Introducing… The Sunny Fields House

On what marks the one-year anniversary of Jack Lyons’ passing, Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center is proud to announce the near completion of its newest space: the Sunny Fields House—a beautifully restored farmhouse that will serve as a hub for learning, collaboration, and community engagement. The house is located adjacent to the farm’s Sunny Fields blueberry patch, and Willing Hands garden, on the south end of Pavillion Road.

After a multi-year renovation, the Sunny Fields House stands as a tribute to Jack Lyons, the house’s former owner, a renowned Vascular Surgeon at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, co-founder of Willing Hands, and beloved “Raspberry Man” who started the pick-your-own offerings adjacent to the house.

Carefully modernized while preserving its historic charm, the house reflects Jack’s enduring legacy as a gardener, educator, and advocate for equity and access in food systems. His lifelong passion for learning continues to inspire the mission and daily work of Cedar Circle.

“His passion for gardening dates back many years. On this same Thetford farm, in 1983, he established Sunny Fields Berry Farm, which at one time was among the largest raspberry patches in Vermont.” — Dartmouth Medicine Magazine (2010)

A Space Designed for Growth and Purpose

The Sunny Fields House has been thoughtfully reimagined to support the evolving needs of Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center and the broader community:

A Commercial-Grade Test Kitchen
The new kitchen will serve as the home for Cedar Circle’s culinary workshops and programs, including the Cooking for Middle Schoolers series and future food education initiatives.

Flexible Gathering & Workshop Spaces
Two spacious rooms adjacent to the kitchen are designed to host workshops, small group meetings, educational events, conferences, and seasonal celebrations.

A Dedicated Research Space
Equipped with essential tools such as refrigeration, ventilation, and climate control, the new space provides Cedar Circle’s Research & Development team with the resources to expand their work in soil health and regenerative practices.

Expanded Office Space
The second floor will now house the farm’s growing Administrative and Development staff, easing space constraints and allowing the Education Department to expand within the yellow farmhouse at the main farm.

A Community-Centered Vision

More than just a building, the Sunny Fields House is a space for connection and creativity. It will serve as a venue for small community gatherings, hands-on learning experiences, and collaborative exploration. Whether through food, farming, or shared inquiry, this space invites people of all ages to engage meaningfully with the land and with each other.

The careful restoration of the Sunny Fields House reflects Cedar Circle’s ongoing commitment to honoring history, fostering education, and advancing research. It embodies the farm’s mission to create a more just, resilient, and community-rooted food system—now and for generations to come.