Monday, August 26, 2013

Spencer Peirce Little Farm and a Safari Jasper Necklace

Safari Jasper Necklace
These large flat beads are called safari jasper. I am guessing it was given such name due to its earthy tones along with markings that can resemble animal spots! This necklace is available at Etsy

Spencer Peirce Little Farm
Jim and I were taking a Sunday drive and stumbled upon the Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury, MA. I have never seen peirce spelled this way before.
This 17th century homestead features 230 acres. I just love the textures and colors from years of repair.
The land was originally granted to the Spencer family in 1635 as part of the first allocation of land to new settlers which is pretty amazing to think about. He was a wealthy investor who did things to lure in settlers.
The property was sold to the Peirce family in 1638. This family built the brick house in front showing off their masonry skills from England.
Then in 1778 came under ownership of another family and changed hands a few times until the Little family purchased it in 1811. 
What I found most interesting was that this house was lived in all to the way up to 1993! The Little family had deeded the farm to Historic New England before the final death. 
The inside museum was not open to the public when we were there. But the grounds are always open and it is also used for family activities as well as a place that fosters farm animals through the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

This is also home to several ancient maple trees that still look healthy although pruned many times!


The best part was some wealthy people live on this street that own an alpaca farm. 
Although this is on private property they do allow onlookers to check out the cuties. 
It was super sunny in a shady area that day and I am no photographer. Since the camera was confused my photos came out dark but these were the best! 
I love the hairdos and cottontails on these happy looking creatures. 

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!  ~Val

19 comments:

  1. Awww, there's nothing much cuter than alpacas! That's a beautiful old home -- it looks like it has held up well over the years. And I just had to hop over to Etsy and give your necklace some love!

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  2. This necklace is wonderful, Val!
    I've not heard of Spencer Peirce Little Farm. It looks like it is a great place to be with a camera.
    I wish you a wonderful week ahead!

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  3. I simply adore that necklace~it is gorgeous!
    What a rich history in the Farm...and interesting masonry...it must have been fantastic to see up close.
    Hope you have a great week, Val!

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  4. What a fascinating place; just my cup of tea! A pity the inside wasn't open. That necklace is so cute -- the stones really are safari-ish; leopard-ish more like :)

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  5. What a wonderful house, I love the brick wall and the weathered look. 1993 is only 20 years ago! :)

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  6. Those beads are fun!!
    The building is beautiful! I am happy to hear that they foster animals on the grounds. An all round lovely place :)

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  7. such cool jasper! love that pattern! and what a great old house - thanks for showing us

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  8. Awww...the Alpacas are SO cute :) The beads are very unique. Have a lovely day. Hugs!

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  9. Beautiful necklace!!! nice post!
    Have a good week, dear Val!!:)))

    Besos, desde EspaƱa, Marcela♥

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  10. my like in bloglovin for your post!!!:)))

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  11. Lovely necklace.
    I love the Alpacas there so cute. I recently had some alpaca yarn it was so soft.
    Don't they have such sweet faces x

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  12. Hello Miss Val, Beautiful Jasper necklace you have there. - And enjoyed your tour through the Spencer Farm ;)

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  13. What a lovely place to visit. You must go back to see the inside. The outside is beautiful! Love those alpacas! We went to an alpaca farm over here. Such cute animals - though I don't like them spitting!

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  14. What fun beads! They fir their name well.
    And what cool history about that land. The alpacas are so cute :)

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  15. Hey Val ;o) I love your new earthy necklace ;o) Beautiful!
    That house is magnificent! I love history! If this house could talk! Wow!
    Oh, and look at those alpacas! So darn cute!! I want to hug them ;o) The maple trees are gorgeous!
    Take Care, Hugs ;o)

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  16. Hello, Miss Val! It's been awhile, but here I am again! ;)

    Wow, those safari jasper beads are so pretty—such lovely patterns! They must have been fun to work with. :)

    And that homestead looks very cool! Don't you just love historical sites like that? I think it's so amazing to visit a house like the Spencer Peirce homestead and think about how long it's been around, and all the different people who touched the walls and walked on the floors and so on. It's really incredible how long that place has survived! It looks like you had a lovely visit, and I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. <3 Hope all's been well with you!

    Hugs,
    Taylor Lynn <3

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  17. Thank you for sharing your day with us ~ what a lovely tour!

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  18. Hi Val, what a really beautiful excursion you and Jim took to the lovely farm, looks like a perfect day. Love your safari necklace, it is really stunning. Hoping you have a wonderful Labor Day.

    Ruth

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  19. wow the farm house looks so lovely. thanks for sharing!

    the STYLE Fringe BLOG
    http://the-stylefringe.blogspot.com

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Thank you for stopping by! I love reading visitor comments! ~Val