Read Full History of Fairburn Farm

In the spring of 2005, Fairburn Farm Culinary Retreat and Guest house was re-modeled and re-opened under the direction of chef, culinary activist and cooking instructor Mara Jernigan. Here, she has formed a unique partnership with Darrel and Anthea Archer, the farm's owners, and operators of the Cowichan Water Buffalo Dairy.

Over the past 115 years, Fairburn Farm has gone through many changes while always retaining its peaceful atmosphere in a natural unspoiled environment. Located on 130 acres, Fairburn Farm allows guests the opportunity to stroll between pastures enjoying mountain views, a meandering creek, peaceful forest and historic farm buildings. The sprawling south facing verandah is the perfect spot to curl up with a book, or relax and talk over a glass of local wine.

While Darrel and Anthea focus their efforts on establishing a milking herd of genuine river water buffalo and making buffalo mozzarella and other buffalo dairy products, Mara has expanded the services at the guest house to include culinary getaways, cooking classes and dinners for her in house guests. The gardens overflow with vegetables and culinary herbs, and Mara's rare breed San Clemente goat and Navajo Churro sheep graze in the historic apple orchard.