Couple Repurposes Historic Barn
PHOTO PROVIDED A simple yet elegant outdoor altar where wedding vows can be exchanged at The Cider Mill at Wyndswept Farm in Muncy. Rolling hills and forested horizons provide a natural frame for special occasions.
MUNCY-A historic bank barn restored by hand is now available for weddings and other special events.
Marrying rustic charm with cozy indoor and outdoor settings, The Cider Mill is nestled among rolling farmlands and apple orchards on Wyndswept Farm, 3240 Muncy Exchange Road.
When Lance and Donna Armstrong bought the property nearly 12 years ago, the barn itself was in need of either repair or demolition. The rear portion of the structure was in such bad shape from not being taken care of-rotted–that the wall was collapsing and falling into the main foundation, Lance said. A few members from the Amish community removed the worst of the damage and work began by Lance to steadily restore the remainder.
Armstrong, who hails from Somerset, PA, was raised on a cattle farm. “My Dad, who’s in his 90s now, built this type of barn working for his father,” Lance said, who has done nearly all the restoration work himself.
Initially, the couple discussed opening a winery on the 16-acre property because of the plentiful grapevine arbors, but the idea to provide a beautiful setting for memorable occasions seemed more appealing.
PHOTO PROVIDED Indoor upholstered furniture sends guests an open invitation to rest and visit in this intimate setting at The Cider Mill venue.
“Many farmers are looking for ways to increase [their] income with their property, and this is where ‘agri-tainment ‘ steps in,” Donna said.
Like ‘agri-tourism,’ agri-tainment is simply providing an opportunity for entertainment in an agricultural setting, according to the Penn State Extention website.
What sets The Cider Mill apart from other venues is the outdoor arrangement using indoor furniture settings and primitive dcor, which surprisingly lends an intimate appeal. Upholstered sofas and Queen Victoria chairs, carpeting and coffee tables create a “sit and visit” invitation to guests.
Inside the barn itself, handmade farm tables from felled trees on the property and wooden chairs discovered at consignment and yard sales decorate the interior reception area. Bathroom vanities boast of chestnut wood and hammered metal basins. Wagon wheel chandeliers, repurposed by Donna, cast a charming glow within the barn confines. A sliding door opens to reveal the lower yard, overlooking where wedding vows can be exchanged.
Also available for photo purposes is an attractive 1949 Cevrolet truck. “It’s highest speed is 45 miles per hour,” Lance said.
PHOTO PROVIDED Hand-fashioned tables hewn from felled trees on the property await guests in the reception area inside the historic bank barn. Lance and Donna Armstrong have owned the property for the last 12 years. The property is open from May through October for weddings and other special events.
The venue books exclusively for six months of the year, between May 1 and Oct. 31, and eager brides-to-be are already reserving wedding dates for the next two next years, Donna confirmed.
More information can be found by visiting www.cidermillwyndsweptfarm, or by contacting 570-546-7047.
- PHOTO PROVIDED Indoor upholstered furniture sends guests an open invitation to rest and visit in this intimate setting at The Cider Mill venue.
- PHOTO PROVIDED Hand-fashioned tables hewn from felled trees on the property await guests in the reception area inside the historic bank barn. Lance and Donna Armstrong have owned the property for the last 12 years. The property is open from May through October for weddings and other special events.
Couple Repurposes Historic Barn
PHOTO PROVIDED A simple yet elegant outdoor altar where wedding vows can be exchanged at The Cider Mill at Wyndswept Farm in Muncy. Rolling hills and forested horizons provide a natural frame for special occasions.
MUNCY-A historic bank barn restored by hand is now available for weddings and other special events.
Marrying rustic charm with cozy indoor and outdoor settings, The Cider Mill is nestled among rolling farmlands and apple orchards on Wyndswept Farm, 3240 Muncy Exchange Road.
When Lance and Donna Armstrong bought the property nearly 12 years ago, the barn itself was in need of either repair or demolition. The rear portion of the structure was in such bad shape from not being taken care of-rotted–that the wall was collapsing and falling into the main foundation, Lance said. A few members from the Amish community removed the worst of the damage and work began by Lance to steadily restore the remainder.
Armstrong, who hails from Somerset, PA, was raised on a cattle farm. “My Dad, who’s in his 90s now, built this type of barn working for his father,” Lance said, who has done nearly all the restoration work himself.
Initially, the couple discussed opening a winery on the 16-acre property because of the plentiful grapevine arbors, but the idea to provide a beautiful setting for memorable occasions seemed more appealing.
PHOTO PROVIDED Indoor upholstered furniture sends guests an open invitation to rest and visit in this intimate setting at The Cider Mill venue.
“Many farmers are looking for ways to increase [their] income with their property, and this is where ‘agri-tainment ‘ steps in,” Donna said.
Like ‘agri-tourism,’ agri-tainment is simply providing an opportunity for entertainment in an agricultural setting, according to the Penn State Extention website.
What sets The Cider Mill apart from other venues is the outdoor arrangement using indoor furniture settings and primitive dcor, which surprisingly lends an intimate appeal. Upholstered sofas and Queen Victoria chairs, carpeting and coffee tables create a “sit and visit” invitation to guests.
Inside the barn itself, handmade farm tables from felled trees on the property and wooden chairs discovered at consignment and yard sales decorate the interior reception area. Bathroom vanities boast of chestnut wood and hammered metal basins. Wagon wheel chandeliers, repurposed by Donna, cast a charming glow within the barn confines. A sliding door opens to reveal the lower yard, overlooking where wedding vows can be exchanged.
Also available for photo purposes is an attractive 1949 Cevrolet truck. “It’s highest speed is 45 miles per hour,” Lance said.
PHOTO PROVIDED Hand-fashioned tables hewn from felled trees on the property await guests in the reception area inside the historic bank barn. Lance and Donna Armstrong have owned the property for the last 12 years. The property is open from May through October for weddings and other special events.
The venue books exclusively for six months of the year, between May 1 and Oct. 31, and eager brides-to-be are already reserving wedding dates for the next two next years, Donna confirmed.
More information can be found by visiting www.cidermillwyndsweptfarm, or by contacting 570-546-7047.
- PHOTO PROVIDED Indoor upholstered furniture sends guests an open invitation to rest and visit in this intimate setting at The Cider Mill venue.
- PHOTO PROVIDED Hand-fashioned tables hewn from felled trees on the property await guests in the reception area inside the historic bank barn. Lance and Donna Armstrong have owned the property for the last 12 years. The property is open from May through October for weddings and other special events.
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