Taking a closer at Blue Sky Farms, their views and more

Brooke Bigham grew up just down the road from a dairy farm, where she was surrounded by flora and fauna. She spent her time splashing about in creeks or sprawled out in a soft bed of grass, gazing at the stars or listening to the chorus of birds in the garden.
This bucolic lifestyle was embedded in her soul and remained with her even when she packed up her things and headed to the big city. There, in the concrete jungle, she devoted her time to a global Wall Street firm.
The sun still rose each day, though no longer through old oak trees; instead, it cast long skyscraper shadows onto the concrete paths she walked. Day in and day out, she toiled. Her expertise proved invaluable to the finance world. It wasn’t long, though, before nature began to call Bigham back home.
“The hustle and bustle of each day was my normal,” she said, “but over time, it took its toll.”
In July 2020 – during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – Bigham and her husband, Wes, bid farewell to metropolitan life. They landed in Mountain Grove, a move they made in conjunction with Bigham’s friend Brandy Bradshaw.
The trio sold their respective homes (The Bighams in Ozark and Bradshaws in Norwood) and purchased a farm on Dove Creek Road.
This move was borne out of a vision – a ministry-focused farm vision planted in their hearts years prior.
“We, together, learned saying a radical and unapologetic ‘yes’ to God’s plan was like nothing else we had experienced before,” Bigham said. “While far from easy, being obedient to God’s call is always worth it.”
Upon their move, the Bighams and Bradshaw were met with a unique opportunity: a farm, complete with a quaint rock cottage, was up for sale. With no time to waste, the group purchased the property. It wasn’t long before the cottage underwent a makeover to become The Rock Cottage, a functioning Airbnb property; two years later, a second Airbnb, The Hill, and a delightfully rustic event venue, The Gathering Barn, were added.
This operation came to be known as Blue Sky Farms, which serves myriad purposes. Birthday parties, Girl Scout meetings, women’s retreats, reunions and more. Bigham’s favorite? Weddings. She said that although they don’t have a hand in planning, she and her business partners are honored to facilitate so many special events in their guests’ lives.
“Most of us have stayed at an Airbnb and enjoy being transported into another lifestyle, community, or experience – and Blue Sky Farms is no exception,” she said.
Tucked away in the deepest hollows of the Ozark Mountains, the property doubles as a working cattle operation. For those accustomed to the rural lifestyle, living next to a herd of cattle is just a part of daily life. But for guests visiting from suburban or urban areas, coming face-to-face with a heifer chomping down on some fescue is a rare experience.
Guests can expect the most wondrous views – only found in the Ozarks – including valleys, hills, and an abundance of wildlife. All this natural beauty is only 10 miles from the amenities of rural America. In addition, Blue Sky Farms boasts a large stocked pond and photography locations.
“The views and the setting make stays almost perfect; our role tends to be providing a warm, clean, safe environment to make memories,” Bigham said. She added that she and her co-managers ensure their accessibility to guests.
“We can run over a lighter or firewood if they run out, or offer suggestions on local dining and entertainment if requested,” she said. “But we don’t bother our guests – we allow them to contact us if needed.”
The motto of Blue Sky Farms is “disconnect to reconnect.”
Guests will find themselves removed from the incessant stimulation of the modern world and instead offered board games, movies, and spacious porches (perfect for late-night talks).
Maintaining such an operation is not without its challenges, and it certainly takes a village. The team at Blue Sky Farms performs an array of tasks, including (but not limited to): keeping the animals healthy, maintaining the land and fences, cleaning, and event planning.  The team reads and implements feedback from every review.
“We aren’t perfect,” she said, “but we strive for just that.”
Bigham’s decision to leave the city behind for a peaceful life in the country is not one she made lightly. She credits her Christian faith with providing her a sense of peace, both then and now.
“Being on this farm grounds me. I disconnected [from metropolitan life] and reconnected to my creator,” she said.
“I want others to have the opportunity to experience the same.”
Blue Sky Farms is located just outside Mountain Grove at 7298 Owens Road. For more information, call 417-425-3062 or visit Blue Sky Farms on Facebook.