All About Belltown Hill Orchards

​Belltown Hill Orchards is a working, fourth generation family farm nestled in the scenic rolling hills of Suth glastonbury connecticut. One of Glastonbury's oldest and largest farms, the orchard was founded in 1910 by the Preli Family, and still today, Belltown Hill Orchards is a family farm, now owned by Donald Preli, Jr. and Michael Preli, with their wives, sister, son, nephew, and daughter all working on the farm.In 1904, Louis Preli at age 14 emigrated from Northern Italy to South Glastonbury to work with his uncle hewing railroad ties from the giant chestnut trees which once dominated the area. By the age of 20, Louis saved enough money to purchase seven acres of land where the Farm Market and Bakery is now located. Here he made his home, raised a family and grew a variety of crops and livestock for his own use while continuing to make railroad ties.A few years later, several more acres were added atop Belltown Road, which led to East Hampton known as Bell Town, and hence the orchard got its name. This land was all wooded and Louis with some help had to clear it all by hand. Strawberries and peaches were then planted and then sold to wholesale markets. When Louis' son, Donald, was old enough he was able to help plant more fruit trees and as he became an adult the orchards were then passed on to him.In 1959, Donald married Donna and together started a family, raised four children and expanded the orchard. The retail Farm Market was then added in the 1970's occupying one of the original buildings built by Louis and it is still located there today.