Thatch Meadow Farm (TMF) is a place where time holds its breath. While parts of the land remain beautifully frozen in a bygone era, others reflect an effervescent spirit blooming beyond tradition. As one of the few remaining grand North Shore estates, its historic buildings remain steadfast, watched over by a majestic clock tower standing as a silent sentry over the land.
Thatch Meadow Farm is no mere relic; it is a living, breathing sanctuary. The farm pulses with the energy of artists and musicians who gather throughout the year to make and remake history. What might elsewhere devolve into hedonism here transcends into a profound celebration of life, echoing from our local community to the far corners of the planet. These seasonal festivals of art and song invite kindred spirits to share in the crafts of music, dance, and intuitive art, enveloped by fine company.
From the moment the rugged driveway charms you, the hum of suburbia vanishes, replaced by the comforting embrace of total escape. Across these 18 acres, one can feel the same inspired awe found at other great estates along the North Shore—capturing Great Gatsby imaginations and experiencing a Long Island that is genuine and rare. The residents here are as captivating as the landscape—quietly energetic and marching to a rhythm all their own. Life here requires a unique perspective; after all, we are a farm, and we reap what we sow.
A Note to Our Neighbors and Friends
So where is this farm exactly?
121 Harbor Road, St. James, NY 11780
While the rustic beauty of the farm occasionally erupts into celebration, please remember that Thatch Meadow is a private residence. Just as you value the sanctuary of your own home, we ask that you respect ours. We are unable to host uninvited guests or sightseers. If you are among the invited for a scheduled event, the directions below will guide you to our gates.
Due to the August 2024 storm, Harbor Road remains closed at its eastern junction with Christian Avenue (Main Street). To reach us:
1. Approach from North Country Road in Saint James.
2. Turn onto Hitherbrook Road and head north.
3. When the road forks, bear right onto Bacon Road.
4. Follow Bacon Road to the very end; our dirt driveway sits directly opposite you.
5. As you descend the driveway slowly, stay left at the fork to reach 121 Harbor Road.”
A little history…
This land has some pretty amazing history. It may be folklore but I am looking to supply evidence of the truth behind the stories that contribute to the mystique of this place. You probably even heard of some of the stories. Saint James was definitely "Loyalist" territory during the times of the Revolutionary War. Ever hear of the story of the woman who hung laundry out to dry as a means to communicate to Connecticut that the British were coming? She was later discovered as a traitor by the community and hanged (allegedly). That took place on a shore very near to this farm. But she wasn't trying to tell the folks in Connecticut. That is way too far and doesn't make sense. She was trying to warn Smithtown- the shores opposite us in Stony Brook Harbor.
It is also rumored that a boot of a Hessian soldier was found buried and in a stove. It is suggested that the soldier was wounded when stumbling upon this property and then died here. But because the owners were afraid that they'd be accused of killing him in yet another act of treason against England, they decided to burn him in a stove so no evidence could remain. They buried the stove. Years and years later when Lord Bacon (of Bacon Road) purchased the property, the stove was unearthed and a boot was found inside. Inside the boot were the bones of that Hessian soldier. Years and years later when carbon dating could finally confirm the age of the bones, we are only left with stories to corroborate the evidence.
I will not speak about how haunted this farm is. I've got my own story to share. And a few other people of the farm can share theirs. I'd have never believed in supernatural beings and I still don't although I'm now desperately searching for a scientific answer to explain what I had experienced. And when other people's stories match details about people and events without them ever having spoken to one another before, it makes disbelieving that much more difficult.
Here's a good glimpse of the farm circa 1932. The buildings still stand today and not much has changed since. There are a few trees missing today, a lot of overgrowth, and time has worn on the buildings but there is no mistaking the property. This is the Great Gasby of Suffolk County!