By Kate Bartlett
Emily Theresa is the owner and operator of Lucky Day Homestead in Machias, just outside Ellicottville New York. She has been a part of the Ellicottville community since 1999 with various roles in the community throughout her years. She’s developed her passions for a self-sustainable lifestyle, connecting local farms, growers and gatherers with restaurants and remains inspired by her mother and grandmother. “I remember walking around the homestead when I first purchased it, through the fields and into the woods, so excited about every herb and plant and flower, and wanting to know more, diving into every book I could find.”
The planning for Lucky Day Homestead began when Emily purchased the estate from family about 12 years ago. I began a journey back in time discovering all the offerings of the homestead from the original creation. It has been an educational and emotional journey, one that I feel grateful to have experienced.” Emily embraces this lifestyle wholeheartedly, and is motivated to provide a stable, wholesome life for her children, and generations to come.”
Located at 5111 Roszyk Hill Rd. in Machias, The Homestead currently consists of a small farm stand, hay barn, country home and Airbnb tiny house. Emily keeps the farm stand well stocked with baked goods and primitive gifts made by herself and other local women and children. The hay barn utilized for small events as well as workshops during warmer months. “In the winter we welcome small groups inside the country home for cooking classes. During warmer months, and whenever possible, we move into the hay barn for these events. This space provides a unique place for learning the old ways. It offers 30 acres of rolling hills with a space for all ages to explore, gaining information about foraging and gardening, the growth of fruit trees and our raspberry patch.” The Airbnb tiny house offers guests the unique experience to spent the night under a bright starlit sky by the campfire, fully experiencing life in a primitive style while exploring the estate.
When Emily purchased the home it had very little electricity and needed a lot of repairs. “While the Homestead was in disarray, it was full of history. I’ve taken my time uncovering this world here, and rebuilding it back to a home for generations to come. The renovations are long but the dreams are endless. I encourage folks to come explore.”
Emily describes Lucky Day Homestead as a tranquil, healing retreat. “Visitors tell me out right they feel a shift when they are here. Ladies have acclaimed it to be a “magical place” with their eyes filled with tears. I know from my own experience, it has healed me to be here when the world has seemed an unruly environment. It makes me think differently about life in general, there is a deep relaxation that occurs when wandering my land. I aim to share a piece of that with folks and teach them how to obtain their own peaceful property and simplicity.”
Emily has been ‘officially’ baking as a home processor for 10 years. It brings her joy and the family ties of the recipes she bakes. ‘I love the history; wondering where the recipe originated. I imagine my grandmothers and theirs before them stirring and turning and making it just right before finding a taste tester. I enjoy the roots of the recipe and at times I twist a little of my own personal spin into it and that makes it all the more special. I love when someone bites into a pie or tart, or a cake and they close their eyes, lean their head back in complete satisfaction and I know they feel the warmth of home. That gives me goosebumps.”
The Homestead is “like unwrapping history, I feel like every time I turn around I am finding something here and wondering it’s origin – a flower, a berry, a tree with a reason for why it was planted where it was, a letter from a family member from WWI, a postcard from the doctor in town in the 1920’s, a book that came off the boat with my great grandparents that I can still gain knowledge from. It’s amazing to share this with folks from all over the world, giving them a spark of passion for their own family history and confidence for the future.”
The farm stand offers fresh baked goods Wednesday – Sunday 8am – 6pm at the homestead on Roszyk Road. Breads can also be purchased at Cupcaked in Ellicottville and pies can be picked up from Rise n’ Swine Farm in Holland. “We like to branch out to the neighboring towns to allow for our customers to pick up or fresh bakes without having to drive out to the homestead, bringing farm fresh to their table more conveniently.” Emily offers all baked goods made-to-order including pies, tarts and sweet and savory desserts for any occasion. This upcoming season, Lucky Day Homestead will be offering a culinary herb and edible flower share from June to September. Upcoming workshops include: Forest Foraging and Spring Sprouters hike (March 26), Clay Pot Cooking Class (March 25, private classes upon request), Community Seed Exchange, Plant Swap and Meet your Local Farmers (April 22, free for all), Mother Daughter Picnic Hike (May 13), Home Processor Day Clinic (June 10) and Women in the Wild retreat August 17-20). All workshops are pre-register, so call the homestead directly at 716-353-0193 to discuss the details and get on the list for desired workshop, or schedule a private cooking class or foraging adventure.
In closing, Emily reminds us to embrace a wholesome, organic lifestyle with appreciation for our roots. “I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. They way you love someone, how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art” – Helen Bonham Carter
Follow Emily and Lucky Day Homestead on Facebook and Instagram @luckydayhomestead.