Our Story
We’re Rickey and Elizabeth Nickell, married for 24 years and deeply rooted in Wolfe County, Kentucky. Liz’s family has been on this land since it was purchased in 1970 by her grandparents Jasper and Helen Long, along with her great-grandparents Newton and Grace Long. Our families can be traced back through the earliest available census records from the creation of Wolfe County, which was formed from portions of Powell, Breathitt, Morgan, and Estill Counties — and likely even farther back within those original counties.

This land is one of the last remaining piece of the original family farm that combined multiple parcels over the years still held within the family, along with neighboring parcel still owned by Liz’s first cousin.

Rebuilding From the Ground Up
In 2014, straight-line winds destroyed the barn and knocked over a large walnut tree that crushed the original homestead house, which had stood for more than 100 years. Since then, we’ve been planning this rebuild— literally starting from the ground up — determined to restore and honor this land for future generations.

Who We Are
We have homeschooled our children, with only one still currently being homeschooled. We want to live close to the Appalachian traditions we were raised with. From growing and preserving our own food, working with lumber on our portable sawmill, creating handmade quilts and crochet blankets to sharing recipes, we are committed to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, faith, and heritage.

Our Purpose
Nickell Ridge Homestead is more than a destination — it’s a living expression of Appalachian history, faith, and community. Our goal is to steward the land God entrusted to us, preserve the skills and stories of the mountains, and provide a peaceful place where others can learn, rest, and reconnect with creation.

As we build our forever home, barns,  outdoor chapel space, and new lodging options, we invite you to grow with us. We hope you’ll join us on this journey as we restore the ridge and share the beauty, wisdom, and traditions of our Appalachian roots.

Hope to see you soon!

Rick and Liz Nickell