From vision to reality: The inspiring journey of two sisters behind Well Farmhouse

When urban life becomes suffocating with its mechanical routines, people yearn for open spaces to breathe freely, lush greenery to soothe their eyes, and uninterrupted leisure to enjoy life. To bring back these increasingly rare experiences of modern life, Well Farmhouse was established on the outskirts of the bustling port city of Chattogram.

On a crisp winter afternoon, the farmhouse is a picture of tranquillity. Families gather fresh vegetables from the fields, while fishing enthusiasts enjoy the calm waters. What's truly remarkable is that this idyllic getaway, brimming with the sights, sounds, and flavours of rural Bangladesh, is only a 30-minute drive from the city.

Spanning nearly eight acres, Well Farmhouse offers a variety of activities for all ages. Whether it's a fun family outing, a casual office retreat, or a gathering with friends, this serene spot is the perfect place to unwind and create lasting memories.

Two generations, two sisters behind the port city's first getaway farmhouse

Well Farmhouse was born out of the vision of Nasrin Akther Ruba, wife of Syed Sirajul Islam, the managing director of Well Group, a prominent apparel exporter and bakery brand based in Chattogram. With a deep passion for farming, Nasrin has been involved in agriculture for over 15 years, and her dream was to create a peaceful retreat for her family away from the hectic urban life.

This dream became a reality thanks to her younger sister, Meheraj Anika, who transformed the personal project into a commercial venture. While Nasrin nurtured her love for farming and rural beauty, Meheraj turned it into a thriving business, blending traditional rural culture with modern commerce.

In just three years, their collaboration has made Well Farmhouse one of Chattogram's most popular picnic destinations. The farmhouse began its commercial journey in late 2021 with a small gathering of 25 guests, offering home-cooked meals. 

As demand grew, the sisters closed the farmhouse for renovations and officially relaunched it in November 2022 as a fully-fledged commercial venue. From a small team of five, the farmhouse now employs over 50 people.

Nasrin Akther Ruba shared with The Business Standard, "Farming has always been close to my heart, influenced by my grandfather, father, and in-laws. Seventeen years ago, I started this farm with just two cows. A decade ago, we even built a biogas plant to produce gas and fertilizer for cultivation. What began as a private retreat for my family, especially the kids who lacked open spaces in the city, has grown into a haven for others seeking a similar escape."

Photo: Courtesy

Well Farmhouse was born from Nasrin's desire to provide children with a green, breathable environment. Inspired by this vision, her sister Meheraj later joined the project, bringing her expertise and fresh perspective.

Meheraj shared, "My sister always dreamed of bringing people closer to nature and rural culture. While there are many professional farmhouses abroad, Chattogram lacked a similar space. We decided to create one here. At first, we used our own furniture and cookware to make the place feel homey. Over time, we added features like a park-like environment and seminar halls. Now, the farmhouse serves people from all walks of life, offering a peaceful day out with loved ones."

The growth of Well Farmhouse, according to Meheraj, has been driven by several factors—starting with word of mouth and gaining momentum through viral social media campaigns. Creative branding and marketing strategies have kept the buzz alive, leading to a steady rise in visitors. As demand grew, the farmhouse quickly adapted, leveraging the experience of Well Group's other divisions to improve logistics and catering, all while maintaining high standards.

"Our success comes from consistently curating a menu that taps into trends and customer preferences, creating unique and memorable dining experiences," Meheraj added. "Even as we grew, we never compromised on quality or safety, and by continually investing in our highly trained staff, we ensure excellent guest experiences every time."

To keep up with the increasing demand, the farmhouse streamlined its booking process to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Clear guest service policies helped build trust, leading to repeat visits. The founders have worked hard to create an inclusive atmosphere that attracts diverse guests, offering tailored events and unique experiences. Features like a live Bhapa Pitha station, a heritage museum, a Bengal art studio, distinctive breakfast offerings, and a cosy winter BBQ setup have set the farmhouse apart, making it a memorable destination.

Through the founders' grit and determination, Well Farmhouse has blossomed into a thriving retreat, where city dwellers can reconnect with nature and create lasting memories with their families and friends.

