Former Inquirer reporter Bob Sheasely wrote the book Home to Roost: Chasing Chickens Through the Ages about chickens and factory-farming, though he and his family live on a farm that's as far from industrial as can be. Lilyfield Farm in Worcester, Pa. is about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, but looks like another world, judging from the farm's Facebook page. This furnished apartment in an 18th-century farmhouse at Lilyfield includes a king bed and a day bed, an eat-in kitchen with modern appliances (dishwasher, microwave), a fireplace, washer/dryer, and parking.
As for outdoor space, it couldn't be better. Aside from a private slate patio attached to the farmhouse, Lilyfield lives up to its name with 200 varieties of daylilies in fields that lead to sunflowers and squash. There's also a lake; willow trees; pastures with farm animals; and Sophie, a pot-bellied pig, who no doubt awaits some good head-scratching from visitors. If you don't want to rent but just want a weekend getaway, the farmhouse is $125 per night.
Size: 1 bed, 1 bath, 800 square feet
Pets: Yes
Price: $1,795/month with a one-year lease; $1,995 for month-to-month
Rent includes: Cable TV and high-speed Internet
· Listing: Sunny LilyField Farm apt. [Craigslist]