The story of Covo Hills began in Spring 2005 when two families decided to pool their resources and talents to reclaim a 90-acre parcel of land in Mt. Carroll, Illinois that was being used for utilitarian purposes as a corn and hay farm with grazing cattle. The old barns were in disrepair, but more than that, no one nurtured the land or enjoyed the beauty of the rolling hills. The transformation has been slow but steady, dependent on the seasons and time constraints. It has been a labor of love, involving many weekends in the spring, summer and fall. There is no running water or electricity on the property, making extended stays prohibitive for all but the really dedicated workers. The most visible changes involve the buildings. The current entrance off Blue Mountain Road passes the original milking barn, tool barn and silo. Both barns have been cleaned out and restoration has begun, but is not a priority at this point.
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| Milking Barn, Silo and Tool Barn - Then |
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| Milking Barn, Silo and Tool Barn - Now |
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| Hay Barn - Then |
The hay barn was dilapidated to the point of collapsing. The majority of the barn was pulled down, except for a sturdy structure in the rear that was reinforced and painted. It is currently being used as a storage area for the old barn wood that is being recycled as decorative accents in the new lodge building.
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| Hay Barn - Now |
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| Ag Building |
The Ag Building was constructed in April 2007 to house the
growing battery of equipment that now includes a tractor,
ATV's, a gator and riding lawnmowers as well as planting,
building and miscellaneous supplies.
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| Stairway to Heaven Hill - Then |
When this photo was taken in February 2005, Covo Hills was a dream in the making. Five years later, this hilltop is the site of our "lodge" constructed in Summer 2008. The floor and other interior details were added in Summer 2009. The insulation and drywall work began again this April and is really progressing.
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| Stairway to Heaven Hill - Now |
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| The Lodge - A Work in Progress |
