Cherries plus Creston equals home

The Martins of Cherrybrook Farms in Creston have built a business that includes their passions and a place to call home

Caroline Martin stand outside the farm's fruit stand which is near one of the properties she calls home. — Kristen Mitchell photo

Gord and Caroline Martin operate a cherry tree membership in Creston. Cherrybrook Farms began operation in 1996 when the couple decided to fulfil their dreams. Now, their fruit stand serves sweet Dutch treats, ice cream and local products. They've also built a great destination for model-railway enthusiasts. To have a cherry tree membership is to take part in an experience that the Martins are glad to share. Caroline took time to talk to us about living in two homes in the Creston Valley, and her hopes for the future.

When you first moved out of your parents’ house as a young adult, where did you go to live?

The first place we moved into was a condo and then we purchased our first house in Langley.

Can you please describe the home you live in at present?

We actually have two places of residence, which we own. The one we have in Erickson we built from scratch, and then the one here (by the fruit stand) we renovated and brought it back to the original 1940s structure. We’re back and forth between the two. My son lives in the other place. The first one (that we built) is just a classic-style ordinary home and the other one is open-style concept. Eventually we hope to end up in just one. The first home we built 18 years ago and we did the renovation three years ago.

What sorts of elements would you like to integrate to create your dream home?

I don’t think I’ve got my dream house yet! Still working on it. I’m not sure (what exactly that looks like), because it always changes. Styles change, thoughts change. Before I wanted open style, but will it still be open style when I go to build my dream home? I don’t know. There could be a new design out there that I haven’t even thought of.