In the wake of profound loss, Ellen Dawe found herself thrust into a new reality—one where grief intertwined with the responsibilities of parenthood. Widowed with children, she grappled with the weight of her newfound role as both provider and nurturer. But amidst the heartrending sorrow, Dawe recognized the need to forge a path that would allow her to be present for her family while still meeting their needs. Thus, her journey with FarmHouse PoundCakes began—a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and a reminder that even in the darkest hour, there is always room for hope and new beginnings.
From crafting soap to baking
The path to FarmHouse PoundCakes did not begin with flour and eggs but with lye and palm oil. Ellen Dawe found herself dabbling in the alchemy of crafting specialty laundry products, thanks to a friend’s guidance. With her skills honed and a stockpile amassed, she leaped, showcasing her creations at the burgeoning Braselton Artisan Festival—a
now bi-monthly congregation of artisans and vendors converging on the scenic fields near historic downtown Braselton. Dawe staked her tent and her hopes on her handcrafted soaps, but a keen eye and a touch of intuition led her to a fateful decision: to introduce slices of a homemade pound cake into the mix. And lo and behold, the response was nothing short of spectacular—her pound cake slices sold out.
Taking the cue, Ellen seamlessly transitioned from woodswitch to baker, embodying many women’s cottagecore dream. Much like a dessert-centric Mildred Pierce, she expanded her enterprise from Braselton’s Artisan Festival to the idyllic surroundings of Washington Farms, a serene strawberry patch nestled in Oconee County, Georgia. Amidst the blossoming trees, playful children, and rows of luscious strawberries, Ellen’s pound cakes were a hit again, selling out in no time. With determination and ingenuity, she outfitted her home with a commercial kitchen, stocked it with hundreds of cakes, and once more saw success after setting up shop at the Suwanee Farmers Market, where she would deplete her inventory within hours.
The natural progression of events led to Ellen seeking a brick-and-mortar location to sell her products. Hence, the farmhouse aspect of FarmHouse PoundCakes.
“I longed for an old farmhouse, and when the opportunity arose to acquire the one on Old Athens Highway, I knew it was meant to be. That’s when I decided to open my business there. However, the county regulations stipulated that I could only operate from my front room. Undeterred, I set out to create an ambiance reminiscent of grandma’s house—a place steeped in history, with its roots dating back to 1832. From the satisfying slam of the screen door to the gentle creak of the veranda, every detail was carefully curated to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.”
In this endeavor, Ellen achieved nothing short of excellence.
Discovering FarmHouse
My discovery of FarmHouse PoundCakes was serendipitous at best. A wrong turn led me to stumble upon her establishment nestled along Old Athens Highway, and a canceled doctor’s appointment provided the perfect excuse to pay a visit one early Thursday afternoon.
As I pulled into the driveway, I couldn’t help but admire the house—a proud Victorian. The yard was adorned with outdoor lawn games, a quaint trail meandered into the nearby woods, and whimsical umbrellas invited patrons to bask in the surroundings. However, it was the sight of a plump black cat, lazily stretching on the expansive covered porch, that truly captured my attention and set the scene for what was to come.
I vividly recall my genuine delight upon crossing the threshold and stepping into the charming world of FarmHouse PoundCakes. The interior exuded the desired warmth and nostalgia, adorned with baskets of delectable treats and nods to the beloved Scottish historical fiction novel “Outlander” that I had recently immersed myself in. As a history enthusiast with a penchant for Early Modern Europe, I was thrilled to find a kindred spirit in such an unexpected locale in North Georgia.
Moments later, the elegant and confident owner emerged from the kitchen, instantly recognizable as the mastermind behind this establishment.
Moving on
Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we discussed her business, her upcoming Scotland sabbatical, Outlander, and the tantalizing offerings on the menu. Overwhelmed by the array of tempting treats, I ended up ordering far more than I had initially intended.
Before bidding farewell, I couldn’t resist giving a parting pat to her sweet cat, Louis. Arriving home, I carefully unwrapped my order from its paper bag, opting not just to eat, but to savor—a decadent feast of dense, rich pound cake. I regretted that she would soon close for the autumn to traverse the United Kingdom, just as I discovered this sanctuary only a half mile from my home. Worse, a few months later, I learned that the store would be sold! However, any lingering disappointment quickly dissipated when I received word of a new location set to open ten minutes from my address.
While saddened by the closure of such a fine establishment, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pleasure knowing that downtown Cornelia would be graced with the presence of this classy and classic restaurant.
New beginnings
FarmHouse PoundCakes welcomed customers into its new location. In 2024, eager patrons flocked to marvel at the masterful transformation of a once-antiquated building. The décor exudes a simple yet elegant early American colonial style, where dim lighting seamlessly mingles with natural light. Far from feeling outdated, the ambiance evokes the sophistication of an upscale Williamsburg dining venue.
A striking menu adorns the wall behind the counter, reminiscent of the style seen at Silos Baking Co., adding a millennial flair that resonates with the aesthetic often found on the Pinterest boards of trendy hipsters transforming dated in-wall kitchen desks into chic coffee stations. In short, it’s more Ballerina Farm than Little House on the Prairie.
Yet, aesthetic aside, what grants FarmHouse PoundCakes its reputation is the high quality of its food and a menu inspired by extensive European travels.
During her 2023 culinary journey across Scotland and England, Ellen embarked on an adventure that took her to various charming locales. From the picturesque landscapes of Grassington in Skipton to the historic castles of Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye, each stop offered a culturally significant treat. At the Coach House bakery in Loch Lomond, she indulged in sumptuous shortbread with toffee, while Mackenzie’s bakery on the Isle of Skye delighted her palate with a Salted Caramel Victoria Sponge Cake. Upon returning, Ellen eagerly introduced these newfound flavors to the menu at FarmHouse PoundCakes, infusing her creations with the essence of her unforgettable travels: my personal favorite, a scone with clotted cream and jam.
When asked about her feelings concerning the relocation of FarmHouse PoundCakes to Cornelia, Ellen states that she feels overwhelmingly positive, considering it one of the smartest decisions she’s made. The increased foot traffic has been a testament to this, with more people now visiting not only for her pound cakes but also for lunch.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, Ellen plans to expand her wee realm, keeping the specifics tucked deep in the pockets of her apron. Still, she hints at an outpost in the increasingly gentrified — and decidedly posh — City of Clayton. Part of the vision includes her growing array of specialty drinks: her own spin on the Arnold Palmer, plus lemonades, fruity blends, iced coffees, and espressos so smooth and addictive they draw knowing side-eyes and porch-whispered judgments.
Dawe’s dedication to providing a superior experience for her customers drives her aspirations for the future, ensuring that FarmHouse PoundCakes continues to thrive and delight patrons with its exceptional offerings.
Ellen’s journey with FarmHouse PoundCakes is a testament to resilience, determination, and, yes, the tenacity required to navigate life after loss. From the depths of grief to the heights of culinary success, Ellen’s story serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, has not only transformed her own life but has also enriched the community of Cornelia, Georgia. As FarmHouse PoundCakes continues to thrive and delight patrons with its exceptional offerings, Ellen no longer lives as an Outlander but as an integral part of the community.
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Carly McCurry is the publisher of The Cute North Georgian magazine. Her work appears on NowHabersham.com in partnership with Now Network News.
