By Kristina Smith
If you’ve spent any time exploring Prince Edward County, you probably already know it has a way of working its quiet magic. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble across something that takes your breath away. Enter: this stunning seven-bedroom farmhouse tucked into a peaceful stretch of the County, complete with forest trails, golden wheat fields, and a secluded slice of waterfront.
Owned by NYC-based husbands Dan Hadad and Dan Fricker, the farmhouse is more than a beautifully renovated vacation home—it’s a passion project and a space intentionally designed for rest, reconnection, and retreat.
“We remember waking up here for the first time and just thinking, wow, this is truly a magical place,” said Fricker. “And we wanted to share that feeling with others.”
Originally a classic County farmhouse, the home has been lovingly restored with creamy whites, soft wood tones, and original pine floors that set a calming tone. There are seven bedrooms (eleven beds in total), sleeping up to 14 guests comfortably. A king room on the main floor, two queens upstairs, and four rooms with twins make it incredibly flexible for groups—whether you’re planning a family getaway, creative or reading retreat, or wellness weekend.
The living spaces were made for slowing down. The open kitchen flows into a spacious dining area anchored by a long family-style table—perfect for shared meals, journaling sessions, or morning coffee chats. There are sunny reading nooks, overstuffed couches, and lots of room to spread out. Outside, there’s a BBQ, bonfire pit, and acres of space to wander. And yes, the stars really are that bright out here.
Then there’s the land. More than a dozen acres of it, dotted with aging barns, grazing animals, and a peaceful trail that leads down to Adolphus Reach. It’s about 150 steps through the forest, and once you get there, it feels like you’ve left the rest of the world behind.
“When you get through to the end, the water just appears. You can’t see people in any direction,” said Fricker. “You’re just isolated. It’s really nice.”
For retreat leaders, there’s a lot to love here. The Dans have renovated a 34-foot studio space on-site, available for private use. Whether you’re planning a yoga weekend, a breathwork series, or a team offsite, the setting is as peaceful as it is inspiring.
“Some retreat leaders, if they’re new to it or new to the area, we can point them in the direction of, say, a winery that’s a bike ride away, or maybe activities they want to fit into the weekend. We can dial it up or down based on what the hosts need,” said Fricker.
They’ve also arranged private chefs, wine tastings, and birthday dinners in the space. The vibe is laid-back and supportive: you’re welcome to take the reins, or lean on the Dans for suggestions.
And while the home is just minutes from local faves in Picton and about a half-hour from Sandbanks, it truly feels like its own little world. If you’re craving that perfect balance of nature and comfort for your next retreat offering, this place might just be it.
As a queer-owned property, inclusivity and hospitality are woven into the fabric of the guest experience, and both Dans agree that the County itself lends to that feeling. A portion of each booking also supports The Dans’ own animal welfare foundation, named for their late pup, Neeko.
“It’s not just about giving people a beautiful place to stay,” said Fricker. “It’s such a unique experience. You’ve got this beautiful farmland—13 acres of open space, old buildings and barns, horses in a neighbouring field. You can see 360-degree views of the sunrise and sunset from the house. It’s nice to have space to roam around.”
The farmhouse is open year-round, offering a different kind of magic depending on the season. The Dans know it well.
“During COVID, Dan and I personally spent a lot of time there. We got out of our place in Toronto and ended up spending the better part of six months there. It was great. While I thought it was peaceful in the summer, waking up there with snow-covered ground is even more serene.”
Whether you’re planning your next retreat, looking for a spacious group stay, or just want to recharge somewhere special, the farmhouse might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Getting There: Prince Edward County is about a 2.5-hour drive east from Toronto. The farmhouse’s exact location is shared upon booking or request.
To Learn More or Book: Visit welcometothedans.com.
Neeko’s Foundation: Learn more at neekosfoundation.org.