Couple tap into an old tradition
Maple syrup, sugar, cream and candies — you name it, they’ve got it
It may be the 21st century, but at 13 Oak Ave., Lunenburg the 18th century is alive and well.
Greg Burns, who is the fifth generation to live in the 1805 home, spends his spring days checking on his maple-sugar taps, feeding his goats, minding his chickens, firing up the forge, and making hinges, hooks and door handles, the designs of which date back hundreds of years.
“I’m just doing what’s always
been done here,” he says one recent afternoon in his sunny front room.
He and his wife, Yanina, who manages the Lunenburg Farmer’s Market, started Oak Tree Homestead a few years back as a way to “self-sustain” in an increasingly modern world.
When his ancestors lived in the house, they kept cows and livestock, a horse and buggy, and a farm out back. Though his parents only had a dog for a pet when he was growing up, he was drawn to farm life as if by a magnet.
“When I was a kid, I helped a neighbor raise his chickens, ducks and goats — all kinds of different livestock — and it’s work I enjoy,” he says. “People think that being a farmer is a job or work, but it’s not — it’s a lifestyle you have to love.”
Greg, who is descended from the Gilchrests, also serves on the town’s Agricultural Commission — his family has a multicentury history with Lunenburg farm organizations.
“It’s in his blood,” says Yanina. “Everyone in town knows his family and our house.”
Greg’s three goats, Ida, Greta and Arlo, are fed from Cherry Hill Farm hay. His flock of chickens dine from hand-cracked corn and local fresh vegetables. As he walks around his property, just steps from historic downtown Lunenburg, he’s always thinking of the next agricultural project that needs to happen.
Several years ago, they began tapping maple trees, and this year began cooking delectable maple cream as well as producing maple syrup, sugar and candies.
“I was blown away by the maple cream,” Greg laughs. “It’s the best maple product I’ve ever had in my life.”
“I like it on toast or waffles,” says Yanina.
“Or on a spoon with ice cream,” Greg adds with a smile.
Oak Tree Homestead is open seven days a week. Maple products range in cost from $2 to $40; eggs are $4 a dozen; fresh garlic is also available. Ornamental blacksmith designs by request. Visit “Oak Tree Homestead,” on Facebook, or call 978-230-1945.