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The Coulter Farmstead in Washington, just outside of Hope, is a unique vacation rental spot in Arkansas. The 186-year-old homestead is the perfect spot for a family retreat, family reunion, small wedding, or a quiet couple weekend away with multiple accommodation options for guests.
History of the Homestead Land
James Madison Coulter began construction on the main home in 1861. The house is typical of the antebellum Greek Revival style with original wooden floors and wood plank walls. Four wood-burning fireplaces establish the cozy environment that the Coulter family first experienced. Today, the home still houses original family furniture and period-appropriate furnishings in vibrant colors along with 21st-century amenities.
The Coulter family built a family farm in Centerpoint/Lockesburg in the 1840s. James Madison made his first land purchase of 80 acres in August 1837 at the Washington city office. An original log cabin was completed in 1840 and was the first structure on the Coulter Family Farm.
In 1861, during the construction of the new family home, Arkansas entered the Civil War, and the oldest Coulter sons joined the Arkansas infantry brigades. With the war pressing in on their land, the family moved away to the second farm in Texas. Unfortunately, the two sons were killed in action, and in their mourning, the family moved back to Arkansas. Coulter served the Reconstruction time from his family home in Arkansas and served as Sevier County judge until 1886.
Karl von Jaegersfeld, a German settler with Prussian royalty heritage, originally established the homestead land of Coulter Farmstead and raised a family in Washington. All of the current buildings on the property were moved to recreate the 1860s homestead in Washington.
Unique Accommodations at the Coulter Farmstead
- 1874 Still-Kirksey Cabin was initially constructed in Clark County by Green Still to set up a homestead on a small tract of land near a creek in Fendley, Arkansas. Here along the Town Creek in Washington, it seems like it’s always home.
- 1872 Ryder Log Cabin is a quaint and rustic 186-year-old historic log cabin with modern amenities. The porch overlooking the red barn, goat and cow fields makes the perfect spot for a morning brew.
- 1840 Owen Neal Log cabin is a 181-year-old dog-trot cabin that is perfect for multiple families as it sleeps 10. A two-bedroom loft and luxurious bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub is the ideal place to relax. Multiple rooms host wood-burning fireplaces, and windows provide glorious farm landscape views.
- Bozeman Barn Loft is the centerpiece of the farm in the historic red barn. The ground level serves traditional purposes with animal and farm equipment. And the hayloft is a beautiful two-story vacation space, complete with a crow trough tub and a private outdoor patio area overlooking the community garden.
All “stays” come with a homemade continental breakfast and access to the pool and cabana area. The farm-fresh breakfast made daily by the host, Bradley Hauser, is the top comment among reviews.
Stay or Do Some Shopping
Whether you are coming for a day or to stay overnight, do not miss the Wolff Mercantile. Each item in the store is carefully curated by the homestead caretaker. It features some of his favorite products from small-business owners and makers across the south. Popular items include goat’s milk soaps, teas, bread and soup mixes, sauces, hand towels, and children’s games and gifts. In addition, a new cafe and coffee shop will open in the back of the mercantile during the summer of 2021 as a destination lunch spot and can serve as a small group venue space for weddings and dinners.
The Wolff Mercantile was not originally located on the homestead. But, it is one of the most recognizable facades in Hempstead County history. The store opened in 1871 and stayed in the same family ownership for over 100 years. Ready to collapse, the owners moved it to the Coulter property and restored it to a 2,500-square-foot space. Receptions and family gatherings are held there. And it also holds the mercantile, shop cat and coming coffee shop and cafe.
2020 was a special year for Coulter Farmstead. While people were looking for unique, rustic, and safe locations to vacation, the popularity of Coulter Farmstead grew. With personal space for cooking in each facility and extra cleaning precautions, they experienced a sold-out summer and have seen the same this year. They hosted guests from Spain, a family reunion with attendees from both coasts, families, and couples just traveling through for a couple of nights’ rest before digging in the diamond mines and heading north for a lake.
Also on the grounds are the historic red barn, pigs, goats, cows, a farm dog, barn cats and vegetable garden. The rustic southern charm makes it the perfect place to rest for a weekend or to entertain guests. Host Bradley Hauser focuses on maintaining historic charm with added modern conveniences. He also maintains the history of the Coulter and von Jaegersfeld families and the farmstead property. With the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Historic Washington State Park, and Southwest Arkansas Archives nearby, the interaction and historical distinction set this venue apart.
Coulter Farmstead
209 Gray Street
Washington, AR
501.650.2296
Accommodations Booking
Historic Washington State Park Eksplor Game
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