A "Gosherd" is to Geese, as a "Shepherd" is to Sheep.The land:
Gosherd Valley Cottage is on an 80 acre working farm. There are roads to walk and fields to ramble about in. We raise free range geese and poultry watched over by Livestock Guardian Dogs. We are one of only a handful of goose farms in the country and take pride in our Animal Welfare Approved certification, raising our animals sustainably and humanely for our clients.
We are just 20 minutes from all the great Hermann area micro-breweries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies. We have smokehouses and producers all around us, so you will never go hungry. You can enjoy being in a rural area of local producers, antique stores and great festivals.
If you are staying in the B&B, the kitchen is stocked with everything you need to make two breakfasts for you or your group. Our fresh eggs, local smokehouse bacon, pastries and jams, are stocked in the kitchen for your convenience. Our farm's chickens & geese are available to purchase or cook in the cottage, just ask me to defrost one for you before your arrival.
So stay here and enjoy a cozy restored cottage (the original homestead) and venture off on day trips to our little towns. We are all about local products and business's.
Your Host:
Connie Cunningham lives on site in the rehabbed barn and oversees the daily work of the farm. Her 6 livestock guardian dogs work alongside her daily while her snarky cat "Grimble" will spend most of his time trying to get you to pet him.
A retired landscape designer and color consultant from Chgo, she is involved with the local agritourism efforts and promoting local foods. She can point you in the right directions for little local eateries, festivals, stores and craftsmen.
The 80 acre farm was originally a vineyard, prior to Prohibition. Afterwards, it was put into a pasture-based system and had cattle on it with the homestead being used as a seasonal hunting cabin.
The current owner's mom was a local artist in St Louis who upgraded the cottage into a year-round house she could retire to.
Her daughters, Connie & Chris, then upgraded the cottage into a bed and breakfast while starting the goose farm on the land.
Next year (2016) the bottom floor of the barn will be available for larger group-stays and three new campsites will be available for those wanting a more outdoorsy experience; one rustic site in the woods, one semi rustic in the high pasture for the star gazers and one glamping site at the lake.