A Chat with the Owner, Alyssa Gomez
No matter the reason you find yourself at Sweet Springs Family Farm, you will feel welcomed and peacefully transported to this countryside retreat. Owned by the Gomez Family and with a rich history dating back almost one hundred years, I sat down to interview Alyssa to learn more. Not only is she the owner but its current iteration is a result of her impassioned vision. Learn more about how this peaceful nest came to be.
Q. Tell me about the dynamic history of this property.
It first was a school! It was called Black Butte School House and it was opened in the 1920’s. All the children of the local London Springs Mercury Mine workers attended. After the school closed, it became a church. Later in the 1950’s, it was actually a restaurant called the Squat and Gobble! I have heard many fond memories of this house and restaurant, even a sweet woman that went to school here. When we were putting in our garden, we had to move a lot of earth, unveiling all kinds of old treasures from back in the day. It’s such an interesting place!
Q. Are you from this area?
Not originally. I was born in in Portland, Oregon and moved to California at the age of two. I grew up in a small town right outside of Yosemite National Park raised as a country girl. I have always appreciated small town life. It was so special having the national forest as my backyard and the ability to ride my horse to high school and the ice cream parlor! As an adult, I couldn’t wait to return to Oregon—I was be summoned to return home.
Q. What made you want to live on this farm?
Although I was raised simply, I had BIG dreams. from a very young age I always wanted my own farm—one big enough to have ALL the animals. I had a dream to have a venue and a lodging farm stay. A few years ago, I went back to my childhood home and opened my treasure chest. I spent hours reading old diaries (I use to write like crazy, DREAMING UP MY DREAMS). In these writings, I found my dreams of this and I had everything planned. The vision was set and I simply needed the foundation. And that was Sweet Springs Family Farm.
Besides all that, I love the peacefulness the country offers, the smell of burn piles and horse poop, the craziness that the animals bring, the brightest stars you’ll ever see, and running wild in the woods. These are just some of the things about the farm that I can list as my own personal heaven.
Q. What are some of your favorite things about having a farm and running the BnB?
I love running the BnB and farm because I love taking care of people and making them feel amazing! Sharing my passion for farm life and teaching these ways to my guests is a favorite thing. I love inspiring people and encouraging them that they too can do this—a lot of my guests have this same dream! It is so meaningful to help people relax and allow them to feel spoiled. It’s also a passion of mine to help people celebrate special milestones in their life and watching them grow over the years. I love watching my kids grow up as farm kids, running naked in the woods, sleeping with the animals, using their wild imaginations as they explore the woods, taking hikes with the pigs and goats. I LOVE most of all that the farm to me feels like home. It is clear I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I love! It’s a dream come true.
Q. What are some of the best features of your BnB including recreation or nature around you?
- Fresh home cooked breakfast
- The friendly animals
- The hospitality and attention to detail
- The river swim hole and nearby lake
- Hunting, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, biking, hiking, snowmobile, boating
- Outdoor movie nights
- Campfires
- Play structure, sandbox, play kitchen
Q. What animals live on the farm?
Ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, goats, horses, dog, and cats.
Q. Lastly, what do you want your guests’ experience to be?
I want them to feel like they actually got a vacation. They should leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and totally spoiled – a vacation where they feel like they don’t need a vacation from their vacation. My hope is they feel their relationships have a stronger bond due unplugging, enjoy each other’s company and all that mother earth has to offer. Ultimately, we hope this experience adds kindness to their life experience and brings families closer together.