A Little Dot on the Prairie Map

Our Story

It started on a quiet spring evening in 1993. A soft and hopeful invitation—“Do you wanna come see my cows?”—which led us down a quiet dirt road to a secluded spot, where something meaningful sparked.

Penned n’ recorded with my whole heart,
Faye Fossay— November 2024

“Our vision for the Down Home Farm is rooted in simplicity and authenticity—a place just off the beaten path, where nature and agriculture harmoniously unite. It’s a peaceful spot, with a river winding alongside and open skies above, where life moves a little slower and meaning feels simpler. The magic that first sparked here on our first date in the spring of 1993 has only grown deeper over time. This isn’t about polish or pretense; it’s about a life that feels true, grounded, and filled with meaning—a place where our story began, and one we’re nurturing to welcome others in.”

Bryan & Faye Fossay

Est. April 1993, Our Quiet Legacy Continues

Bryan & Faye Fossay
Bryan 1993

Our Beginning

The Spark of Something Lasting

Spring 1993, not long after our first date. This is Bryan, back at the place where our story began to unfold. For years, our family has known it as the Dauphinais Farm— named after the pioneering family, whose name we’ve always pronounced “duff-nee”— a place we now envision as the Down Home Farm.

 

These early days showed me the quiet steady farm life he was rooted in. This place became part of us, grounding our story from the very beginning.

The Early Years

In the Heart of Farmlife

Those early days were filled with sweet, simple moments on the farm. I’d tag along for hours, helping with chores, riding in the combine, tending cattle, and just being together with our pups trailing behind us. Life felt new and exciting, and was beautifully uncomplicated back then. Those days became the foundation for everything that would follow.

Bryan 1990's

Bryan Circa 1994

Early Days on His Farm

Faye 1990's

Faye Circa 1994

Finding Her Place in His World

The Little Things that Made Us

Held Together by Simple Joys

Four years later, we married, and that sweet, simple life began to change. We welcomed two children, each bringing their own light and joy, while learning to balance family with the real demands of farm life. There were beautiful moments, but also challenges—financial hurdles, long days, and constant juggling. Yet, through it all, I held onto a quiet hope that maybe, one day, the piece of land where our story began could mean something even bigger. That dream never really left.

Bryan & Faye Fossay Wedding Day November 22, 1997

Finding a Way  Foward

A New Chapter Begins

And now, here we are. Our son is stepping into the rhythms of farm life, developing his own bond with the work and lifestyle. Meanwhile, our daughter, immersed in her nursing studies, finds a deep peace each time she returns home, where life slows down and familiar comforts await. With these changes, we’re at a crossroads, daring to imagine our small family farm supporting two families. It’s a leap that requires planning, resilience, and more than we’ve ever had within reach. The reality checks remain—the financial side, the hard work—but our need to find a way forward feels stronger than ever.

Our Family Circa 2005

This Was Us Then

CIRCA 2005

Our Family October 24, 2024

This Is Us Now

OCTOBER 2024

The Down Home Farm Sunrise September 16, 2024

Where New Chapters Unfold

We Hope You’ll Join Us

The Down Home Farm is a potential path to diversify, sharing the quiet charm and magic that has always inspired us, and perhaps creating a legacy to pass on—a dream that was quietly waiting for its moment.

 

This is where our story began and continues, and we’d be so honoured to share it with you as we work toward welcoming guests in the future. Here, you’ll find the simple beauty of the prairie, the quiet magic of a life connected to nature, and the peace that has sustained us. We hope you’ll join us on this journey toward our Down Home Farm.

 

For snapshots of the everyday moments that make this life ours, take a look at @fayefossay on Instagram. And to follow the Down Home Farm as it takes shape, join @thedownhomefarm for a front-row seat.

 

We thank you for listening!