the code of the west
We are not a resort. No front desk, no concierge, no one to call about the hot tub temperature. It's wood-fired, so you'll need to plan ahead. Most people find that's actually the best part.
We have TVs, but not the smart kind. We're even phasing out the streaming smart TVs for old school DVDs and VHS. The Wi-Fi is spotty but there if you need it. There are vintage books, old magazines, and records too.
Farm Two53 is 80 acres of Alberta foothills, restored not recreated. The elk don't ask permission to stop by. The mountains are 20 minutes west and they're not subtle about it.
And just so you know, you are genuinely on a working farm. Chickens, cows, horses, and sometimes pigs call this place home too. They live here same as us. We love your kiddos and they're always welcome, but they need to be supervised at all times. There's also taxidermy. If that gives you a pause, we completely understand.
We still believe in old values. Cooking a real meal. Sitting outside long enough that the noise of your week fades out. Waking up and not knowing what time it is and genuinely not caring.
This place is for creatives, families, wanderers, makers. People who treat somewhere they're staying like it matters.
This is our home and we're opening it to you, so we take that seriously. We screen every booking manually because the right fit matters more to us than a full calendar. We keep it to 14 guests maximum. We'll have fresh eggs from the farm in the morning if you want them. We ask that you leave this place the way you'd want to find it. The land, the animals, the interiors, all of it.
If you're looking for polished perfection and a customer service number, we may not be it. But if you're looking for something real, you may have found it. Welcome to the farm.
— Deanna & Travis
good to know
A few other things worth knowing once you're here.
The farm has been in restoration since the day we got the keys, and honestly it probably always will be. The interiors are a labour of love, years of hunting down the right vintage pieces, layering eras, finding things that belong here. Some buildings are still waiting their turn. Mid-century purists may cringe at the crossover, but we consider it character.
We take pride in keeping this place clean and well looked after. But expect to see the occasional fly on a windowsill. They're never invited, but some years they visit and some years they don't. Warning, sometimes the prairie breeze blows right before guests arrive and can leave a scattering on decks. A few of our old doors don't always catch, so double check yours so you're not sharing accommodations with something that wasn't on the guest list.
If you leave your boots on the front step, check them before you put them back on. You'll thank us later.
The pool and hot tub are unfenced and unlocked. Use them at your own risk, supervise children at all times, and use good judgment. We trust you to treat them responsibly.
This is a working farm with a full cast of animals. Cows, horses, chickens, turkeys, pigs, ducks, cats, and a dog. Treat them with respect and give them space. If you want to meet them, we may be able to arrange something. Our barn cats and Doberman are friendly and still working on their boundaries. They mean well. We also share the land with wilder neighbours from time to time: elk, moose, deer, bears, cougars, coyotes, badgers, garter snakes, lizards and foxes. They were here first. Keep your distance and you'll be fine!
The property has a creek and several ponds. They're beautiful, but they're also unguarded. Keep an eye on little ones and anyone who wouldn't want to fall in (which should be everyone)!