A Special Experience in Rural Ontario: Steal the Bloom Farm

In the quiet countryside outside of Westport, Ontario, a small, unassuming farm named Stealing the Bloom has become a beacon for a lifestyle that feels more old-fashioned than modern—one that recalls past farming practices with a touch of contemporary wisdom. The farm’s name carries a sense of timeless optimism: “Stealing the Bloom” is derived from an old Victorian farming phrase that means the growing conditions were so favorable that fruit appeared overnight, skipping the bloom stage entirely. For the farmer and his wife, Mathew and Heidi, this reflects their ideal growing conditions and dedication to making the best of their land and resources.

This venture into farming wasn’t always part of Matthew’s plan. He grew up in Brampton, with half of his friends living suburban lives and the other half tied to dairy farms. His wife’s childhood, spent near Christmas tree and dairy farms, hinted at a rural inclination but still kept her within reach of the city. Together, they dreamed of something quieter, simpler, and, most importantly, sustainable. Driven by the high living costs in urban centers like Victoria, they saw a chance to purchase affordable land and transform it into a functional farmstead. But this was not solely an economic decision but also a lifestyle choice.

With their land secured and purpose clear, they filled the farm with animals: ornamental turkeys, miniature sheep, and a protective dog named Peaches. Peaches, a Maremma Great Pyrenees, plays a vital role in farm life, serving as a livestock guardian dog. She grew up with the sheep and, by all appearances, considers herself one of them, barking away any coyotes or predators that might threaten the flock. “Without a dog, you don’t have sheep here,” Matthew explains, recognizing Peaches’ value as more than just a pet; she’s a part of the farm’s defense system.

Walking the fields, Matthew explains his rotational grazing method, which allows them to get the most out of their seven acres. By frequently moving the sheep and cows between paddocks, he maximizes grass regrowth, squeezing the productivity of 20 acres out of just seven. This sustainable approach, what is called regenerative farming, returns nutrients nature and reduces land costs, even if it demands more of his time. With this approach to farming, land, soil, water, and nutrients regenerate themselves. Over time, he plans to build systems that will allow for easier animal movement, freeing up time for further growth and expansion, perhaps even to sell meat eventually.

Feeding the cow was the highlight for this Ontario family vacation

Yet, for now, meat sales remain a distant goal. Matthew’s focus is on building his infrastructure. The costs associated with butchering are prohibitively high, and he finds himself caught in the dilemma faced by many small farmers: the margins are slim, and profits are hard to come by. Until he can raise enough volume to make it viable, he’ll continue offering farm tours and hands-on experiences to share his way of life with others.

The tours are a highlight, a chance for people to see what he does daily without costing him precious work time. For $10, visitors get a firsthand look at a way of life that, as Matthew jokes, is closer to his grandparents’ than to today’s industrial agriculture. For an hour or more, they can pet Lurkey, the friendly ornamental turkey, meet the miniature sheep, and marvel at the rustic simplicity that defines Stealing the Bloom.

While others in the area charge $25 or more for similar experiences, he keeps his prices low, driven by a desire to make farming knowledge accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.

Matthew hopes that his farm can spark a new generation’s interest in sustainable agriculture. He dreams of one day offering workshops to teach others how to cultivate their land. “A lot of what I learned, I picked up on YouTube,” he laughs, explaining how he would even stop by roadside farms to inspect their setups. With a curious mind and a passion for learning, he’d ask himself, “How did they do this, and can I do it better?”

For now, Stealing the Bloom may be a bit of an oddity—a farm that looks more like it belongs to the 1800s than the 21st century. But as food costs rise and quality declines, Matthew predicts more people will embrace this model, opting to grow their food and build self-reliant lives. In a world where large-scale agriculture dominates, Stealing the Bloom reminds of simpler, more connected ways of living.

“We’re in this for the long haul,” Matthew says, gazing out over his land. And as he envisions a future where he’s still here, tending the soil, he knows he’s not just cultivating crops—he’s cultivating a legacy.

You can read all about Stealing the Bloom on Matthew and Heidi’s webpage here. Please be sure to book a tour and say hello to Peaches, the dog who thinks she’s a sheep—or that sheep are dogs. And if you are staying at Bobs Lake Cottages & Escapes, we can arrange for a petting experience for your children, right at your cottage. It’s a very special occasion for family reunions with young children.