What’s with the Name
Fermanagh is pronounced “fer-man-a.” We know its a bit of a weird name, but we love it. You can check out a pronunciation in the video below.
We chose Fermanagh Farms because of our history. The owners of the farm currently represented by three generations are the 6th, 7th and 8th generation immigrants whose ancestors settled on the 3rd Line of Bradford West Gwillimbury from County Fermanagh, Ireland.
OUR MISSION & PURPOSE
Fermanagh Farms exists to give people the opportunity to connect and celebrate with those important to them, the environment that sustains them and the spirit that created them.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FARM
The Mills Family has a long history of being farmers, neighbours and contributors to the local communities of Dunkerron and Schomberg and the wider area of the Holland Marsh, Bradford West Gwillimbury and York Region.
The property of the farm before the Confederation of Canada was originally designated a “Clergy Reserve” for the Church of England. It was later purchased by the Brandon family who immigrated from County Fermanagh in the early 1800s along with the Mills, the McCutcheons and many others. The Brandons cleared the land, built the barn (the portion on the stone foundation) and the red brick house. The Brandon farm was bought by Sinclair Mills (5th generation and grandfather of current owner) in the 1930s who lived and farmed across the road. The farm house remained empty for about 40 years until Ron Mills renovated and moved in and farmed both properties for his lifetime (he passed in November, 2021).
Thom and Lisa Mills, along with parents and children, have reimagined the farm into a place where many can enjoy. It is very much a part of our mission and purpose.
The family is joined by an exceptional team of events and hospitality professionals that are all focused on making your event the best it can possibly be.
Fermanagh Farms Timeline
In one way or another the property has been an active farm from at least 1893 (the date carved in the stone in the barn). We started hosting events in Fall 2019 and haven’t stopped since!
