Meet The Owners & The Sheep

The owners, Kay and Richard Early both graduated from JMU when it was still known as Madison College.  After living in various areas while Richard pursued his career as a Mennonite Pastor, the eventually returned to the Shenandoah Valley  settling in Linville which is about 15 minutes from Harrisonburg's city center.  It was at this time they established the small sheep farm that is now home to our Barn at Klines Mill.  The barn opened it's doors in 2009 and holds the memories of hundreds of celebrated moments in peoples lives.  

 

The venue is actually a transformation and expansion of the original barn built on the farm.  Once the family farmhouse was built, Kay went on to establish a catering company that she operated for 40 years before retiring and selling it so she could enjoy focusing on the venue, her family, and her community service.  Richard also retired a few years ago but continues to love raising his sheep.  Many couples have had pictures done with his fluffy friends.

 

A few years ago, they built the home that is now known as Creekside House.  The home started out as being part of their retirement plan but evolved into being available for our venue guests to rent as lodging along with the original Early Farmhouse located across the lawn from the barn.  Now, in addition to the venue, their properties can sleep up to 27 guests.  Kay and Richard have enjoyed giving our guests a home away from home while they celebrate their milestones at our venue.