Soul Farm is a backroads, glamping yoga retreat property just 80 miles from Chicago.
Project Description
I’m Judi Harvin, the heart behind Soul Farm: an intimate, grassroots yoga retreat farm located about 80 miles away from Chicago.
Yoga retreats are popular, but most require lengthy travel and a large financial commitment. Soul Farm is located less than two hours from busy Chicago, perfect to offer urban yogis a place in the country to practice, learn, eat and enjoy in small retreat groups.
The property has been in my family for 50 years, and is located on a small gravel road. Soul Farm is 80 acres of fields, ponds, and woods with trails. Plans and features for this year or beyond include:
- Yoga, either in a covered space or under the big oak trees in the yard
- Themed retreats with related workshops
- Horseback riding (2020?)
- Massage and other treatment services
- Healthy midwest meals, including farm-to-table and local
I’ve been making plans to create the facilities so yogis can enjoy the natural environment, with the necessary comforts. I am seeking funding to help make this happen. Key projects are:
- Utilizing and updating a vintage barn structure for a covered place to practice yoga. We have already broken ground on this project!
- Outdoor toilet facilities and showers. We are currently breaking ground on a structure with two toilet rooms with sinks, and two showers, featuring running water.
- Bunkhouse dress-up. The current bunkhouse needs repairs and updating, including a covered front porch!
These plans are underway, but in order to do it right, I need your involvement! Support the creation of this retreat farm by contributing, or purchasing a premium from this campaign. All funds collected will be used toward creating a comfortable retreat space. I’d love you to be part of the Soul Farm family!
Our Team
Mary Anne Duve
Chef
Mary Anne is a local, living on a 7 acre farmette called Rendezvous Farm, about a mile away from Soul Farm. Gardening, food and music are Mary Anne’s passion. In 2005, after moving from LaGrange, IL to the country, she was one of the founding members of the Twin City Market in Sterling, IL, an active, year around indoor farmers market. For 4 years she grew for the Gathering Ground CSA. Mary Anne has over 20 years experience in the food industry, and 15 years experience growing vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers (chemical free, of course!) in her gardens. And, for 5 years, she and her husband Jerry hosted and catered the Haybarn Rendezvous, a multi-day music festival, right at Rendezvous Farm!
Jeanie Ressel
Gardener
Jeanie loves the sea, the forest, and wildflowers. She also loves yoga, and deepened her studies in the FocusOm teacher training program. While she was born and raised in the midwest, Jeanie spent years living in the more temperate climates of Mexico and Texas. While we are certain she misses the warmth of the south, she will be happily tending our flower beds and vegetable garden at Soul Farm, helping to grow the food and flowers that will be gracing our tables.
Gene Noska
Land Steward
Soul Farm is fortunate to have Gene tending to the forests, fields and ponds. Gene is committed to maintaining and improving the habitat for forest wildlife and pond life. From 2005 through 2010, Gene was a steward of the land, participating in the Illinois Forestry Development Act’s Timber Stand Improvement Program. He has studied land management, including taking courses and participating in controlled burns. Gene loves nature, living off the land, and regenerating our ponds is his special passion this season.
Ellie Brauhn
Chief Grower and Produce Supplier
Ellie has been growing food for over 40 years. She lives on a farm near Franklin Grove with her husband, chickens, two adopted horses, and cats. She loves sharing her fresh produce with others; Ellie operated CSAs for four years, help start up the Twin City Farmer's Market in Sterling Illinois, and sold produce there for three years. She also loves making, drinking and talking about veer, brewing her own from hops she grows on her own farm!
Updates
The Project FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What happens if your campaign isn't completely funded? We hope you'll support us, because we want this to be the best retreat experience around! Every little bit helps. But, if we are not completely funded, don't worry. We are still working hard and will open this summer.
- What if I purchase a retreat premium, and my schedule changes? If you need to cancel within 30 days of your retreat, we will refund your premium. We then have time to fill your spot. You can also gift your spot to a lucky friend!
- What if I don't want to do all this yoga stuff? Or, I would like to bring a non-yogi friend? Our property is a beautiful place to unwind, with or without yoga. No activities are mandatory, of course.
