Socially distance yourself from the hustle and bustle of Manila by taking a three-hour drive to this part of Nueva Ecija, where one could wake up to a sea of clouds and the humming of birds. Nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountains and overlooking the calm waters of Pantabangan Lake were a set of cabins that gorgeously blended with the surrounding nature.
The Hilltop Cabins of Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm in Nueva Ecija
Constructed on a vast farmland rolling on the tips of successive hills, Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm’s hilltop cabins dished breathtaking outdoor views and a country vibe stamped with mother nature's serenity. Part agricultural and farm tourism site, visitors could enjoy a much-needed Zen-and-chill experience while regaling at the spectacular scenery in between spreads of healthy farm-to-table meals.
Charming Tiny Houses
Dotting the hilltop property were six cabins of varying layouts but sharing the ambiance of a calm bucolic lifestyle, and a main farmhouse called Matahum. Each cottage was named from different words taken from Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon languages, such as Amihan, Hiraya, Bahaghari, Maharlika, Malipayon, and Marahuyo.
Half of the cabins came with small private pools, while the rest came with added fabulous views by being perched on grounds with elevated viewpoints.
The cabins' interiors were lavished with mostly wooden materials, finished with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and covered with nipa thatched roofs. Other features included a private bath, a loft, and a veranda that opened to the majestic views of the mountains and the lake.
Desmond Farms
The property was managed and owned by Desmond Farm and Partners Inc (DFPI). It was a corporation composed of farmers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who pooled together an investment in developing an organic farm that produced high-quality cacao beans.
"Since the management saw the need for a guest house to accommodate our various stakeholders who wanted to visit the farm, a few have been carefully constructed," said Desmond Farm's Corporate Secretary Kaiselle C. Atun. "After experiencing themselves the beauty of the nature surrounding the farm, and recognizing the importance of promoting sound agricultural practices, DFPI started offering the cabins and opening its farm gates to the public,” Atun added.
Farm to Table Produce
Guests of Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm could also enjoy the farm’s fresh produce that was available upon visitor’s request, ranging from vegan and keto-friendly meals to cacao-based sweets and pastries.
A small shop was also located on the ground floor of the Matahum farmhouse, where visitors could buy fresh vegetables and fruits, pigeon peas, assorted peanuts, Choco nutri nibs, chocolate peanut spread, and different flavors of chocolate bars made from the cacao harvested on the farm.
Farm Ridge also offered farming activities to its guests, particularly in learning how to plant and harvest cacao by taking them to the farm’s cacao plantation located a short distance away from the hilltop cabins.
Plans for the immediate future included the construction of a café where diners could relish the 360-degree view of the striking waving tips of the Sierra Madre and its adjacent rolling hills down to the calm waters of Pantabangan Lake.
Standard Cabin Rates
These were the standard baseline rates compiled directly from their digital platform Farm Ridge PH. Please keep in mind that seasonal updates, weekend packages, or promotional events could shift pricing scales. Make it a point to survey their Facebook page for active discounts or special package releases.
Accommodations & Pricing
What to Expect?
A memorable time, pleasant weather—like Baguio or Sagada feels—good food, friendly staff (most of whom were former farmers trained by the management to learn hospitality housekeeping and kitchen skills), and a satisfying cup of hot tsokolate.
Our trip to Farm Ridge by Desmond Farms was made possible by NLEX Corporation, who recently organized a mini Lakbay Norte trip to Nueva Ecija. Participated in by travel writers from both the print and digital media, the journey to the province known as the “rice granary of the Philippines” aimed to promote other budding destinations worth visiting.
Hotel Fact Box
Room & Cabin Categories
- Matahum Farmhouse The property's flagship and largest accommodation hub, beautifully perched right above the main reception area. Features a sprawling multi-bedroom layout, expansive living setup, private kitchen pantry, private plunge pool, and a grand covered viewing deck delivering sweeping views of the Sierra Madre. Fits up to thirteen people.
- Amihan & Hiraya Cabins Charming tiny house configurations equipped with classic cozy sleep attics, built precisely to blend rustic native style with structural functionality. Features a personal veranda framework revealing mountain and lakeside views.
- Malipayon & Bahaghari Cabins Premium hexagonal loft-style eco-cottages featuring distinct timber wall partitions, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, and private side plunge pools. Accommodates four to six guests comfortably.
- Marahuyo Cabin An upscale, ultra-secluded premium eco-cabin designed for family groups or couples seeking an absolute off-grid, tranquil country experience, paired with a personal swimming pool.
- Sierra Grande / Cortijos / Chalet Cabins Varying custom A-frame, triangular, and hexagonal design modules featuring open porches, warm wood interiors, and elevated ridge-front placements for maximum visibility.
Dining & Farm Fresh Produce
- Farm-to-Table Restaurant & Upcoming 360° Ridge Café An al fresco country-style pavilion dining experience centered on organic, fresh-picked ingredients. Specializes in customized keto-friendly and vegan menus, traditional Bicolano-Ilonggo boodle fights for groups, artisan pastries, and signature hot tsokolate or cacao tea brewed straight from the estate's plantations.
- Matahum Farm Shop An on-site cooperative shop selling seasonal organic fruits, crisp mushroom chips, dark chocolate bars, chocolate peanut spread, choco nutri nibs, pigeon peas, and native cacao granules tea.
