 6 for 2.2 miles. At Lewis Homes (on right) slow for intersection. Turn left at Hope Lutheran Church (Gas Co Rd SR 4035). Proceed 1.7 miles to stop sign (Cherry Flats Rd.). Turn right. Proceed 2 tenths mile to the first left turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Turn left. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
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Use I80 west to I180 (Exit 212). Interstate I180 to Rte 15 north (toward Mansfield). Rte 15 to Rte 6 (Mansfield Exit). Proceed west on Rte 6 for 7.9 miles. At Lewis Homes (on right) slow for intersection. Turn left at Hope Lutheran Church (Gas Co Rd SR 4035). Proceed 1.7 miles to stop sign (Cherry Flats Rd.). Turn right. Proceed 2 tenths mile to the first left turn (Arnot Rd SR 2016). Turn left. Proceed ¾ miles. Arvgården is the brown house on your right.
Hosts Keith and Hilma Cooper |
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Arvgården is the result of nearly 10 years of planning to use our longtime interests as the basis for a second career. With retirement from Keith's career as a history and economics teacher and Hilma's as a public library director we relocated to the Wellsboro, PA, area from suburban Philadelphia. Here we have a setting that is an attractive destination for family, friends and guests while allowing us space to pursue life-long interests.
Gardening, raising sheep, wood working, weaving, cooking-- these activities coupled with the enjoyment of travel and meeting people who travel led to Arvgården. What better setting to share this menu of hobbies and interests than a farm with bed and breakfast?
Welcoming guests to Arvgården is proving to be as interesting and satisfying as anticipated. Guests seem to appreciate the setting and absorb the energy and enthusiasm we have found in developing second careers.
The Farm |
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| Arvgården, the 118 acre property acquired by the Coopers in 1996, had not been owner occupied since 1988. Efforts began in 1997 to return the property to its former status as a working farm. |  |
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Barn restoration started with rebuilding the 40 ft X 60 ft addition to a traditional timber frame bank barn in anticipation of the arrival of the first group of sheep. Work continues to rehabilitate the barn for animals and storage. The flock of Corriedale sheep has grown to include several generations. Corriedales, associated with New Zealand, are a dual purpose sheep. They produce excellent fleece for spinning and weaving as well as quality meat. |
| With only 17 acres of woods and a gently rolling terrain, most of the farm property is tillable. Over 60 acres is committed to hay. The cultivation of fruit trees and berries and a vegetable garden are additional attractive features. These yield produce for the breakfast table and the local farmers' market as well as the opportunity for urban guests to enjoy fresh foods at their source. |   |
A spring fed pond is located approximately 1/4 mile from the house. This feature is attractive to birds, wildlife and guests as well.
Special Features |
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For bird watchers the area offers numerous possibilities. The farm hosts a variety of birds. Year round, the hay fields are patrolled by a northern harrier whose quiet elegance is a delight. From mid-May until the first of July we are home to a large colony of bobolinks nesting in the hay field. Gold finches, bluebirds, hummingbirds, redwinged blackbirds, and two varieties of swallows are common sights. The killdeer is a special favorite.
With the opening of new walking trails in 2005 guests are afforded easy access to the variety of bird habitats on the farm.
Field sparrows, song sparrows, yellow warbler, savannah sparrows, tree swallows, yellow billed cuckoos and the common yellow throat warbler have been sighted.
Hilma and our border collie Hund have flushed ruffled grouse on late afternoon winter walks.
The more venturesome bird fancier can visit the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to observe the resident eagles or go to the Hamilton/Tioga Lake and Cowanesque Lake areas administered by the Army Corps of Engineers where eagles and the recently re-introduced osprey can be viewed. The Pennsylvania State Forest and Game Land areas which abound in the area are also attractive locations for the experienced bird watcher.
Arvgården continues to evolve. A hike to the pond across the hay field and down along the tree line has been a favorite from the first days of welcoming guests.
In 2005, we opened nearly 3 miles of mowed walking paths for guests. These trails provide access to a more mature tree line and follow the perimeter of a wetland on the property. They also take walkers behind our woods along a low shrub area.
Paths added in Spring 2006 provide access to the edge of more wooded and semi-wooded areas. They also bring the total paths to approximately 6 miles. The entire network has been designed to give walkers a number of options; setting out on an Arvgården trail is not a commitment to the whole network.
Arvgården offers a golf package in cooperation with Tyoga Country Club.
The package includes a private room at Arvgården, our full cooked breakfast and a discounted reserved tee time at Tyoga Country Club. Arrangements can be made for one or two people per room. Contact us for availability and prices.
Tyoga Country Club is an 18 hole par 71 watered course. It was designed by Edmund Ault and has been given a four star 'places to play' ratings by Golf Digest. www.tyogacc.com
We welcome bicyclists. With the Pine Creek Rail Trail such a prominent feature, we have many guests who bring their bicycles. We also have a number of motorcycle-riding guests who come to the area for its extensive network of paved country roads.
When you stay at Arvgården with bicycles or motorcycles, we offer garage storage for your equipment at no extra charge.
There are extensive cross country ski trails maintained in the area. A special favorite is the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Cross country skiing enthusiasts report that they especially enjoy the sport right here on the farm. Our varied terrain provides an excellent mix of challenges. Call to ask about snow conditions.
Attractions |
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Located 10 minutes from the heart of Wellsboro, Arvgården offers visitors full access to events taking place in town. It is within easy driving distance of Mansfield, PA, Corning, NY, the Finger Lakes Wine Country and other regional resources.
Arvgården itself offers opportunities to enjoy gently rolling fields and woods, a pond, numerous birds, and our flock of sheep. Nearby are many state game and park lands for hiking and fishing. The recently designated dark skies program at Cherry Springs State Park draws the interest of stargazers.
Tioga Central Railroad: This scenic excursion train runs from June through October. For more information contact them on the Web at: www.tiogacentral.com.
Pine Creek Rail Trail and West Rim Trail
Covered Wagon and Horseback Rides: Wagon rides on the rails to trails at the base of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon as well as horseback trail rides can be arranged by contacting: www.mountaintrailhorse.com.
Hamilton-Gibson Productions: Tioga County's community theater featuring performances throughout the summer with additional programs at other times. For more information contact them on the Web at: www.hamiltongibson.org.
Pine Creek Outfitters: Outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon Country. www.pinecrk.com.
The Mountain Laurel Music Festival is planning its premier season in August of 2006. On the Web at: www.endlessmountain.net.
Visit the calendar on the Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce page here for specific listing of events and attractions in the area.
Contact Arvgården |
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