- Is this campaign or the retreats open to men? This fundraising platform focuses on women-owned businesses, but anyone can contribute! The events listed as premiums are open to men and women, and while we may have women-only events from time to time, Soul Farm will also host events for everyone!
- Will there be alcohol at retreats? We will have lots of interesting beverages, but will not be serving alcohol.
- I have special dietary needs. Will I be able to eat? We want to be able to provide healthy, delicious meals, that we are confident in serving. Our meals will be vegetarian, and we can accommodate vegan and nut-free options. However, if you have serious food allergies, or medical conditions, we may not be able to accommodate them. Please contact us.
- Will I have a private room at an overnight retreat? Quite possibly, no. Our sleeping arrangements are all doubles in single beds, or one quad room in single beds. Register early with a friend, so you can bunk together!
- Do the sleeping areas have electricity? The bunkhouse and main house will have electricity. So will the outdoor showers and toilets. The walled tents will not.
- How are the outdoor sleeping areas furnished? We will have either mattresses or high quality air mattresses, outfitted with soft sheets, comforters, extra blankets and comfy pillows. There will be plenty of rugs, hooks, or dressers, end tables and chairs so you can relax and manage your gear.
- Does the outdoor shower have hot water? Yessir, our outdoor toilets will have hot and cold running water, flushing toilets and sinks. There will be two showers, and two water closets outside, and one bathroom in the main house.
- What other activities are there beside yoga? We have not worked out all the details, but we do plan to have an additional activity/workshop for our two day retreats; meditative art, herbalism, lotions and potions, etc. The roads are wide and open for biking. The woods are great for hiking. The ponds are sweet for fishing. There are several towns within a 20 minute drive: Amboy, Franklin Grove and Dixon. Each have small town charm with a handful of cute shops, the Lincoln Highway Museum, and the Franklin Creek Nature Preserve. We will have a massage therapist on hand for appointments. In the future we hope to expand our herd of horses (beyond the one, 34 year old equine resident at the moment, Mack.) We will continue planning fun activities on-site, and research all the fun activities off site in case you feel antsy.
- Is there an age limit for the retreats? If you'd like to bring a child age 13 and up, please do! Oh, you meant on the upper end? Well, no! Our yoga glamping retreats are open to all willing souls!
- Wait! All I really wanted is a tee shirt. How do I get you my size/style? During the check out process, there is a box where you can provide size and delivery info. The women's tee shirts run a little small; size up. If you are uncertain about anything, I will have your email address, and after you purchase your premium, will contact you by the provided email to get size/style/delivery information. All clothing will be shipped about 2 weeks after campaign close.
- Where exactly is Soul Farm? Soul Farm is located 80 miles west of Chicago. It lies about 7 miles east of Amboy, Illinois. Exact directions are provided at registration.
Same as above, but just another date, so you have a choice! These are great for date night, or the start of a fun girls night out!
April 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Just Because I Care
Your name, lovingly inscribed on the old outhouse! Your commitment and generosity will be displayed for years to come, or until the next windstorm.
A fun all-levels class with Judi! Flow to farm tunes! What’s a farm tune? Country, bluegrass, tunes that will make you feel the wind in your hair, as though you’re seated in the back of a pickup, driving down an old gravel road. I’ll even wear my best farmer hat. The location is FocusOm in Brookfield.
April 6, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Soon to be a collectible. Lightweight, heather grey, with a choice of a unisex or women's cut. Wear it when you hit the farmer’s market this summer, turn the compost, or plow the soybeans under. Provide your size and shipping info when checking out and I can ship it right to you!
Ever notice how farmers don’t wear sun glasses? That’s cause they rely on a good hat to keep the sun off their face and out of their eyes. These caps come looking like they’ve spent a few seasons in the fields, and with a mesh back, won’t make you sweat when you’re digging holes for fenceposts. Provide your shipping info when checking out and I'll get it there!
If you really want to get duded up for a night at the saloon, this gives you something to cover your back, cover your head, and something to brag about at the bar.
Oh, this is good. Hop in the old pickup in the morning, get off at Route 30, drive through little country towns, and end up at Soul Farm! Take a yoga class in the luxurious Lean-To-Yoga Pavilion! Enjoy the woods, fields, and farm. Visit with real friendly folk. Eat a big, mid-day farm meal at a big, outdoor farm table. Rest up. Then head home happy.
