Basehore Farm Market: A Story of Heritage, Resilience, and Phased Growth
Heritage is something handed down. Shaped by hard work, care, and the courage to adapt.
The Basehore family’s story began here on Creekview Road in 1904, when John and Sarah Basehore arrived as tenant farmers for the McCormick family. The land, known as Northside Farm for its location north of the Conodoguinet Creek, became the foundation for five generations of agricultural stewardship.
When Mark and Esther Basehore took over the farm in 1928, they expanded operations and became well known for their potato crops. In fact, Mark earned awards for both yield and quality, proudly insisting that potatoes grown on the north side shale soils simply tasted better than those grown on limestone to the south. Today, we call that terroir. Back then, it was family pride.
In 1944, amid wartime uncertainty and financial strain, Mark and Esther found a way to purchase the farm outright. That spirit of resilience would define every generation that followed.
The dairy barn at the heart of this project was constructed in 1936, after a lightning storm destroyed the previous structure. For nearly 50 years, it housed a registered Holstein herd, carefully bred by Don and Jean Basehore, and later their son Tom, with attention to health, production, and longevity. Cows grazed fields on both sides of the road, with traffic patiently waiting as the herd crossed to pasture.
As farming evolved and pressures from surrounding development increased, the Basehore family remained open to change without losing sight of their roots.
As the farm diversified, Tom and Sandy began growing pumpkins, mums, sweet corn, and seasonal produce, offering them for sale right along the roadside. What started simply — a table set out near the lane — gradually grew into a small shed as customer demand increased. Their children helped run the stand, managing a humble cash tin with handwritten reminders to “Be Polite” and “Mark down what you sell!!” That honesty-based model reflected the same values that had sustained the farm for generations. As sales continued to grow, the family faced a pivotal decision: build something entirely new, or invest in the historic structures already rooted in their land. True to their heritage, they chose restoration — giving new life to the barn that had long been at the heart of the farm.
Tom first became familiar with Stable Hollow Construction through a small but telling repair. After a storm tore the doors from the barn, Stable Hollow was called in to make the necessary repairs. The team’s responsiveness, craftsmanship, and respect for the historic structure made an immediate impression. What began as a straightforward repair quickly sparked bigger conversations, as the Basehore family started to imagine new possibilities for the barn’s future. That early experience laid the foundation for a trusted partnership and the phased restoration that would follow.
Phase One (2023): Reimagining the Barn as a Farm Market
- Removal of non-original cinderblock walls to restore the historic forebay
- Stripping layers of paint to reveal original wood floor framing
- Careful stone masonry repairs and reconstruction
- A custom reclaimed-wood checkout counter crafted by Artisan Creations
Phase Two (2025): A Pavilion for Growth and Gathering
- A welcoming gathering place during Christmas tree season
- A new venue for farm-to-table dinners, now a favorite among regular customers
- A flexible space supporting both commerce and community
Phase Three (Winter 2026): Continuing the Vision
The next phase, planned for early winter 2026, will restore the historic hog barn adjacent to the pavilion, adding more covered shopping space and completing the market yard.
Each phase reflects a shared belief: preservation and progress work best when approached thoughtfully and one step at a time.
A Long-Term Partnership Rooted in Trust
Over the years, the Basehore family’s trust in Stable Hollow grew beyond this project. After witnessing the craftsmanship firsthand, they invited MR Roofing to install a standing seam metal roof on the historic limestone farmhouse.
Today, Tom, Sandy, and Max Basehore keep a running list of future projects. They see them not just as investments in their business, but as a way to give back to the community that has supported their farm for more than a century.
Building the future. Preserving the past.
At Basehore Farm Market, that mission lives on.