317 Bebbington Rd, Ashford, CT 06278

CROOKES ORCHARD - A LEGACY FARM OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY AND OPPORTUNITY! One of Northeast Connecticut's most beloved agricultural destinations, presents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire 153 contiguous acres of working orchard, farmland, & scenic countryside. The property encompasses approximately 32 acres of improved cropland w/sprawling hay fields, picturesque ponds, & Bebbington Brook winding through the landscape, all abutting State Forest & Joshua's Trust protected land. More than 6,000 fruit trees, including 1,200 newly planted, yield 28 heirloom varieties of apples, peaches, & Asian pears. Carefully maintained orchard rows are supported by irrigation systems, while approximately 7 acres are enclosed by new 8-foot deer fencing w/3 double gates. A vibrant dahlia field further enhances the property's beauty & seasonal appeal. At the heart of the farm is the beautifully remodeled 3,601 SF retail farm store, long celebrated for its "Pick Your Own" traditions & broad assortment of locally grown & produced goods. Recent improvements include a turnkey commercial bakery, 2 walk-in coolers, updated office & restroom facilities, new HVAC, new roofs, partially replaced siding, new exterior doors, stone patios, and freshly painted exteriors. An attached glass greenhouse & additional hoop houses significantly extend the growing season. ***CONTINUE READING***

Additional improvements include a Morton barn w/extensive recent upgrades, a supply shed w/attached greenhouse, & a separate 1,350sf stone garage featuring a new cement floor & underground 200-amp electrical service pre-wired for 400 amps. Extensive road frontage along Bebbington Road provides 3 existing curb cuts, w/newly improved roads, parking areas, & drainage infrastructure throughout the property.The front 5-acre parcel is an approved building lot & may be subdividable from the remaining acreage. The former farmhouse was removed in 2022, creating a spectacular homesite w/panoramic views & recent survey work, full septic system design, soil testing, & topographical studies already completed. Approved special permits in place for a cidery, tasting room, private events, overnight accommodations, & a central bath house, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to expand an already established agricultural enterprise. A legacy property of remarkable beauty and versatility, Crookes Orchard offers the rare chance to steward one of Connecticut's iconic farms just 10 minutes from UCONN & 1.5 miles from the junction of Routes 44 & 89.