Same as above, but another date option for you!
Come on late Friday afternoon, stay till late afternoon Saturday. It’s a perfect little mini-retreat. We are opening a few spots just for this premium, and donating now gives you full registration, and the early bird opportunity to register for your best date! We will do yoga Saturday morning and afternoon, and have plenty of time for walking the woods or just relaxing. Includes dinner Friday night, elixirs and smoothies Saturday morning, Saturday breakfast, a larger midday supper and and a light meal before leaving. As my dad used to say, “Anyone leaves the table hungry, it’s their own d*&m fault!”
Same fun as the retreat above, but we've opened a few spots for another date!
This premium gives you full registration, and the opportunity for register early for the best date! With a two night retreat, you stay Friday evening until Sunday early afternoon. Saturday will feature two yoga sessions, and a special workshop. Visit the shops in town, get a massage treatment (yep, we plan to bring these services right onto Soul Farm), and just enjoy a little more country vibe.
Same as the two night retreat above, just another date choice!
Jeanie scored a couple dozen of different teacups and saucers at a vintage sale, and we can't wait to fill them with spring flowering plants! These will be available early May, and we will pick one for you and deliver within a two-suburb radius of Brookfield.
Rewards
Same as above, but just another date, so you have a choice! These are great for date night, or the start of a fun girls night out!
April 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Just Because I Care
Your name, lovingly inscribed on the old outhouse! Your commitment and generosity will be displayed for years to come, or until the next windstorm.
A fun all-levels class with Judi! Flow to farm tunes! What’s a farm tune? Country, bluegrass, tunes that will make you feel the wind in your hair, as though you’re seated in the back of a pickup, driving down an old gravel road. I’ll even wear my best farmer hat. The location is FocusOm in Brookfield.
April 6, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Soon to be a collectible. Lightweight, heather grey, with a choice of a unisex or women's cut. Wear it when you hit the farmer’s market this summer, turn the compost, or plow the soybeans under. Provide your size and shipping info when checking out and I can ship it right to you!
Ever notice how farmers don’t wear sun glasses? That’s cause they rely on a good hat to keep the sun off their face and out of their eyes. These caps come looking like they’ve spent a few seasons in the fields, and with a mesh back, won’t make you sweat when you’re digging holes for fenceposts. Provide your shipping info when checking out and I'll get it there!
If you really want to get duded up for a night at the saloon, this gives you something to cover your back, cover your head, and something to brag about at the bar.
Oh, this is good. Hop in the old pickup in the morning, get off at Route 30, drive through little country towns, and end up at Soul Farm! Take a yoga class in the luxurious Lean-To-Yoga Pavilion! Enjoy the woods, fields, and farm. Visit with real friendly folk. Eat a big, mid-day farm meal at a big, outdoor farm table. Rest up. Then head home happy.
Same as above, but another date option for you!
Come on late Friday afternoon, stay till late afternoon Saturday. It’s a perfect little mini-retreat. We are opening a few spots just for this premium, and donating now gives you full registration, and the early bird opportunity to register for your best date! We will do yoga Saturday morning and afternoon, and have plenty of time for walking the woods or just relaxing. Includes dinner Friday night, elixirs and smoothies Saturday morning, Saturday breakfast, a larger midday supper and and a light meal before leaving. As my dad used to say, “Anyone leaves the table hungry, it’s their own d*&m fault!”
Same fun as the retreat above, but we've opened a few spots for another date!
This premium gives you full registration, and the opportunity for register early for the best date! With a two night retreat, you stay Friday evening until Sunday early afternoon. Saturday will feature two yoga sessions, and a special workshop. Visit the shops in town, get a massage treatment (yep, we plan to bring these services right onto Soul Farm), and just enjoy a little more country vibe.
Same as the two night retreat above, just another date choice!
Jeanie scored a couple dozen of different teacups and saucers at a vintage sale, and we can't wait to fill them with spring flowering plants! These will be available early May, and we will pick one for you and deliver within a two-suburb radius of Brookfield.