Berlin, PA
About Us
Dove Harbour Farm
Dove Harbour Farm is 110-acres of tilled fields, lawns, gardens, and woodland. Depending on the season, you will likely see or hear deer, coyote, fox, raccoons, raptors, turkey, pheasant, small mammals and an occasional black bear. Please admire all wildlife from a distance, and please do not approach or feed any animal on the farm.
There are hundreds of types of trees, shrubs, plants and wildflowers in the woods and wood edge. We encourage you to enjoy a quiet walk through the woods (on designated pathways) and bathe in the wonders of this peaceful place. Feel free to pick a bouquet of wildflowers or spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch at the Camp by the Creek. Please remember to leave nothing behind but your footprints.
This is a working farm. Heavy farm equipment is used on the fields. The chicken yard, bee yard, orchard, and vegetable gardens are protected by electrified fences, which are always turned on. For your safety, please do not walk in the fields (other than designated pathways) or attempt to enter fenced areas. Please mind children and keep them away from these areas as well.
The 1830's era barn is original to the property, with many "old ways" farming features. We are proud to be included on the 2025 Pennsylvania Historic Barn Tour, sponsored by the Historic Barn & Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania.
2,323'
Dove Harbour Farm Elevation
198
Active Windmills in Somerset County, PA
80
Annual Inches of Snow in Berlin PA
Dove Harbour Farm History
Philip Wegerlein Sr. was just a teenager when he first explored this area – home only to a few fearless settlers and Fort Oak Grove, a small US government outpost. At 33 years old, he purchased 476 acres of land grant claim in 1773, though he’d been farming and hunting the land since 1768.
In 1786, Philip Wagerline Jr. received 289 acres, named
Dove Harbour Farm. Philip was born in 1776, and was just 10 years old at the time. After his death, generations of descendants owned and farmed the land.
The original log house was once located near the northwest corner of the current Farm House. Artifacts from this building are included in the construction of “newer” buildings on the property.
The Barn dates to the 1830’s; the Farm House and many of the outbuildings at Dove Harbour Farm were built during the Civil War years, 1861-65.
Your Hosts
After living in and raising a family in southern New Jersey, Mark and Linda Mason moved to Berlin, PA in 2016 to carry on the long heritage of this eighth-generation family farm. Mark, a veteran of the US Coast Guard, continues his work for the Philadelphia-based non-profit Tech Impact. Linda, a pediatric occupational therapist, continues her work in Somerset County. They are enthusiastic riders on the abundant rail trails of the Laurel Highlands.
Dove Harbour Weather
The town of Berlin, PA is centered on a land plateau AND a valley. American writer Malcolm Crowley described this “roof garden of Pennsylvania” as “tangible, small and immediate: a Pennsylvania Valley…a high tableland cut by ravines.”
We call it beautiful. Unpredictable. Especially as our climate changes. Review our seasonal guidelines, and check out the Dove Harbour Farm weather station before your visit. Be prepared for pop-up mountain showers on the sunniest of days. “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes. It will change.”
Spring
Typically, spring arrives a bit later in the Laurel Highlands, a very unpredictable time of year for this region. There could still be snow in March or even early April. By May, it usually evens out, with warmer, sunny days and cool nights.
What to wear:
It never hurts to pack that umbrella and grab a rain jacket. Rubber boots are probably best for those outdoor activities, too. We recommend lighter layers.
Summer
From July to August, the average temperature is mid-80’s. The higher elevations bring cooler temperatures than the valleys. Get ready for long bike rides, picnics, hiking, zip-lining, and summer days lake-side.
What to Wear:
Pack a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and shorts! Bug spray is always a good idea for those summer evening activities.
Autumn
September marks the end of summer and the beginning of the autumn season. Temperatures vary and September through November can be very unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 70s with cooler mornings and nights. October is one of the most popular times to visit the Laurel Highlands, with so many fall festivals, and incredibly vivid fall foliage. By November, the temperatures can drop to mid-30s.
What to Wear:
Layers are key! Pack jackets for the early mornings and late evenings to shed in the warm afternoon. Typically, colder weather starts mid-November.
Winter
The Laurel Highlands has the largest cumulative snowfall in PA, making it a fantastic place to be in the colder months. From late November to mid-March the temperature starts to drop. While Mother Nature may not grace us with fluffy white powder until late December, we still recommend you prepare for freezing temperatures.
What to Wear:
Pack the gloves, hats, scarves and boots, and bundle up for tons of fun. If you’re headed out for some winter sports, skip the cotton. Go with sweat wicking materials. Wear your running pants and work out gear as your first layer. Be sure to pack some lip balm!