Glastonbury Farm That Opened In 1908 Fades Into 'Retirement'

GLASTONBURY, CT — A cultural and business staple that has been around South Glastonbury for more than a century is closing, at least for the near-future.

Rose's Berry Farm's current matriarch, Sandi Rose, posted on social media that the farm would be closing because of "retirement."

The farm on Matson Hill had been a popular pick-your-own venue in South Glastonbury that opened in 1908. It was considered one of the largest blueberry farms in Connecticut with more than 20 acres of blueberry plants.

The farm also had featured seasonal favorites like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins.

It hosted the popular "Breakfast-With-A-View" events on Sunday mornings throughout the picking season. The farm was also a wedding and event venue that was open from mid-May to mid-October.

The farm stand at 1200 Hebron Ave. could continue if another farmer takes over, Sandi Rose said.

Sandi Rose sent out a heartfelt message on social media:

Dear Friends of Rose’s Berry Farm and Family:

It is with both a heavy and happy heart, that I am announcing my retirement from the Farm life.

Along with my late husband Henry (2008), and more recently my partner, Mark, I have enjoyed working on the farm, and appreciate all the help over the years from all our employees, the Jam Ladies, The Men – Winnie, Agustin, Elpidio, Ramiro, Carlos and more…(our Mexican help) – who I could not have done this without, all of our Seasonal help, Farmers’ Market Workers and especially Michael Draghi and Pedro Aviles.

Rose’s Berry Farm (RBF) is a magical place, where families and friends made memories, PYO Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries choosing a Christmas Tree, enjoying Fall Festivals, Hayrides, pumpkins, Apple Season, School Tours and Sunday Breakfast with a View (thank you to all my Sunday Staff!).

Thank you to my many tenants who rented the several homes on the Farm. Thanks for looking out for us when we are not here!

Over the past 10 years we have also enjoyed hosting weddings, bridal and baby showers and parties. We have also welcomed hundreds of RV’ers who stay here with the Harvest Host organization. In 2021-22 we also started an Airbnb which has introduced new people to the farm and area.

Thank you to all our vendors and suppliers and repairmen who supported us.

Our Stand at 1200 Hebron Avenue, which is rented from the Catholic Cemetery, may continue in 2023, depending on whether they find another farmer. Thank you to all our loyal customers who made that location a great success and to Winnie/Pedro and Staff.

I have been fortunate to grow up and live my life in South Glastonbury. After college and some business experience, I left the corporate world to work side-by-side with Henry as we expanded the vision and offerings at Rose’s Berry Farm. This beautiful enclave in the hills of South Glastonbury, holds so many family’s pasts and futures. This area was settled in the early 20th century by immigrants from Northern Italy who came to cut railroad ties and stone. RBF started in about 1908. Their ancestors have done a great job keeping all these farms going.

But all things much change, and I am grateful to both the Town of Glastonbury, and private buyers who have allowed me to step-aside and know that our legacy will continue and be kept beautiful.

We will be living primarily in North Carolina, where we have a home on beautiful Lake Norman, just north of Charlotte, near family. Part of us will always remain here, with our friends, families, and memories of all that we shared.

Thank you for all the love, friendship, and support over the past 40 years!

Love to all,
Sandi Rose

There is a movement afoot fr the town to purchase part of Rose's Berry Farm. See the details here.