BY TED SHOCKLEY, Eastern Shore Post —
It is a farm quite unlike any other on the Eastern Shore.
With its well-stocked market, 10 homes available for short-term rental, and a venue for weddings and other special events, Vaux Hall Farm near Melfa is a retreat that combines rural, historic, and stylish.
Visitors can spend an hour or two at the market, shopping for everything from freshly cut meats to jewelry and apparel.
Or they can spend the weekend at one of the cozy rentals overlooking the creeks, fields, and pastures that give Vaux Hall — Vaux is pronounced “vawks” — a special serenity.
“We are very fortunate to have a lot of people who supported us in this journey,” said Jeremy Ware, the general manager of the 513-acre farm, which was purchased almost four years ago by owners Eric Olson and Cat Kaisler.
They had a vision for an accessible but exclusive place — where locals could gather for an afternoon for music and a glass of wine, or visitors could stay for a quiet weekend.
The vision included keeping the farm charm — on a recent day, bushy green soybeans grew in one field, and tall stalks of field corn grew in another plot. Chickens and sheep occupied pastures.
“One of the things we don’t want to lose is the fact that this is a working farm,” said Ware.
Visiting the market
The market, situated along an open stretch of Bobtown Road, is easily noticed, open to the public, and hosts everything from live music to seasonal events.
“The market is the public face of Vaux Hall. Everyone is welcome here,” said Ware.
It is designed as a place to linger. Craft beer is available on tap, and wine is sold by the glass. On weekends, the market sells grab-and-go foods made by the Wachapreague General Store.
Live music and trivia contests highlight the weekends.
But the groceries sold are far from ordinary. Meats come from Haass’ Family Butcher Shop, of Dover, Del., and include everything from thick ribeye and New York strip steaks to special-recipe sausages.
“They’re ready for the grill,” said Ware of the steaks. “They’re beautiful pieces of meat.”
The butcher also processes Vaux Hall’s own organically raised lamb, which is popular with customers.
Never had lamb? Ware suggests starting with ground lamb or lamb sausage.
“People don’t realize how mild and delicious it is,” he said.
The market also sells produce, seafood, oils, spices, chips, and more. There is a wide beer selection and a wine room — packaged beer and wine purchased on premises also can be consumed on premises.
Cheese and ice cream from Chesapeake Bay Farms in Pocomoke City also are sold.
A seating area — complete with a fireplace for chilly winter days — provides an area to gather and enjoy beverages and fellowship.
Upstairs, the market includes a boutique with women’s apparel, footwear, makeup, perfume, and jewelry.
Staying overnight
Vaux Hall’s 10 short-term rental homes come in a wide variety — including two farmhouses straight from yesterday but completely restored.
There also are black-exterior, slope-roof cottages with large decks designed to let in light and allow occupants to enjoy the waterfront views.
Then there is the famous and historic Vaux Hall manor house, the oldest part of which dates to around 1710.
The elegant home provides a commanding waterfront view.
With five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and one half bathroom, it is the central structure for weddings at Vaux Hall — the bride emerges from the front door and walks down the aisle through the beautifully maintained grounds to the awaiting groom and guests.
The manor house even has a massive room for the bride to prepare for the ceremony.
For the groom, there is a former shed adjacent to the home that has been made into a lounge, complete with a television, bar, and restroom.
At all the homes, there are fire pits, and the property includes a small, sandy beach perfect for launching kayaks.
Special events
Many on the Eastern Shore have enjoyed the Vaux Hall experience at one of several special events, including benefit oyster roasts and the Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary hospital ball.
At the center of it all is the pole barn — a 100-foot by 40-foot rustic building with glass doors, providing a perfect venue for any season.
Added to the pole barn is a large area for a bar and buffet.
The setup can easily hold 250 people. Parking is out of sight on a nearby lawn.
Ware said he has had 11 weddings on the property this year, and another dozen are scheduled for next year.
For one, a bride and groom rented all the buildings on the property — the facilities and all short-term rentals — which provide lodging for about 50 people.
Vaux Hall has become a popular destination for everyone — from those seeking a little shopping to those seeking a special wedding.
“People come to the Eastern Shore for its nature and we honor that,” he said.
The Vaux Hall Farm Market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit vauxhallfarm.com
