Our History…
Mr. Sankow’s grandfather, Buzzell Sankow bought the land in 1917 for $2,000. The farm remained a dairy farm until the milk industry in New England collapsed some 35 years ago. The family then turned to hay and beef cattle. In 1984 when Stan and Suzanne Sankow took over the farm, they introduced sheep to the 175-acre setting. They began with two, named Sherry and Ding, which were a gift from Stan to Suzanne. Suzanne spins and weaves so her own sheep seemed a natural fit. Now, the farm is home to a dozen nut-brown Jersey Cows alongside the 600 sheep – Frislands, Romneys and natural coloreds.
Today…
The Lyme, CT farm is named Beaver Brook for the creek that runs through the property en route to the Connecticut River. The farm now makes and sells artisanal sheep and cow’s milk cheeses as well as milk, the Wool Shop features hand-spun wool garments including socks, scarves, sweaters, hats, vests, and blankets. They also sell yarn made from their own wool. They offer fresh lamb, chicken, beef, and fresh eggs at their farm store beside homemade entrees such as white bean chili and lamb curry stew. Each year, the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Sankows host a Farm Day which include sheep sheering and spinning demonstrations, horse-drawn hayrides, and free samples of the farm’s meats and cheeses. Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm is open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.