The Creative Contribution of Bellfire Farm

ROXBURY — The astonishing beauty of Bellfire Farm, tucked into the valley below Plattekill Mountain ski resort in Roxbury, is a camping fantasy realized by Richard Tazzara and Mina Teslaru. This couple met up in Tazzara’s art space in Brooklyn years ago. In 2014 they both decided to leave the city life behind for the country life of Delaware County in Roxbury purchasing the Old Hinkley Farm House where many of the family members were born. The house is thought to have been built in 1860. 

Tazzara and Teslaru utilized their creative talents of carpentry, art, and design in putting together one of the top-rated glamping locations in upstate New York. They began by transforming a wagon chassis into a Romani-style wagon with stunning bold colors, inspired by Tesaru’s ancestry. It’s so amazing that the New York Tourism Department featured the Cosmic Nomad (wagon) in the current issue of the Great Western Catskills booklet in the STAY section. 

“Leaving the city for the mountains offered the peace and nature we craved. While we knew we miss the cultural diversity, we’ve been delighted to discover a thriving artistic community here. From inspiring artists to incredible local cuisine, the mountains have unveiled a wealth of hidden gems. We truly enjoy the tranquility of nature while still staying connected to the creative energy that fuels us. This welcoming corner of New York feels like a perfect fit – wholesome, caring, and full of opportunity.” – Mina Teslaru

The Bellfire Farm glamping is a back-to-nature, off-the-grid experience with no electricity, no wifi at the camp sites, lit by solar battery lanterns at each of their three four sites which includes two canvas camps and two artisan-built cabins, each with ample private space and unique features that enhance time spent outdoors.

Bellfire Farm attracts on average one thousand visitors seasonally. This is a huge contribution to the local economy of restaurants, shops, and grocery stores. 

“For me the transition from living in Williamsburg Brooklyn to the western Catskills was a decision I had in my heart long before it was realized. There are many advantages and challenges to both lifestyles, but I truly feel at home here in the hills of Roxbury, NY. I think Mina put it best when, asked by our friends why we were leaving NYC, her quote was, “The city just isn’t big enough for us anymore.”  I am so grateful for our home and this community, it took little imagination to realize how we could share this splendor not only with our friends and family but a greater audience.” – Rich Tazzara

If you visit their website or social media pages, you’ll see the rave reviews of faithful repeat customers. Tazzara points to one example, “We have one guest that comes back three times a year to experience the changing of the seasons.”  Teslaru spoke about how two mothers with their daughters recently visited from Ohio to stay for four days. This enchanting location attracts people from New York State and as far away as Japan and Canada. This glamping concept was built to honor the surrounding environment with a near zero carbon footprint, utilizing reclaimed and locally sourced building materials. 

This reporter got the unique pleasure of looking inside of each of the camp site locations this past Wednesday May 15th during their small gathering for the Delaware County fire ban lift. About 15 of their close friends came together for a bonfire with food and drinks. Richard and Mina all are so gracious and friendly, it’s no wonder they have such an adoring repeat list of guests coming every year.  

One of the many amazing reviews found in their note logs…“An amazing experience I will carry with me wherever I travel. As a woman it’s scary to travel solo, but at Bellfire I’ve never felt more at peace and safe. The location is stunning and secluded without being too far from good restaurants and human interaction. I took advantage of the sauna and cold plunge which I highly recommend. You have everything you need while remaining sustainable. Mina and Rich were kind, very respectful and made me feel at home.” — Jess - Boston. MA

See more at www.bellfirefarm.com and @bellfirefarm on Instagram