Historic Wild Goose Farm will be open this Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. The open house event is specifically geared toward wedding vendors, as well as potential brides and grooms who have an interest in securing use of the facility for wedding or reception.

The property has recently been purchased by California couple Jay Clemens and Carolyn Seen who hope to continue to offer the property as an event venue.

Situated on 173 acres, the property was originally owned and developed by the sons of Thomas Shepherd, founder of Shepherdstown.

From 1838 until 1911, Wild Goose Farm was under the ownership of various members of the Shepherd family, which oversaw major construction phases resulting in a confluence of different architectural styles. Features of the mansion suggest Greek Revival influences, while others point to a New Orleans style which was likely informed by Rezin Shepherd’s years there.

Significant outbuildings include a cut stone springhouse built in a style reminiscent of a Greek temple, a stone smoke house/meat house, a stone and frame carriage shed, and a brick ice house.

Different sections of the farmstead are divided by retaining walls, stone fences and small roadways.

The farm retains much of its historic character, including the iron gate with the “Wild Goose” name, as well as the goose weathervane atop the barn. In 1911 the property was sold to engineer Edwin Jarrett (known for his work on the Holland tunnel in New York), who was responsible for the Colonial Revival additions.

Clemens explained that the barn will be the focal point for event rentals.

The original barn, constructed circa 1840, is a Pennsylvania bank barn typical of the Pennsylvania, Maryland, eastern West Virginia and northern Virginia regions.

During the late 19th century, the area was important for grain farming and agricultural processing industries. Wheat and corn were the primary crops; however, other crops included rye, oats, orchard fruit and hay. The Shepherd family also kept hogs and sheep, annually producing hundreds of pounds of meat and wool for market. Prized horses were housed in the long stable attached to the barn.

Clemens explained that in adition to the barn, he hopes at some point to make available his personal library collection which includes many rare Chinese and Japanese books.

“I hope for it to be a future resource for scholars,” Clemens said.

Those interested in attending the open house event on Saturday should contact the owners at 650-773-1375 so that they have an idea of how many people to expect.

Additional information on the property, including scheduling information and rates, can be found at the farm website: www.wfgevents.com. Photos are available to peruse at this site as well as on the Farm’s Facebook page. Specific information on the open house can be found on the Facebook page as well.