A Lower Towamensing Township business known for its lavender products will no longer be open to the public.

Quiet Hills Lavender Farm announced on its Facebook page Monday night, that its retail shop is now permanently closed.

However, they do plan to continue making their farm-grown lavender soap and other lavender products through Country Harvest Family Market and possibly other locations, according to the post.

“After much thought, many conversations, and a great deal of prayer, we have made the difficult decision that Quiet Hills Lavender Farm will no longer be open to the public,” the Anthony family posted.

“This was not the outcome we had hoped for, and our hearts are heavy. Quiet Hills Lavender Farm has been a labor of love, a dream built by our family, and a place where we have had the joy of meeting so many kind and wonderful people.

“To everyone who visited the farm, stopped by the shop, attended an event, purchased a product, shared a kind word, sent a note, prayed for us, or stood beside us through this long journey — thank you. We will never be able to fully express how much your support has meant to us.

“While we are closing this chapter, we are not giving up on the parts of the Quiet Hills that we still love,” the business posted. “Though the doors may be closing, the memories and friendships will remain in our hearts forever.”

The post comes several weeks after Lower Towamensing Township ruled on an agritourism request at the Quiet Hills Lavender Farm, allowing some uses and putting restrictions in place.

The township’s zoning hearing board met last month to render a decision on the March 10, 2025, appeal by Christopher and Sheri Anthony regarding their desire to conduct operations on their lavender farm at 1995 Hemlock St. The Anthonys were applying for an exception of agritourism at the farm, which is not a use stated in the R-C zoning district.

The decision follows months worth of hearings on the family-owned and operated Quiet Hills Lavender Farm.

Quiet Hills Lavender Farm, once used for religious retreats, was purchased by the Anthonys in 2015. They later constructed a 40-foot by 80-foot pole barn, which is primarily used for agricultural, a permitted use in a rural conservation district.

Chris Anthony has said they have about 7,000 plants on the farm and offer tours to guests.

The Anthonys had proposed expanding activities at their lavender farm to include crafting classes, yoga, religious retreats, business meetings and private events such as birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations and weddings.

Board Chairman James Ord outlined five issues in an appeal by the Anthonys to the zoning hearing board, including permits, ordinance validity and proposed ag-tourism uses.

He said the zoning officer acted appropriately based on the information available, and the board referred that issue to the zoning hearing board. He also said the ordinance is not exclusionary, despite the appeal’s claim that ag-tourism is not permitted by right anywhere in the township, noting it allows a process for unlisted uses.

The board found many proposed activities are commercial and not directly tied to lavender farming, and ruled they are not accessory uses.

It also determined the township is not barred from enforcement, as the zoning officer was not told the pole building would be used commercially and ag-tourism discussions came after construction began.

Contacted Wednesday morning, Chris Anthony said they will attempt to make the most of the situation.

“We’re trying to move on with our lives and do what’s best for our farm business and hope that this is a move that will satisfy the township’s requirements,” said Anthony, who added it’s tough to operate when you’re only able to be in operation between June through September four hours on a Saturday and Sunday and limited to 50 visitors.

“We’re just changing our business model and we’ll pursue different avenues,” Anthony said.