Selah Farms

Selah is a Hebrew term used seventy-four times in the Old Testament. Since it is used mostly in the Psalms, it is thought to be a musical direction. Although its exact definition is unknown, it is most often defined as “to pause and consider” or “to rest.” Since the Feezell family is musical to the core, and desire their farm to be a retreat from the busy-ness of life for all their guests, it is aptly named “Selah Farms Equestrian Bed and Breakfast.”

house and pastures in the autumn morning mist

I may be doing this way ahead of schedule, but selfishly I want the honor of being the first to review this lovely Bed and Breakfast in Pikeville, TN. In all fairness, I am the first because my friends have not fully decided if this B&B is going to be open to the public, or simply a retreat for friends and family. In case they choose to make this a business (and I strongly suggest they should!), I want to go on record sharing all the excellent reasons people would want to visit.

Pikeville, TN is a small town (you can read all the demographics here) almost hidden away in the Sequatchie Valley about an hour north of Chattanooga. What the maps and demographics can’t tell you is how kind and welcoming the people of this community are. It didn’t matter if I was visiting a church, pharmacy, feed & seed, or charming antique shop (stop in and say hi to the Fowler’s at Coffee Cup Antiques on Main Street), I felt right at home. Be aware though that most shops close early, and early in Pikeville is about 4:00 in the afternoon.
The scenery is breathtaking! It doesn’t matter if we are driving down the mountain or if I’m looking out the bedroom window, the scenery is the stuff of dreams. If you enjoy nature, Fall Creek Falls State Park is only eight minutes away.
Kathryn overlooking the Sequatchie Valley
The hosts, John, Reina, Karis, and Sammy Feezell (and I admit I am biased here) have servant’s hearts and want nothing more than to meet your needs. On days I needed to rest (unfortunately migraines followed me here) they were kind enough to leave me alone, yet solicitous enough to “quietly” bring food up to me so it would be there when I needed it. On days I needed to work, they ensured I had what I needed, and encouraged me in my writing goals. On days I wanted to be more sociable, they suggested areas in town I might enjoy, served dinner outdoors with the family, and let me play with their animals. They provided the perfect balance of gracious host and invisible service.
The Bed and Breakfast itself is a great hideaway even if you never come outside. The private suite sits above a generous four-car garage and includes a living-room with fireplace, kitchenette, dining area, large bedroom and bath. I swear the king-sized bed has a magnet for humans, as it is so comfortable I have trouble getting out of it in the mornings. The decor is simple, the rooms are clean, and everything is designed for relaxation and comfort.
The Food is definitely something to write home about! Reina loves to plan, cook, and bake, and is happy to provide for specialized diets. I am vegan, and have enjoyed more variety and better cooking than I get at home or in some of the best restaurants in Dallas.
Farmlife… Selah Farms sits on thirty-seven acres, and features horses, chickens, angora rabits, pigs, and more. There are woods to hike through, a two-acre pond complete with canoeing and fishing, and you can enjoy the view or participate in the chores.
Kathryn riding Sasha, a career therapy horse
(google “hippotherapy” for more information)
Specialized packages are available. The Feezell’s have already created a number of packages such as mother/daughter horse-camps, silent prayer/meditation weekends, honeymoon and anniversary celebrations, father/son fishing and camping trips, retreats for church groups, dinner parties, and of course my writer’s retreat. If you have other dream vacation or get-away needs feel free to ask about the possibilities.