100 acres of peaceful farmland surround the beautiful main ranch house. It is time to leave the hustle and bustle of the noisy city behind and step back into a slower pace here on the line. The ranch has been a cornerstone and gathering place for over 90 years for Melanie and generations of her family. Founded by Melanie's grandparents, Andy & Lucreica Haynes. The property stretches along the Arkansas/Louisiana border showing the beauty of both states in one place. Yes, we do have two addresses, two mailboxes and two sources of electricity in the main house - a great feature in a rural area.  

Andy & Lucrecia Haynes purchased the land in 1923 from the Caswell family to move their own young family here and begin what would be a Legacy of love for this land for their two daughters, their grand daughter and now even their great grandchildren. Chances are when they moved all their belongings on the back of an old horse-drawn wagon to set up home in the big white house, they never imaged it was the beginning of a legacy that would be passed down for 3 generations. From the beginning, in the 1920’s and 30’s, it was a place that welcomed many visitors from all walks of life. There were dignitaries to sharecroppers who visited and sometimes lived on the farm. Hospitality was always felt by those who visited and most left with a good story or two.

In the late 30's and early 40's the farmland produced many fruit and vegetable crops but the main source of income was cotton crops that were worked with the help of share-croppers. Families would move into the temporary housing on the farm during the planting and harvesting seasons. A syrup mill once stood near the old barn to process the many acres of sugar cane. Beautiful orchards, crops of peanuts, corn and peas were also a mainstay as well as cattle, chickens and pigs were all an important part of the ranch. Andy built a wonderful home for his family and a few of the original buildings he built still grace the ranch giving it its rustic country charm. Two daughters were raised on the ranch, Helen and Maurice. Though both would move away to raise their own families, but they both returned often to their home base bringing their families. 

In the late 70's after the passing of Andy and Lucrecia, the ranch sat dormant for several years.  The sisters were in the midst of their careers and family duties kept them less able to visit and care for the home place.  By the early 90's the pull for the beauty and peace of their beloved home place drew them back home. Together they replaced the old farm house that was in much need of repair, with a new beautiful home large enough for family gatherings and a new generation to enjoy. 

With the passing of one of the sisters, Helen and the passing of Maurice’s husband, Audrey, the care and continuation of the ranch was passed on to Melanie and her children.  Over the years many friends and family have traveled to this tiny country community to enjoy bonfires, trail rides, country cooking and a connection to this serene way of life. 

As we expand our Legacy into a full retreat and event center, we look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the Ranch soon.