THE BRANCH

Text reads, a special part of our legacy, on a cream background.

Smiling couple in a field with an arm around each other, beautiful scenery.

Welcome to our little parcel of paradise, our story unfolds, in an inspiring place.

Steve and Jan have lived in Ohio for over 50 years, and have been married for 36 of those! Early on in their marriage, Steve developed an interest in building and renovating homes. From building the first home they welcomed children into, to renovating several homes along the way, home projects became a special part of his and Jan’s story. It’s a joke among their kids that “dad always has to have a project” but it’s also one of the things they admire most about him.

Seven years ago, Steve and Jan decided to move closer to her family in the Mansfield area. Steve retired, their kids were embarking on their own journeys, and they decided it was time to follow some dreams of their own. After making the move to Mansfield, they started looking for land in the Bellville area and finally found the acreage that is now The Branch.

Scenic landscape with a dirt path, green fields, and a forest background.

The Branch is a 24 acre property located in beautiful Bellville, OH - a small valley town situated near the hills of Mohican State Park.

the property started out as a wooded lot with a couple meadows and an exciting amount of potential

Wide open field with a truck and trees under the blue sky.

The phrase "the process" in black script on a tan background.

Orange vehicle among trees. The vehicle's destination is among the trees.

starting to create trails

The Hill House grew out of a desire to have a comfortable space for hosting, resting, and enjoying the spectacular views - horse farms and rolling hills.

Steve & Jan, along with a small team of professionals, built the Hill House from the ground up.

The build title in cursive script on a cream colored background.

Dirt trench on the side of a dirt road in a farmland setting.

adding in infrastructure for The Hill House

Finally finished and ready for guests! Handwritten text on cream background.

Exterior view of a building with wooden stairs and a field in the background.

Steve, Jan, and their family believe that everything they do should be an extension of God’s love - their hospitality, how they care for one another, the ways in which they cultivate the land, etc., and are endlessly grateful for the ability to create something special with this space.

The name “The Branch” stems from that belief. This property has been used for celebrations and for much needed respite, for friends and family walking through different seasons of life, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Quote from John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches." The Branch.

Steve, Jan, and their family also chose the name “The Branch” in response to this passage of scripture. They’ve been prayerful about each phase of transforming this property into what it is now, and want every person who spends time here to experience peace and rest.

Later on in John 15, it says “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” and that privilege to love and care for people is at the root of The Branch.

Smiling couple sitting on outdoor stairs in front of a house, our story