East Lyme — A two-story farmhouse at White Gate Farm on Upper Pattagansett Road could become a new bed and breakfast and center for classes and events.

Pauline Lord and her husband, David Harlow, who run the 100-acre organic farm, are seeking to open an inn on their farmland by this summer and to expand the farm's programs, said Lord.

"We would like to offer more farm-based events, like farm-to-table events in the farmhouse and more cooking classes," she said.

The Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Town Hall to consider the farm's applications to amend the town's zoning regulations for bed and breakfasts, as well as farm events.

Prior to Thursday's hearing, the Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday to consider whether or not to recommend to the Zoning Commission that the proposal is consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.

The applications seek to revise the town's regulations to specifically allow farm events, such as dinners, weddings, farm education and wellness-related events, as an "accessory use" on farms that are larger than 50 acres and located in the town's rural RU-40 zones.

The proposed regulations outline restrictions, such as the maximum number of guests allowed at each type of event.

Lord said they are also seeking to revise the definition of a bed and breakfast, since regulations allow up to five units, but the farmhouse has six bedrooms. 

Lord said they want to continue to hold cooking classes and events like the popular "Dinners at the Farm," and hope to also expand the farm's programs and host small weddings. The farm is not pursuing amplified music outdoors, she added.

Lord said the Inn at White Gate Farm would enable guests to stay in the middle of an organic farm and see its daily activities, while they could also take classes tailored to their interests. In addition to six bedrooms, the white farmhouse with green shutters, which stands in the middle of the farm, includes a large meeting space and a kitchen.

Since guests would likely be interested in health and wellness, the inn could also be a good spot for the occasional yoga class, Lord added.

Lord said the proposal supports White Gate's mission by promoting the farm's continued sustainability. 

"The mission of the farm is to grow great healthy produce and take good care of the land," said Lord. "We can't take good care of the land unless we're making money from the business."

While their primary income will still come from selling staples like produce, chickens and eggs, the proposal will be "a good way to augment our farm income and offer more of an educational center," she said.

If their plans are approved, Lord said they would open the bed and breakfast in May or June.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich