About Us
Our Story
At The Garnet House, we believe that a home is more than four walls—it’s a place where you feel safe, supported, and part of something bigger. Established in the heart of Farmington, NH, The Garnet House was created with the goal of offering more than just a place to stay. With our 13 newly renovated, private rooms, we’ve built a community that values acceptance, growth, and genuine human connection.
Our Family
The Garnet House is run by a dedicated family who understands the importance of community and security. We are committed to ensuring that each resident feels welcome, heard, and cared for. Our mission is simple: to provide a space where everyone can thrive, no matter their background or life’s journey. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
Meet the Owners
With a rich background in finance and community service, Don MacVane brings a lifetime of dedication, experience, and heart to The Garnet House. Having worked extensively in financial organizations, Don specialized in mortgage services and served as Senior Vice President of Operations. His role involved opening and managing bank branches across Maine and New Hampshire, where he thrived in regulated environments that required licensing, oversight, and close collaboration with people at all levels within the branches.
Beyond his professional career, Don has a longstanding commitment to public service. His volunteer work spans several decades, including roles in local government and nonprofit organizations. As the Director of Cooperative Extension in York County, Maine, and the first Chairman of the Board for My Friend’s Place in Dover, NH, Don has been deeply involved in initiatives to support high-risk individuals, particularly those facing homelessness.
Don’s service also includes 19 years on the Farmington planning board and representing the State of New Hampshire at the International Conference on Homelessness in Ottawa, Canada. His dedication to helping others has been a driving force throughout his life.
A proud father of two sons, Don raised his family in Farmington, NH, where his children attended public schools and went on to achieve doctorates in law. His deep roots in the local community and commitment to making a positive impact continue to guide his work and vision for The Garnet House, where he strives to create a supportive, secure, and welcoming environment for all residents.
Michelle Bellows
House Mother of The Garnet House
As the House Mother of The Garnet House, Michelle Bellows brings a lifetime of hands-on experience and care to her role. With a background in the food service industry, Michelle spent nearly a decade working in the deli and produce departments of major grocery retailers, where she developed strong skills in customer service and food handling.
Michelle’s career has been marked by her dedication to service in various roles. She was a driver for Portsmouth Head Start, transporting young children—a role she’s particularly proud of, as it allowed her to support families and ensure safe transportation for children under 13. She also worked for Howard Johnson in Portsmouth as a maid and housekeeper, where her commitment to her job led her to round out her schedule by working in the restaurant, eventually becoming a cook.
In addition to her work experience, Michelle has been closely involved in agriculture, working with both animals and vegetables on a retail level and in the field. Today, she applies her agricultural skills at The Garnet House, managing the vegetable garden, preparing produce for the Gem Farms farm stand, and caring for the animals, with a special focus on poultry.
A mother of three, Michelle spent years as a stay-at-home mom, nurturing her family and building a welcoming home environment. Now, she brings that same warmth, dedication, and practical expertise to The Garnet House. Her daily responsibilities include overseeing cleaning, preparing the farm stand, and creating a comfortable, supportive atmosphere that residents can call home.
Don MacVane
President of The Garnet House
Meet the Heart Behind The Garnet House
We’re a family-owned and operated boarding house, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a safe, welcoming place to call home. Our mission is simple: to create a supportive community where residents can thrive. Get to know the people who make The Garnet House feel like family.
Message us to learn more about our story, and we’ll get right back to you!