The History

Nestled 20 miles outside of Natchez, Mississippi, stands Field & Forest, a historic home built around 1836. In the 1830s, The residence on the property began as a farmhouse built by James G. Wood for his daughter, Maria Louisa Wood, and her husband, Thomas Elam.

The plantation was once part of the complex and painful history of the South, similar to many homes in Mississippi built during that time, and involved the use of slave labor. Benjamin Bevin purchased the home in 1858, and by 1860, Bevin owned 84 enslaved individuals in Jefferson County. The reality of slavery can never be ignored or excused, and those who once lived and labored here will never be forgotten. Their stories matter, their voices deserve to be acknowledged, and their humanity must always be honored. To steward a home like this is to commit to remembering the past with honesty, ensuring that history is told with truth and respect, and creating a future that is inclusive, reflective, and just.

During Mr. Bevin’s ownership he expanded the main home into the Greek Revival style home that stands to this day. The addition included classical columns, grand proportions, and intricate woodwork—hallmarks of a style that was highly popular during the era.

Adaline Balch bought the property in 1873 after Mr. Bevin died, and in 1938 it was purchased by Josephine Balfour Payne, who wrote children's stories, and her husband Earl Payne. There is a graveyard behind the home where several generations of the Payne Family are laid to rest, and ancestors of Josephine Payne still live in the nearby town of Natchez to this day.

During the late 20th century, the home fell into disrepair but was rescued from demolition and lovingly restored in the 1970s. In 1978, actor George Hamilton recognized its architectural and historical significance and purchased the property. The following year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In an unprecedented turn of events the home was then occupied by a Hare Krishna commune in the late 1970’s and became a residence and center for their activities. After their forced departure, the home changed hands a few times over the next decade. At the turn of the 21st Century, Field & Forest was used as a filming location for the Coen Brothers' 2000 movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? as the home of Governor Pappy O'Daniel.

In 2023, the home was acquired by Angel Roberts and Robert VanNewkirk, who discovered it during a Thanksgiving visit to their dear friend, Tate Taylor, the director of The Help and a Church Hill resident. They immediately fell in love with the property, captivated by its beauty despite its deterioration, and purchased it soon after.

Faced with the weight of history, Angel & Robert had a choice: let this storied home fade into ruin, or reshape its future for the better. Though its past is intertwined with the painful realities of the antebellum South, they chose to honor its architectural legacy while embracing a new purpose.

Over the next two years, Angel and Robert worked meticulously to renovate the house, preserving its original architectural spirit, while updating it with thoughtful, contemporary touches that make it a true creative haven for other artists. They traveled across the country, hand-picking vintage art and furniture, now scattered throughout the home. Every room reflects the couple's unique vision and dedication to blending history with innovation.

Field & Forest stands not just as a relic of history, but as a space for joy, reflection, and community, proving that even the most complicated pasts can lead to a brighter, more welcoming future.