THE FARM

TurnCoat Ciders are made from heritage apples grown at Fox Hill Farm the historic family farm of Benedict Arnold the first Governor of Rhode Island and the grandfather of the notorious Benedict Arnold the traitor.  The farm is comprised of four large pastures, outbuildings and a collection of contiguous antique barns, summer kitchen and carriage house built around an adjacent courtyard and farmhouse.  The farmhouse dates to 1670 and is completely intact. Fox Hill Farm is owned by Jeff and Abby Boal and are only the sixth custodian of the farm in over 350 years.

The orchards are in two blocks, a smaller southern block with mixed stone fruit alongside ancient apple trees dating 80 – 100 years old.  The larger northern block has 900 trees comprised of distinctive cider varieties on gently sloping, well drained soils.

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THE FARMERS


Jeff & Abby Boal are lifelong gardeners and tillers of soil.  Abby’s family history includes founding the Rye Ridge Nursery and Frederick Law Ohlmsted the great landscape designer.  Jeff’s family can trace their roots back to the vineyards of Portugal and the Madiera’s made with fortified wine.  Building an orchard was a natural extension of their past.  They manage Fox Hill Farm with a  small support staff and their trusty dogs Clover and Liam.

We grow seasonal vegetables in 39 raised beds which helps to reduce the weed population and is somewhat easier on our backs.  Melon, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, pepper, squash, artichoke, potato, radish and beets are highlights of garden.  The first harvest of tomatoes with mayo on sourdough is a time of great joy.

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THE ANIMALS

Beyond the orchards we also manage a flock of 47 Romney sheep.  They prove their worth every day by mowing the orchard grasses which keep the vole population in check while simultaneously boosting soil nutrients and health.  Romney are a versatile breed and are respected for both their wool and meat production.

Like the sheep our apiary provides a critical role for our tree and farm health through their efficient ability to pollinate the fruit tree blooms which happen in early May.  All told our bee colonies will populate approximately 1.5 million bees during the summer months and produce over 800 pounds of gorgeous raw honey.

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