About

David’s Folly Farm

David’s Folly was established in 1819 by David and Abigail Wasson. It’s on this land that they raised 10 children while running the farm and the nearby Wasson Shipyard.

Back then, folks scoffed at the idea of farming on such a low stretch of land by the sea. Hence the name, “David’s Folly”. Yet at more than 200 years old, it’s no Folly at all as it’s still one of the long-established farms in Brooksville.

Minerva E. Cutler bought the property in 1939. During Minerva’s early days at the Folly, she and her partner Gladys Peterson (a talented carpenter and teacher, known in the community as Pete) worked on fixing up the Folly and running it as an Earthworm farm. Together, they became known for David’s Folly Earthworms that built topsoil and for David’s Folly Plant Food. Minerva was certainly a farmer before her time as she shipped her product across the country and was known for her organic gardening.

As farmers soon realized other forms of income are necessary, Minerva and Pete expanded their farm operation into a popular bed and breakfast in the 1950s.

It was well known that “the coffee pot is always on the stove and every good thing you like to eat comes from the oven,”.  Rooms were rented at $25 per night and the barn was full of games and dancing.

Minerva was a true pioneer of her time running both operations into the 1980s.

The farm went quiet for a handful of years. Donald Sussman acquired the property around 2006. For several years various young farmers made their own mark in operating the farm and selling between a variation of the on-site farm store and at local markets. 

We arrived at David’s Folly in Spring 2012. We embark on bringing our goat dairy dreams to fruition with three little ones in tow. Following a long year of upgrades and cleaning out the barn we became owners of David’s Folly Farm in May 2013. 

Sheep, pigs, and chickens all accumulating along the way. And, of course, the donkeys that have won our emotional hearts.

A few seasons in, the entrepreneurs in us realized we needed another thread to this farming venture.

We welcomed our first farm dinner, and then our first wedding to shake the floors of the barn with an incredible band from New York City.

This very soon led us to realize our farm was meant to bring community and families together on all levels.

John are I are energized by love. Seeing love grow in all its colors. Love is sweet and salty. Imperfect, just like our rustic venue that can be the canvas to your celebration.

Choosing to have your celebration on our working farm puts you closer to someplace we all came from long ago. A place that holds the season and carefully cultivates the food that can be grown to nourish us and surrounding neighbors and community.

As the fourth owners of David’s Folly Farm, we see ourselves as stewards of this land and the buildings we dwell in. All needing careful attention to keep it thriving and structurally strong.

It’s a gift to be here and we are forever changed by becoming part of the story.