Cultivating a Sustainable Future
Raymond Ambler House
History of the Town’s Obligation
The Town of Wilton purchased Ambler Farm in 1999 from the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust upon the death of Betty Ambler. The 22-acre property had been neglected, with multiple buildings in need of major repair. The deed of sale stipulated that the Town restore the buildings and property so that they could be used by the community: “The original portion of the main Victorian house (exclusive of the attached rear areas), the white barn and the red barn as identified on said Parcel must be preserved in their current condition and brought up to satisfactory code for uses as aforedescribed [education or agriculture].”
Clarifying the Relationship between Friends of Ambler Farm and the Town of Wilton
Friends of Ambler Farm (FoAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 2005 to act on behalf of the Town to create and implement educational programs for the farm, and to run its day-to-day operations. It was not formed to assume the Town’s financial obligations stipulated in the deed.
To date, FoAF has earned, fundraised and subsequently spent over $11 million to run the farm as an educational community resource, creating a much loved and widely-used town amenity. FOAF is a cost savings for the Town. In 2024 alone, FOAF funded over $117,000 in maintenance and repairs covered by secured grant funding that would otherwise fall on taxpayers. In addition, FoAF paid the Town a total of $390,000 over 14 years to rent the Yellow House. Comparatively, the Town has spent less than $2 million on the farm’s utilities and limited building maintenance.
$1.2 million has already been spent on the Raymond Ambler House restoration to make it structurally sound. This final round of funding allows it to be open for community use.
Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF) is a non-profit partner that provides direct value to Wilton residents through educational programs, historic preservation, and community events—services that the Town would otherwise need to provide and fund on its own. Any revenue from our programming supports the day-to-day operations of Ambler Farm, reinvesting directly back into the community. This model follows the intent of the deed and meets the demonstrated public need.
We are hopeful that the Town will also perform necessary extensive repairs to the Yellow House, which is currently unusable. Once completed, it is the intention to house a FoAF employee in the Yellow House for added security and oversight on the property.
Raymond Ambler House Use Plan
The Raymond Ambler House and the Yellow House are an integral part of Ambler Farm. Once complete, the Raymond Ambler House will be used for a variety of educational programs, field trips, administrative office space, rentals, activities and events — for children and adults — that celebrate the past, present and future of our community. Once restored, The Raymond Ambler Housewill offer a one-of-a-kind space that honors the farm’s past while enriching its future. It will serve as a welcoming hub for hands-on workshops and farm-to-table gatherings to morning coffee on the porch.
Completing and opening the Raymond Ambler House is key to accomplishing the mission set out by the deed of sale – to dedicate the entire property (land and buildings) to the “preservation of the agricultural heritage of the Town of Wilton.” Click here to read more.
Photos above: First floor interior of the Raymond Ambler House.
Ambler Farm is a tremendous Wilton amenity that needs to be supported. Ambler Farm improves the attractiveness of Wilton to potential home buyers. Its beauty and sense of community are unsurpassed. With over 25,000 annual visitors, the farm is one of the few things in Wilton that draws people of all ages from around the region. Ambler Farm is a special place but remains so only with community support, which includes financial support.
When the Town of Wilton purchased Ambler Farm, they made a commitment. 25 years later, it is time to fulfill that commitment.
Wilton residents can choose to support the proposed bonding referendum which will be on the ballot this May. We encourage all Wilton residents to exercise their right to vote at the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 6th at 7pm, or visit the Town clerk’s office from May 7th-May 9th, or vote on Saturday, May 10th.
Please contact Executive Director Ashley Kineon (ashley@amblerfarm.org) with any questions or if you’d like to learn more about this important initiative.
