Scene from The Big Red Barn Retreat
The Big Red Barn Retreat is a “hidden treasure” for the community and the lucky people who have the opportunity to see it and enjoy it with its many amenities.
Entering the the 75 acre retreat, you first see the old country grocery store that has been converted into an upscaled welcome center and a facility for yoga classes taught by a therapeutic yoga instructor. The center is also used for business meetings or other events. It is fully supplied with useful event needs.
The Big Red Barn Retreat is a wonderful sight to behold with its winding drive lined with red roses. It is surrounded by pastures of green grass filled with beautiful horses that are leisurely grazing or frolicking with each other in the warmth of the sun. The huge red barn is host to multiple feeding stables, and as one walks through the barn during feeding time, you can hear the sound of hooves and feel the larger than life presence of these beautiful animals. As you tour this property you feel you might be at Churchill Downs touring before the Kentucky Derby runs its 142nd run for the roses, and the feeling is exhilarating.
Barbara Irons and family, owners of the property, started this retreat to help service members, veterans, retired and active duty, who are suffering from the emotional wounds of war. It is a place where they can escape the stress of their memories, enjoy therapeutic services, and ultimately find peace. The therapy can also come in other forms, such as walking the winding wooded paths through the property or relaxing in one of the big rocking chairs on the porch.
There is also a pavilion nestled among the trees with a round fire pit for warming on a cool day or grilling your favorite food while watching the beautiful wild life around the large two acre pond. The trees whose leaves have turned green after a beautiful fall shade of orange and yellow add to the ambience of this area.
There is an arena with a viewing area to watch the horses as they are put under saddle and demonstrate their skill. The service members who spend time here enjoy a great deal of pleasure and peace from participating in the therapeutic services and being on the property.
Not only is this a retreat for service members dealing with the emotional wounds of war but also a setting for fundraising such as the Kentucky Derby Event sponsored by the Symphony League to raise funds for the S. C. Philharmonic through the enormous generosity of the Irons Family.
Directions: I-20 Exit 70, Fairfield Road (Hwy #321 North) continue on Fairfield Road for six miles. Fairfield Road turns into Winnsboro Road. The Big Red Barn Retreat will be on the right.
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