Beekman 1802

The Mansion:

One of the products:

Josh and Brent:

About a year ago I literally ran into a TV show while surfing called "The Fabulous Beekman Boys". It was a real-life drama about two guys (Josh and Brent) that were from New York City, got lost during a leaf-peeping, apple-picking jaunt in upstate New York, and came across this beautiful mansion that was for sale. Five bedrooms, five baths, seven fireplaces, a swimming pool and a crypt that holds remains of Beekman and his slaves. That is a pic of the mansion above - here are some shots from the inside --- it is TOTAL gorgeousness. The rest is history. They literally bought the farm, got someone to help them with goat raising/milking (Farmer John), got pigs, lambs, chickens, turkeys and a narcissistic llama with some resident cats.

This is Polka Spot the llama with some of the goats

What followed was a project to where Josh would continue working in advertising in the City coming to the farm on weekends and Brent would be full time on the farm and opening a retail store and other assorted marketing ideas where eventually, they could both stay full time on the farm.

The Store

 I was hooked...the show I happened to watch had mother goats having their baby goats and Farmer John in tears as his prize goat, after a lengthy labor, gave birth to Hallelujah...it touched my heart, and started my ideas turning to my own farm -- not as large, or as fancy and certainly not having a mansion, but a farm. With goats and stuff -- you may have read about it here.

This is Farmer John with his goats -


So, when Annie came to stay with me last year while finishing her clinicals, I introduced to her to my new favorite show. She too, was hooked. Since then, we have continued to talk, Skype, reminiscent conversations regarding Beekman. She got John to watch, and Ron watched as well. Then came Christmas, and Annie and each had similar ideas -- though we didn't share them because we wanted our gifts to be a surprise! Well, no one was more surprised than we were when we found we had each ordered the other Beekman DVDs (and ordered one for ourselves). I also got a Beekman 1802 long sleeved tee - worn by Maria the proprietor of the Beekman retail shoppe who sent me a handwritten card thanking me :) You just can't beat farm people...or goat people...

Books, DVDs, tee shirt and Maria's card. We posted this to the Beekman 1802 Facebook page. Yes, Polka Spot, the Llama has her own Facebook Page too. She is very much in love with herself - news lately is that she awaiting her contract from L'oreal :)

After surprising each other we went on their website and ordered some of their goats milk cheese (which we have seen them make on the show)...

This is the goats milk cheese - actually it is 60% goats milk and 40% cows milk. You see, you need the enzymes in the cows milk to curdle the cheese. It is covered with ash (that black stuff) after aging for 4 months. The milk comes from Beekman goats. We (Ron and I) have been researching this....for the future farm you understand. Now, let me tell you ----- it is DELICIOUS!!!!!!!! (and half gone at this point)

And just so ya know, this cheese has been tasted by many people in the know- and has gotten awesome reviews - including this one and others. All I know is that it is very, very tasty indeed.

Also, they make  goats milk soap. Brent tied 1400 of these packages one weekend for shipment during an episode - one soap created for each month of the year, they all smell differently. Aromas from the smells on the farm during that season...they are awesome....

You can find all of this on the Beekman 1802 website.

So why does this intrigue me and make me so happy? Here you have two people who had a dream, followed that dream, did the work, did the research and learned from others,  and now are reaping the rewards in so many ways. So is the town of Sharon Springs, New York. Before the farm was purchased, the post office was getting ready to shut down and many people were leaving - no jobs. Now, Beekman 1802 has opened a store downtown, others have followed suit and the post office has more work than they know what do with . The show has been temporarily discontinued from Planet Green who is going off the air. I have no doubt it will be picked up shortly by another network. In the meantime, Josh and Brent continue to keep their readers updated, as does Polka Spot, through the social media. The cheese and soaps are showing up in 5 star restaurants, stores, bridal recommendations...etc. etc. etc. And many people like myself see how it really can be done....really done. Really.

I think I will go have some of that cheese ....

P.S.
If you are really interested (or even just sorta interested) you can order the Fabulous Beekman Boys seasons 1 &2 on DVD from Amazon.com. The book entitled The Bucolic Plague is Josh (Kilmer-Purcell's) book concerning this story and can be ordered as well. It is funny, open, honest and a bit snarky in places -- you will enjoy.