By Don Steen
Staff Writer • [email protected]
ROCKPORT – Members of the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce were treated to a tour of Farmhouse Stable last months, on the grounds of the former DeLovley Farm of saddlebred horse fame. The new owners, Debbie and Mike Nichols, have big plans for the property and were eager to show off the sprawling estate and the renovations thus far. By next spring, the couple hopes to begin welcoming adventurous guests looking for a chance to camp out inside a heated barn, or other rustic accommodations. The property could also serve as a gathering place for regional corporations, community organizations, weddings, and other private events.
The Nichols bought the DeLovely farm in December of 2020 and have been living on the property even before the sale was finalized.
“They allowed us to move over here Thanksgiving weekend of 2020,” said Debbie. “We put a camper right out here, because we sold our house in three weeks and had no place to go.”
The Nichols new home has a great deal of history behind it, with the main farmhouse enduring around 175 winters. Needless to say, some renovations were called for. After more than a year the old building had been taken down to the studs and completely remodeled.
The main attraction for Farmhouse Stables, however, lies on the surrounding property. The property encompasses 25 acres, including a ring of woodland that the Nichols plan to keep intact to preserve the country atmosphere of the grounds.
Equestrian aficionados may also be familiar with the horse barns on the property, featuring 56 stalls all in all. Farmhouse Stables already boards horses for some local residents, such as Coroner Layla Thayer. However, the Nichols do not plan to try to recreate DeLovely Farm’s glory days of playing host to the show horses of the stars.
At one time, the property hosted prize horses from the likes of William Shatner and Toby Keith, but the Nichols have other ambitions.
“We’re not going to do the saddlebred horses like the DeLovely’s did,” said Debbie. “That’s just not our gifting. They were very gifted at that, and we appreciate the history here. We’re grateful that we can carry on the history, some of that, but also move forward in the future and see what we can do with it.”
Read more on this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Featured Image: Co-owner Debbie Nichols leads the tour group through one of the horse barns on the property.
Debbie Nichols converses with Coroner Layla Thayer as they stroll through one of the horse barns.
The tour group stands outside and views the exteriors of a few of the barns.
An interior view of one of the horse barns on the Farmhouse Stables property.
An exterior shot of the house on the Farmhouse Stables property.
Layla Thayer with her horse, Toobie.
Co-owner Mike Nichols presents to the group as he stands outside of an empty stall in one of the horse barns.
The tour concluded with a group meal and refreshments in the Nichols’ kitchen as they discuss more about their goals with the business.
