Shady Brook Farm will remain in operation, but a plan to sell 80 of the 130 acres is moving forward.
The news was broken Friday by Phillyburbs.com, which reported the Fleming family that owns the farm will sell a large chunk of their land to a development partnership that includes DeLuca Homes.
“We will maintain 50 acres of our current footprint to preserve the Shady Brook Farm. We plan to continue leasing farmland from some of our neighbors. Moving into a more event and entertainment focused business model will free up space and capacity for growth, allowing our family business to continue to the next generation,” the Fleming family said on a website for the project.
The property is presently 130 acres and sits mostly in Lower Makefield Township, but a portion does sit in Middletown Township. The property borders Newtown Township.
Credit: Google Maps
As of Friday, no formal plans for development have come before the Middletown Township or Lower Makefield Township governing bodies.
The fourth-generation owners and siblings, Dave, Paul and Amy Fleming, said that they will have to work with the municipalities to get zoning changes to allow for any development.
Shady Brook Farm still plans to hold the popular Holiday Light Show, UnWINEd concerts, FallFest, pick-your-own days, field trips, and expand the Stone’s Throw Pub and create a restaurant and cafe in the historic produce packing house.
Credit: Visit Bucks County
The decision to sell a large part of the property comes as the family is preparing to hand over the farm and business from the fourth generation to the fifth generation of the Fleming family.
“We have successfully adapted to new business models for decades, and this is no different,” said Dave Fleming, co-owner. “We know there is a one percent chance for a family business to continue to a fifth generation. Our plan will allow us to preserve our business and make that leap successfully.”
The Flemings began to focus more on agritainment and events at the farm in the 1990s and that has grown into a thriving line of business that has supported a farm in Lower Bucks County.
“It’s important for people to know that we have 10 children who are part of the fifth generation, and we want to them be part of our family business any way that we can,” said Amy, co-owner. “We are committed to maintaining the business as a gathering place where families, friends and neighbors of all ages can visit and create memories worth repeating.”
More development is proposed in the area near Shady Brook Farm, and the Prickett Preserve at Edgewood 30-acre mixed-use development across the street is starting to open up with homes, businesses, and a Wegman’s set to open.
The Phillyburbs.com article noted that developers had previously come to the Flemings and proposed warehouses for the site.
The beginnings of Shady Brook Farm started in Bensalem Township in 1913 and then relocated later to its current location. The family noted the business has succeeded because they have been able to “continually adapt to the changing environment.”
Credit: Google Maps
The Fleming family also owns Rose Bank Winery in Newtown Township, a property which they have restored and upgraded since purchasing the former In and Out Winery in 2001.
