(This article is part of a series that spotlights historic farmhouses in Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, Kent and Talbot counties. These homes are being given new life by the younger generation that lives in them presently.)

Field stones were sourced from the property and used to create the stone floors and wall in the original house. (Photo by Lisa Gowl)

In 2016 Michael and Lisa Gowl had finally settled into their home in Cooke’s Hope at Llandaff and were putting down roots when an unexpected opportunity arose. A farm on the Wye River was for sale. Were they interested?
The farm was originally established by local environmental attorney Steve Hamblin. The main house, built in 1978, deviated from architectural trends that were popular during that time period. Its design is that of a historic farmhouse that includes many features to support an eco-friendly, off-grid lifestyle. Lisa described it as a pseudo- “science experiment” that was ahead of its time. The home is heated by two woodburning stoves, one of which serves as an oven and range in the kitchen. Two Rumford-style fireplaces provide both heat and ambiance in the living and dining rooms. The floors in those two rooms are made of field stones that had been gathered by the original farmer of the property, many of which bear scars from plowing. Hamblin incorporated them into the design as a nod to the history of the property, and also for their ability to keep the floors cool in summer and warm in the winter. 300-year-old Georgia pine floors and a fieldstone wall in the home are also in keeping with the historic aesthetic.
Hamblin imported a windmill from overseas with the intention to power batteries in the basement that would serve as a power source for the home. Sadly the windmill could not withstand an Eastern Shore winter and is no longer functional, but it provides a pleasant addition to the landscape. A greywater system recycles water from the washing machine, sinks, showers, and tubs to provide irrigation in the greenhouse for the herbs, lettuce, and beets grown there.
It was not just the design of the house that was a testament to how passionate Hamblin is about environmentally conscious living. Lisa discovered a handwritten log inside the door of the fusebox in the pole barn where Hamblin had recorded the dates when the osprey returned and when the daffodils bloomed. It is the same kind of love and appreciation she and Michael share for the land, and their hearts were set on owning this slice of Eastern Shore paradise.
The Gowl family took ownership of the property in 2017 and, taking inspiration from the location, officially named it Wye River Farms LLC. Improvements they made after moving in were adding an inground pool, converting the pole barn into a pool house, and building a horse stable, poultry barn, cattle barn, equipment barns, and a riding arena.
Agriculture and livestock are very important to Michael and Lisa, and they wanted to establish a homestead that would encourage those same interests in their children. Michael grew up with horses and was in 4-H. Lisa learned how to garden and can at a young age and has involved her children in that process. “I started having the kids help me when they were old enough to squish tomatoes or pick strawberries. Now the boys peel peaches and pack the jars. We make enough strawberry jam each summer to last us all year. I love having the kids pick, wash, and can with me,” Lisa shared. She also loves harvesting the apples and pears that grow in the orchard near the pond. After she and Michael tracked down Hamblin to get more information about the house and property, he was more than happy to come by and show them how to maintain the fruit trees.
The family has ample space for their chickens, turkeys, Katahdin sheep, horses, and beef cattle.
“Living on the farm has definitely given the kids a passion for sourcing their own food. They said they will never buy another Thanksgiving turkey again!” Lisa shared. The Gowl boys enjoy raising and processing turkeys for friends and family. Hay, corn, and soybeans are also grown on the farm. Lisa explained that adding buildings to the property was relatively easy in terms of permitting and construction. Renovating the home, however, would be a different story.
The proximity of the home to the shoreline made applying for variances almost impossible. They would have to stay within the original footprint of the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home, and as their family grew it became apparent that they needed more space. The Gowls chose to build a new five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home on the farm with plenty of living space for their family of six. The new house even has a finished basement, which will provide extra closet space and room for activities.
A black walnut tree from the farm was cut and milled to create the kitchen island, office desktop, and counters, creating additional workspace while also giving a nod to the rich natural resources available on the farm. The original, circa 1978 house will serve as a schoolhouse for the Gowl children. Lisa has a background in education and has homeschooled since 2016.
Wye River Farms is more than just a home for the Gowl family. It provides a place where they can each pursue their interests and passions. For Michael that comes in the form of hunting waterfowl. For Lisa, it is growing and cooking the vegetables and meats sourced right from their farm. For Lane, Beau, Charlie, and Gracie it means fishing in the pond, hopping on their horses for an impromptu ride, caring for their 4-H projects, riding dirtbikes, playing in the woods, or practicing their archery skills.
The Gowls have truly found their forever home on the banks of the Wye River.