Greeted by a Scottish Highland cow, you might imagine yourself in a bonny Scottish field.
Or you could be visiting Arkansas’ Coulter Farmstead, home to Theodore the Scottish Highland cow. Theodore is a charming ambassador for Coulter Farmstead, a bed-and-breakfast about 100 miles north of Shreveport. With a saltwater pool, an open invitation to visit Theodore and a short drive to a diamond mine, you might just think you’ve found your childhood dream.
A diamond mine? Yes! Crater of Diamonds State Park is just a quick 45-minute drive away in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Here, visitors can search a 37-acre field for genuine diamonds — and keep any they find. According to the Arkansas State Parks website, a 40.23-carat diamond was once found here — the largest diamond ever mined in the U.S. Imagine flashing that rock during your destination wedding at Coulter Farmstead.
If want to stay near the animals, you can sleep in the three-story barn, where the top two floors (the hay loft) have been converted into a cute lodge.
After a sunny day digging for diamonds, the saltwater pool next to Theodore’s field is a welcome respite. But Theodore is not the only animal ambassador on the farmstead. He shares a field with two adorable pigs, Sister Pig and Sua, who race to the fence for treats. Abel, a Great Pyrenees pooch, is often seen accompanying owners Katie and Justice West as they tend to guests and other farm animals — and sometimes Abel visits the cabins on his own to check on guests.
During their stay on the farmstead, guests are welcome to visit all the animals, which include goats, chickens, barn cats and a few more cows. Visitors should mind their manners, though, and stay on the right side of the fence, leaving the enclosures solely to the furry farm friends.
If you want to stay near the animals, you can sleep in the three-story barn, the centerpiece of the farmstead. The top two floors (the hay loft) have been converted into a cute lodge featuring an open floor plan with three sleeping areas — one in the main room and two ladder-accessed lofts on either end of the barn. The natural lighting inside is super inviting, but you may decide to relax on the elevated deck just outside.
Two adorable pigs, Sister Pig and Sua, also reside on the farm.
If barn life is not your style, choose from one of four rustic cabins, all updated and offering great Wi-Fi service. While the structures themselves and most of the furnishings are historic, the kitchens and bathrooms have been updated to 21st century functionality. Here, the sleeping situation is all about comfort: Guests routinely give Coulter Farmstead the highest rating for the super-comfy mattresses and luxe bedding.
With an optional delicious (and filling) home-cooked farm breakfast delivered to your cabin — plus Uber Eats delivering from town — you’d never have to leave the farm for a perfectly relaxing getaway. But if you want to venture out somewhere other than the diamond mine, there’s plenty to do within walking distance.
The farm is literally next door to Historic Washington State Park, so close that you might think the historic cotton gin next to the driveway is part of the farm. Take a short walk from the cotton gin up the hill to see all that the park has to offer: a tavern serving lunch and sweet tea, a candle shop, a print museum featuring historic printing presses, a weapons museum including flintlocks, muskets and Bowie knives, and numerous other buildings you’d expect to find in an early 1800s Southern town.
Guests are welcome to visit all the animals; just remember to stay on the right side of the fence.
Bowie knives? Why are those on display in southwestern Arkansas? History! Jim Bowie traveled through Washington on the Southwest Trail, a pioneer route with Texas as the final destination. And James Black, a Washington blacksmith, is credited with creating one of the original Bowie knives for the man himself back in the 1830s.
Coulter Farmstead's owners are happy to share their vast knowledge of local history with their guests. Visit the pool or the historic mercantile on the farmstead and you’re sure to find one of them available for visiting and seeing to your needs. The Airbnb description says it all: “Southern hospitality is served all day with a side of modern convenience, peace, tranquillity and simple beauty that will allow you to reset from your busy lifestyle.”
As a recent visitor myself, I can attest that my experience was relaxing from start to finish, truly a perfect weekend away from the city.
DIRECTIONS TO COULTER FARMSTEAD: Exit Interstate 30 at Hope, Arkansas (the location of President Bill Clinton’s Birthplace Home, now a National Historic Site) and head north on U.S. 287. When you get to Historic Washington State Park, turn right onto Franklin Street, and you’ll see the old cotton gin marking the entrance to Coulter Farmstead on your left.
A cozy campfire is a nice way to end the day at Coulter Farmstead.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: To book an overnight stay, visit coulterfarmstead.com or find them on Airbnb.
DINING OPTIONS: A home-cooked farm breakfast is offered for $12 per person, and delivered to your cabin. Full kitchens are available if you prefer to self-cater. For lunch, try The Tavern in the historic Washington State Park. A few restaurants are available in Hope, less than 15 minutes away. Try Sheba’s for breakfast or Jake’s for delicious BBQ.