Storied Parksville ranch sees bright future

By Zoey McGee | Manor Ink

Parksville, NY – Located in this hamlet on a 70-acre property sits Arrowhead Ranch and Retreat and its sister company, Arrowhead Ranch Horse Rescue. The place is full of history and is in the process of being renovated. Rose Barnett, owner of Arrowhead, told Manor Ink about the ranch’s past and its plans for the future.   

“Arrowhead Ranch is notable because it was a music venue in the ’90s,” said Barnett. The original property comprised 800 acres and was owned by Kenny and Michelle Hoff. It held concerts practically every summer weekend. In 1991, Music Unlimited, curated by renowned music promoter Bill Graham, booked and managed a series of concerts. Bands that played included Phish, Hot Tuna, Max Creek, Richie Havens and Ziggy Marley.

Though not involved in the ’91 concerts, Barnett followed a band from Long Island up to Arrowhead. “The property just made an impression on me,” she said. “It’s a lovely place to come and has a nice energy.” 

Barnett then became a real estate investor, and the property, which had had multiple owners, eventually became vacant. Barnett bought it in 2017.

The property was not without imperfections, though. “It didn’t have any fences, running water or electricity,” Barnett said. “Every single thing had to be done.” Since then, she and a small group of  friends and employees have worked to fix up the extensive property. Among other things, she plans to get the old hotel which still sits on the property renovated. 

“We’re just in the early stages. I think private parties will probably be our bread and butter. Because we’re not looking to have big concerts. But if we do, that will just be very rarely,” Barnett explained. 

Though still a work in progress, the ranch and rescue are up and running. Available on the property are multiple Airbnb glamping tents with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Barnett said the ranch is perfect for a family looking to get away for the weekend. 

The horse rescue effort currently has two goats, two miniature horses, two miniature mules, four steers and multiple horses. All of which are super friendly.

Barnett went on to explain how loving the cows are since they’ve been handled and raised by humans all their life. “I’ve had them since they were babies. They’ll almost jump on you like a dog, and they’re huge! Way too big for that,” she said with a laugh.

The rescue’s mission is to adopt animals that need a home or are in danger. Barnett hopes to eventually start a therapy program with the animals as a way to give back to the community. 

For now,  Arrowhead has events this summer and fall, including a Sunday Market once a month. Also, the ranch is planning a camping event with music on the weekend closest to the fall equinox. To learn more, visit  arrowheadranch.org/index.html.