Historic Kirkland Farm: A Destination Venue
Springtown in Bucks County, near Bethlehem, PA
In the spring of 2024, Historic Kirkland Farm will open its doors as a rustic venue setting for weddings, family gatherings, celebrations, reunions, retreats, photo shoots and film-making.
As part of a trend of New York City artists and writers who moved to Bucks County and purchased large farms for escape, leisure, entertaining and gentleman farming, Kirkland Farm was purchased in 1938 by the playwright, Jack Kirkland (father to the famous ballerina, Gelsey Kirkland) and soon became a gathering place for stars of the American Theater. Owned since 1999 by Robin and Marty Staff, Kirkland Farm has continued this legacy for 23 years, offering the vast community of New York City dance makers, performers and visual artists the opportunity to come to stay at the Guest House to create and develop work in the properties two barn studios.
In 2010, the farm became home for the annual non-profit Art of Preservation Farm to Table fundraiser, celebrating Bucks County’s local artists and the importance of the preservation and sustainability of the areas sprawling landscapes. In 2020, COVID forced the closing of the guest artist program as well as the annual fundraiser. Following the untimely passing of Marty Staff, his wife of 46 years, Robin, with more than 21 years of managing the guest artist program as well as the annual fundraiser from 2010 to 2019, has decided to continue the legacy of the farm, they both loved so much, as a rustic retreat and magical setting to be shared by all.
Deep in the countryside, down a long winding drive, Kirkland Farm is located just 76 miles from NYC and 56 miles from Philadelphia. Robin Staff lives on the property in the main farmhouse with her five dogs. Local farmers board their horses and cows on the property. The Guest House operates as a very successful Airbnb, with its antiques and charm, overlooking the woodlands, orchards, cornfields, barns, and horse pastures. This 180acre historic working farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania offers a unique setting for an enchanted spring, glorious summer or inspirational fall event.