While I had no idea what a “transformative therapy” was, for some reason I trusted Wendy, the spa manager at Horse Shoe Farm even though I’d just met her. She looked me in the eyes, smiling behind the mask (it was my first trip since the world shut down last year) and explained that I was safe and so very welcome in the spa space, a beautifully renovated horse barn on the 86-acre riverfront estate.
I’d wandered down the grassy hill to the pasture and barn, meeting a goat named Bob Marley who couldn't have cared less about me, much less the transformation I was about to enjoy.
I felt I was in the presence of greatness and my senses were alerted and brightened by nature and all its wonders rolled out just for me. Or, so I assumed.
He, too, was likely in a trance; the kind I was falling deeper into every moment I spent on the blissful property. Earlier, I’d moseyed across the pasture to a path rimmed by the winding French Broad, the third oldest river in the world. I felt I was in the presence of greatness and my senses were alerted and brightened by nature and all its wonders rolled out just for me. Or, so I assumed.
This sense of elevation, clarity and connection happens for guests in and out of the spa, by design and the blessings of nature on the property; an intimate luxury farm stay experience with eight houses available to rent, from adorable cottages to timeless manors.
Another perfectly renovated barn houses an indoor/outdoor playground for adults; a lounge with leather seating and sweet stereo set-up (with a decent vinyl collection), wide tables for games, interesting books, fly fishing gear, bikes, and a craft corner that would impress Martha Stewart.
An old silo has been renovated as a cozy meditation space, inviting a soulful climb to the top where the sun shines in on an inviting pile of pillows. Perch there and read the quotes, dreams, and wishes written on the walls, and add yours.
Do this after your time in the spa, as your head will be clearer and your body at peace.
Transformative therapies includes cranial tuning, Feldenkrais-Bio-Energy Therapy, acupuncture and Ayurvedic consultations. I fully endorse this side of the spa menu, though wouldn’t leave without a foot treatment or facial for a super chill experience.
“We discover that most of our guests come with an itinerary of day trips but end up staying put,” says Jordan. ”They use the time to realign and reimagine.”
Jordan Turchin is the manager of this very special property just outside Hendersonville, NC (itself a destination, or a nice bookend for your trip to The Horse Shoe Farm). His family of developers bought the land and surrendered to its sanctity, recognizing their responsibility and honoring the opportunity as space holders. “We discover that most of our guests come with an itinerary of day trips but end up staying put,” says Jordan. ”They use the time to realign and reimagine.”
The accommodations are just as unique and special. The Magnolia Manor is decorated with a modern and eclectic collection, with a chef’s kitchen, sprawling front porch (and hot tub) overlooking Mount Pisgah, and a stone’s throw from a labyrinth - a meditative walking path where you can listen and maybe even find something that was missing.
From Naples, fly to Asheville connecting through Charlotte. Or, stop on your drive north for the season.
155 HORSE SHOE FARM DRIVE
HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28791
INFO@THEHORSESHOEFARM.COM
828.393.3034
