BELLEPLAIN — The House of the Week at 550 Hands Mill Road in the Belleplain section of Cape May County is much more than just a home, also featuring a working flower farm and popular wedding venue.
The 16-acre property known as Sunset Flower Farm includes a 3,200-square-foot home with a 1,200-square-foot carriage house behind and a 4,000-square-foot rustic barn just past the colorful fields of flowers.
“This remarkable property combines comfortable living with versatile farm and entertainment potential,” listing agent Maura McCray said. “This property does not just offer a home but a lifestyle of many possibilities, blending personal comfort with entrepreneurial spirit less than 15 miles from the coastal waters of Sea Isle City and Avalon.”
The country farmhouse features a handsome foyer with wide-plank wood floors, 9-foot ceilings, four well-appointed bedrooms — including a convenient first-floor suite — a formal living room, cosy den, spacious eat-in kitchen, two contemporary bathrooms plus a powder room.
“The custom-built modern traditional farmhouse astounds with its high-quality build and thoughtful design,” McCray said. “Each room is crafted with attention to detail, offering a serene living space that merges seamlessly with the lush surroundings.”
Featuring abundant solid-wood cabinets, the kitchen has stainless-steel appliances and a tile backsplash, as well as an exposed beam partially separating it from the den.
The outdoor area, which includes an in-ground pool, is designed to provide a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle. There’s also a large covered porch with a ceiling fan and multiple cushy seats and concrete patio for dining al fresco.
The carriage house is used for flower preparation and sales, as well as to house tractors and supplies.
“Imagine running your dream farm steps away from your living quarters,” McCray said.
The barn, which features knotty pine siding, has a sitting room as well as a huge hall for hosting wedding celebrations, birthday parties or graduation bashes.
In addition to the picturesque entertainment barn and flourishing cut flower farm, the property plays host to private and agri-tourism events with a loyal following.
Sunset Flower Farm is owned and operated by Linda and David Rau. Both are members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Cape May County Beach Plum Association and the Southern Shore Region of Tourism of Cape May County.
“We pride ourselves on quality, freshness and presentation of our cut flowers. Peonies, sunflowers and hydrangeas are a few of the special varieties grown on the farm,” the couple states on their website. “In order to ensure the highest quality crops, you will see us harvesting our flowers in the early morning or late evening for lasting freshness.”
Weddings are hosted during the spring and fall in the event barn, which is New Jersey’s only venue on a working flower farm. The flower fields bloom with multiple varieties of peonies from mid-May to June, when the fields are filled with pink, white and red blooms. In the fall, there are fields of sunflowers and other annual blooms surrounding the barn with fall colors.
According to the website, many guests take advantage of the scenery and capture photos around the property.
The barn doors slide open on each side of the building to display the farmhouse tables blooming with decor and allow the open air to fill the room.
“The barn has a romance about it that is unmatched. Couples, along with their family and friends, can take in the surroundings and truly enjoy the beauty of the property all while in the reception space,” it states.
Not a floral aficionado? No problem. The opportunities and possibilities are nearly endless.
“Here, you can relax and enjoy the quiet, scenic views or maybe cultivate your own inspired garden sanctuary on the extensive grounds,” McCray said.
Additionally, the property is adjacent to the 21,300-acre Belleplain State Forest with more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Belleplain also is a well-known birding spot, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
“Whether you wish to simply cherish your private paradise and flower farm or explore the possibilities of a horse farm or other venture, this property offers all this and more,” McCray said.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff