The Story of our Family Farm

It all started in the 1960s, a hardworking navy family of 8, Hal and Alice Bailey took over the 186 acre and farm house property in Ashdale, Hants County Nova Scotia, to live a more self sustainable and outside of the city. They did just that for nearly 50 years, and in 2004, Alan returned to the family homestead with wife Brenda, their son Fraser, and daughter, Campbell, with second generation dreams of their own sustainable life and farm retirement of endless opportunity.

After years of renovating the 200 year old home and breaking ground in the gardens, in 2010, Fraser and Alan started a venture into growing hops and selling to the local craft beer industry. With their involvement, it was hard not to feel the swing of the craft beer industry growing around them, and so the idea of the brewery was born. There was an interest in the brewing industry for many years – and Alan had brewed beer and wine as a hobby since university days. But, that dream was rekindled when the family started a small hopyard on the farm and subsequently spending more time with craft brewers. The industry was gaining momentum and the timing was right.

The Bailey's broke ground for the brewery in the summer of 2013, opening their doors in the spring of 2014.

Now & Then…

Meander River Farm & Brewery is now a mixed farm operation with onsite brewery, specializing in hops, lavender, and craft beverages. The property boasts 2 kilometers of frontage on the Meander River, known by locals for its brook trout, spring kayaking and deep swimming holes. A tributary of the Meander River bisects the farm and boasts a deep ravine with one of the tallest waterfalls in West Hants County.

Historical maps and records show the presence of a sawmill and gristmill on the river, partly substantiated by the grist mill wheel reclaimed from the river and now integrated into the extensive perennial gardens on the farm. Local folklore suggests previous residents include a doctor, miller and a bootlegger, apparently a common occupation in rural Nova Scotia in years gone by.