Few people are lucky enough to have the view outside their home that Diane Turner wakes up to every morning. But this restaurateur-turned-caterer and hostess has found a way to allow others experience this same sight, while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Coastal Point • RUSLANA LAMBERT
Hi Point Farm, near Ocean View on Cedar Neck Rd., offers catering and a place to hold special events. The property features a pool, complete with sand and a pasture with horses and miniature horses.
Hi Point Farm, near Ocean View, was established in 1886 by the great-grandparents of Turner’s late boyfriend, who passed in 1988. Shortly after, the 90-acre property was split up, with 15 acres going to Turner, and the remaining land donated to area wildlife. Now, the donated parcel — James Farm — is looked after by the Center for Inland Bays, which has established trails and areas for hikers and nature-seekers.
Turner was able to transform her property into a nature-friendly environment as well, dedicated to shelter for rescued animals. Horses, miniature horses, goats, peafowl, dogs and chickens — including a true Delaware blue hen rooster — parade around the area.
“The animals all seem to find me,” she said. “All of them are extremely friendly. The kids love the miniature horses and goats.”
Ducks Unlimited, a world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, helped establish a duck pond and a warm-season grass field on the property, and restored wetlands at other end of the farm.
“They’ve done a great job getting the area back to the way it used to be,” she added.
Her facility at Hi Point Farm has gained recognition for its outstanding views and appeal to nature, and now it can serve as the ideal backdrop to local events, from weddings and parties to casual get-togethers.
After owning and running The Luna Tuna (now the SoDel group’s Bluecoast) in North Bethany for a decade, Turner decided incorporate her knowledge and experience with others, without having to set far beyond her front door.
“I like catering,” she said, “but I really love party-planning and hosting. Being able to use this property and having people come here is wonderful. I’m really happy to be able to be here. Now, when I stand in the kitchen, put the tents up, dress the tables and set up the chairs, I realize that I’m doing my most favorite thing in the world. I’m very lucky.”
With a breathtaking view of White’s Creek, and paths and boardwalks to stroll in the glow of a calming sunset, it’s no wonder more and more people are looking to Hi Point Farm for unforgettable celebrations.
Just over the past year, the property has been decorated and redecorated again to host eight weddings and numerous other gatherings. “The weddings are absolutely beautiful,” Turner said, “but we can accommodate any occasion.”
Pre- and post-wedding parties, rehearsals, family reunions, private cocktail parties, birthday and pool parties, bridal luncheons and anniversary gatherings are just a few of the events Turner and her staff can cater. Pricing is based on the time of year and amenities included, with considerable discounts for charity functions.
“It’s been a really phenomenal year,” Turner said. “You have to be in the spirit. It’s not for everybody, but the majority of the people who come here have a great time.”
For events to be set in the summertime, potential customers are encouraged to visit the property before the weather grows mild and plants die off. “A lot of people see it in the winter, and don’t expect it to look as beautiful as it does in the late spring and summer,” Turner said.
Bonfires, fireworks, barbeque grills, herb gardens, tiki bars and cigar lounges are just some of the features guests can have arranged. “It’s easy to fit anything in with this scene,” she said. “It’s so gorgeous here.” Tents are set up, complete with heating units when necessary for ultimate comfort. “We’ve had a few instances where we caught a little rain, but it didn’t faze anyone at all.”
Arranging everything for these events is no easy task. “We have lots of links we work with when it comes to getting weddings all together.”
From wedding cake bakers, and local hotel accommodations to photographers and wedding planner services, Turner aids with anything her customers may request. A taxi service is even provided to area hotels for family and guests to ensure safety and responsibility.
Although they are not permitted to sell their own alcohol, parties are welcome to bring their own for Turner’s staff to prepare and serve. “We have a great group of people who work here,” she said. “None of this would be possible if it weren’t for them.”
Menu packages are available, covering everything from a casual pork barbecue, to formal dining, complete with butlered hors d’oeuvres. While Turner likes to have some part in food preparation, guests are also permitted to include menu items from a favorite local restaurant. Turner also has an extensive list of musical groups, performers and DJs, who – given the nature of the event and the budget guests are willing to spend – will entertain the crowd for hours.
“We help line things up for people,” she said. “We can do anything people want. We haven’t said no yet.”
Groups of all sizes, up to as many as 150, can enjoy an afternoon, day or weekend at Hi Point Farm. “There’s nothing too small,” Turner said. “I’ve had groups of eight come in and rent the place, and sit by the pool. It’s so much fun.”
Turner added that she understands the stress and chaos that come with planning, so she does what she can to help make the experience more enjoyable. “We want to make it really easy for people,” she said, “and also really special. There’s no other place around the area that does something like this.”
Hi Point Farm is not just a business for Turner but a place for social welcoming of everyone who comes by. “With all of the weddings we’ve had in the past year,” said Turner, “we’ve made a lot of new friends and met a lot of people who really appreciate the farm.”
The cottage, complete with two bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms, offers a great stay for anyone who wants some seclusion while still enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Behind it sits the barn — which was renovated to double as Turner’s home since 2003 — that provides many of the accommodations.
“Before I lived there,” she said, “I kept looking at the barn, thinking, ‘What can I do where I can still be here and play with food?’ I wanted to be able to stand in there and be able to look out at this view. This is really my dream-come-true. I don’t ever want to retire. This is so much fun. I’m very lucky.”
Working in a fast-paced environment is motivation for Turner. “I love the helter-skelter of the weddings,” she said. “They’re all a challenge, and everyone’s different, so that makes it nice. In the restaurant, it was redundant. This is a whole new ballgame. You have to meet all the people, and everyone has original style and tastes.”
Turner’s service also works closely with the Salt Pond and the VFW along Cedar Neck Road to help accommodate larger groups with the support for gatherings they may need.
Hi Point Farm sees most of its business in the summertime and around the holidays. Though many are private, some are designed for the public. The next public event is a Halloween fund raiser on Oct. 31, to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Summerwinds Stables, a full-service rescue and adoption agency for horses.
Local favorite10-piece band the Funsters, complete with a horn section, will be performing at the event, with silent auctions raising money for the organizations.
“It’s all for great charity,” said Turner.
Donations from local businesses for the auction are still being taken. For more information about the Halloween event, or to book an affair, visit www.hipointfarms.com online or call Diane Turner at (302) 539-7168. Reservations fill quickly, on a first-come-first-served basis, so clients are encouraged to book in advance.