From Connecticut to the hills of Union County, Tennessee, Olivia Hill and her husband have settled into a slice of serenity.
While this serenity has come with challenges and is an ongoing work in progress, the Hills are ecstatic to share their slice with the community.
In 2016, the Hills decided to move down to Tennessee in hopes of immersing themselves in nature, agriculture and southern hospitality.
For years, Olivia had interests in wildlife and animal science, but never imagined herself being involved in agriculture. Little did she know that six acres and a farmhouse would later perk her interest and growth.
What started as a desire to grow some of their own food and provide a nutritious and raw diet for their dogs soon led to a small business and potential agritourism and educational site for Union County visitors.
As the Hills settled, they decided to start raising hogs, ducks, chickens and quail. This soon grew to selling eggs to visitors to start of their flock as well as selling pigs for people wanting to start their own small farm.
"If you have wanted to broaden your hog horizons, whether you've been raising them for years or this is your very first oink, we have the pig(s) for you."
Amid business growth, life stopped them in their tracks when Olivia became sick. During this time, she was always motivated to get up and go out to do farm chores. Olivia contributes part of this motivation to the community by being so understanding and patient during this time.
“Between farm sales and pick-ups, the community was so understanding,” Hill said. “Everyone’s patience showed me this was worth pursuing.”
After becoming established with the business and Olivia recovering from her illness, it was not long before the Hills wanted a larger plot of land to grow their herd and flock.
In 2021, with their ridges, pasture and creek around their tiny home mansion, they finally have a place to grow at The Keeper and Guardian Farmstead: “The biggest small farm this town has ever seen.”
In the coming years, the Hills want to provide an educational experience where visitors can learn how to grow their own food, manage a small herd or flock, and use the resources around them.
They are passionate about offering their guidance on nutrition, husbandry and housing.
“Nothing will ever beat an in-person hands-on experience,” Hill said.
Alongside the livestock, visitors can also enjoy the nature around them by pitching a tent on their camping site, The Farmer’s Forest.
Whether you are interested in homesteading, getting out and enjoying nature, or picking up some farm fresh grocery list items, the Hills have everything you may need. Make sure that before your visit, you book an appointment on their website at https://keeperandguardianfarmstead.com/.