But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life…
- Thomas Jefferson

One of the wonderful things about living in Fearrington is being part of a true neighborhood - not only the greater Fearrington community, but more intimately, the area in which you live within Fearrington. With approximately ten different neighborhoods, and many more cul-de-sacs, street blocks, closes and so on, Fearrington Village offers ample opportunities to gather and toast life and meet and share in laughter.

The 'WOW' is one of these many special social happenings. 'WOW' or Wine On Woodham was started by Kay Tarr, a very special lady who lives on Woodham, a winding road that leads up a wooded hillside in the Bush Creek neighborhood. She expressed to a neighbor and then another an idea to meet once a month, with each resident taking their turn to host in their home, each neighbor bringing their favorite dish and perhaps a Pinot in hand, and most certainly friendship in heart. More...

We could only be talking about our Fearrington House Coffee blend! Max Kast, our wine and beverage director, describes it as a “mild coffee with a chocolate and earthy aroma." It's just the right combination to hook customers, including many Fearrington residents who faithfully start their day with a cup of it.

Many folks don’t know that our coffee is roasted on-site, by our coffee roaster we’ve dubbed Melina. Originally from Greece, she sits quietly in the corner of the Goat’s main public space, roasting away at midnights under the care of Jorge, who then works next door at the Inn.

This unique blend of El Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Sumatran was created initially for patrons of The Fearrington House Restaurant in the 1980s. It’s been served ever since, including at The Fearrington Granary and at The Belted Goat deli, where it’s also sold by the bag.

Last week we introduced a new label for coffee bags at the Goat. It’s a bit more irreverent, with more design, less text and a stronger distinction between regular and “de-calf” versions. But the coffee blend remains the same; we didn’t change a thing there. We hope you'll try it out, or share it with someone who wants a special taste of Fearrington! 

Fearrington is full of residents who volunteer their time for worthy causes inside and outside its boundaries. One of the most visible, and demanding, such jobs is President of the Fearrington Homeowners Association. The FHA is tasked with enforcing bylaws and rules, managing common property and in general protecting property values and public safety.

Fearrington is a planned unit development – one of the first in North Carolina – of nearly 1,200 homes. Some homes are single family while others are townhouses. Some neighborhoods have maintenance plans managed by sub-associations, while others have no maintenance plans. That diversity is an asset in that residents can stay at Fearrington, and keep their friendships, clubs, membership at the Duke Center for Living, etc., as their needs change. The FHA orchestrates all these moving parts.

Recently David Erisman assumed role as FHA's President.  Originally a native of Delaware, David is a die-hard Carolina fan (he received both his undergraduate and law degrees from UNC). Learn more about David, and the role of the FHA, here.  Congratulations to David on his new assignment!

“The Autumn counterfeited Spring, With such a flush of flowers,
His fiery-tinctured garlands more, Than mocked the April bowers,
And airs as sweet as airs of June, Brought on the twilight hours.”
- D. Mulock Craik

As we enjoy our last days of Fall and enter into our winter months, I realize how lucky we are to live in a part of North Carolina where all of the seasons come to us so gloriously loud and distinct.  I don’t know what the weather contributed to our Autumn of 2011, but it was a spectacular one in Fearrington!  The color of the leaves were more piercing against skies, the color of which no name has yet been found, and gave even the bare branches a golden shine. 

The Black Walnut, White Oak and Red Maple giants reigned, holding upwards, as long as they could: crimson, saffron and bergamot, before dropping their brilliant leaves down to us…so we could walk the many paths, gather and press into a book - one such leaf too fiery to pass up - and to remember a walk in a beautiful place…and to always enjoy, living in Fearrington!

 - Julie and Nathalie

Everywhere water is a thing of beauty, gleaming in the dewdrop, singing in the summer rain.
—John Ballantine Gough

Most people are surprised to learn that Fearrington is currently comprised of fourteen distinctive neighborhoods.   Each neighborhood has its own uniqueness which truly offers something for everyone looking to relocate.  One neighborhood is Bush Creek. 

The neighborhood’s namesake is a small creek which winds through the area making its way to its next destination, Jordan Lake.  The topography of Bush Creek is gently rolling.  The neighborhood is an integration of beautiful wooded home sites and custom built single family homes.  Fearrington's developer RB Fitch’s goal has been, from Fearrington's very beginning, to build in cooperation with the land.  Some of the home sites in Bush Creek offer dramatic slopes yielding the most magnificent “tree house” perspectives.

A few home sites are still available in the neighborhood affording residents the opportunity to build their custom dream home.  With natural vistas rendering privacy and the soothing sound of the creek in the air, Bush Creek is a serene refugee amidst North Carolina hardwoods and pines.  

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  ~John Muir

An avid gardener and lover of nature, the late Jenny Fitch took much delight in establishing the gardens of Fearrington and collaborated on their designs with her friend and landscape designer, Chip Calloway.  Shortly after Jenny’s passing sixteen years ago, RB asked Chip to design a park in Jenny’s memory.  Chip honored Jenny by creating a 17 acre masterpiece that splendidly separates the neighborhoods of West and East Camden.  The park grounds are peppered with various specimen trees and shrubs.   A calming stream connects two plentiful ponds.  Walking paths intertwine throughout the park and situated among the natural landscape are sweet benches for rest and contemplation of the scenery.  On early morning strolls glimpse rabbit families twitching their whiskers, upright ears poised and listening to your steps, or wait until dusk and surround yourself with the sounds of birds nestling and settling for the night.  As you follow the gravel paths or choose to make your own way around, discover the magic of this beautiful natural park and uncover for yourself, the lingering essence of the lady that once imagined all that is now yours to enjoy……we will see you there, living in Fearrington!  - Julie and Nathalie