From playing fields to vegetable gardens, art centres to libraries

Well Farmhouse offers a variety of entertainment options for guests of all ages. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy football, basketball, and badminton courts, while those seeking a more peaceful experience can unwind in the library, sipping coffee and getting lost in a good book. For a bit of nostalgia, visitors can take a relaxing boat ride on the pond, bringing back the charm of rural life. Kids can have fun in the clay station, where they can get their hands dirty and let their imaginations run wild.

Creativity is at the heart of the farmhouse's offerings, with an Arts and Craft Center where children can explore painting and crafts. Adults can also look forward to new activities being introduced soon.

To add an educational touch, a small museum has been set up to connect urban youth with rural traditions. Here, visitors can explore a collection of traditional handicrafts and tools from rural Bengal, including bamboo and wicker products, ploughs, spinning wheels, and clay pots, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. 

These items are collected from local markets across different villages and preserved by the farmhouse's founders and their families. Recently, a "Brishti-Bilash Corner" has been added to the farmhouse to allow guests to enjoy the beauty of the rural monsoon. The latest addition is a private event space that can host up to 200 people and is well-suited for events like weddings etc. 

Nasrin Akther Ruba shared, "Our efforts are focused on creating an experience where people can breathe easy and enjoy themselves. We are also trying to connect generations. We cannot afford to be disconnected from our history and heritage."

The farmhouse is surrounded by lush greenery right from the entrance. There are various fruit, flower, and vegetable plants, including trees like cinnamon, guava, belum, and tomatoes. Visitors can also find a wide variety of seasonal vegetables. To help city-dwelling children learn about and recognize these plants, each one is labelled with its name. Guests can even pick fresh vegetables for themselves to take home.

For those wishing to take a piece of greenery with them, the "Botanico" section, led by Nasrin Akther Ruba's daughter, Nashrat Noor, offers plant saplings for sale. Visitors can care for these plants, using pots, soil, fertiliser, and water, to create their own piece of green paradise at home. The Botanico corner features over 50 varieties of plants.

Photo: Courtesy

Not only Nashrat but many other family members are also involved in the farmhouse's activities, bringing their own innovations. The "Native" brand, which produces Balchao (fermented shrimp) and pickles, is another initiative of the family. These products are made without any chemical additives, using 100% natural ingredients. 

Meheraj Anika, the farmhouse's founder, commented, "We welcome any family member who wants to contribute. The next generation is joining us – Nashrat is working with plants, and there are others who are interested in livestock. We are working to build a stronger connection with the land."

A green touch for the ailing and differently-abled

A unique feature of Well Farmhouse is its special arrangements for the ailing and differently abled individuals. The farmhouse has wheelchair-friendly paths for these guests to navigate easily. 

There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that everyone has access to green surroundings. Meheraj Anika mentioned, "When a family member with special needs comes, we do not charge them. Our farmhouse is very close to the city, and we want to make sure that those with special needs are not deprived of having a wonderful time with their family."

Buffet, barbecue, and more

For food-loving Bengalis, no holiday is complete without delicious food, and Well Farmhouse delivers just that. The farmhouse serves a variety of mouthwatering dishes for guests to enjoy.

Lunch and dinner buffets feature an assortment of chutneys, vegetables, khichuri, and rice, along with local fish like Loitta and Pabda, and meats such as chicken, beef, and mutton. The mutton is slaughtered and cooked on-site, ensuring top-notch quality and flavor. 

In addition to traditional offerings, guests can indulge in barbecue, nihari, and naan straight from the tandoor oven. For dessert, there's a selection of coffee, ice cream, and other sweet treats, with fresh steamed "Pitha" (traditional Bengali sweets) served during the winter evenings. Special arrangements are made for festivals like Ramadan, Eid, and Durga Puja.

When city life feels overwhelming, Well Farmhouse is the perfect place to recharge and connect with loved ones. The founders have succeeded in bringing the timeless beauty of rural Bengal to city dwellers, offering a much-needed escape amidst nature.