Villa de Alpacas Farm

This is the most fun and amazing farm to visit. Firstly the animals are fascinating. The owners are very personable, kind and knowledgeable. It is a place filled with happiness, joy snd

BEFORE reading this, please view this photo for the proper setting: https://peacefulprairie.com/images/jazmine_closeup_5hbg.jpg

Now imagine me penning this little diddie with an alpaca thisclose-thatclose to my face. That's about how it goes....and so, let us embark on this little adventure to the eastern heartland. Background: This alpaca farm/historical estate lies roughly 45 minutes from DC.

ALPACAS:
First of all, YES. I am reviewing an alpaca farm. A really cool one.

Alpacas are for sale on this estate farm ($30k per couple). I did not say they were cheap, I just said I'd review them. Now of course I have nowhere to keep my own alpaca flock in this little Chicago condo of mine, but rest assured...if I had a farm, a Honda Element (they fit in the back and travel well, so I'm told!), and less cats...I'd so own an alpaca. Or 8.

Things I learned about these lovely beasts from heiress de alpacas, Angel Simmons (owner):

*they are sold/kept as guard animals to protect livestock, etc. They aren't aggressive, but lack any semblance of "personal space." Therefore, they freak predators out by approaching too closely and quickly. See above photo if you aren't quite clear on this.

*their gestation is period is approximately 1 year.
*the pregnant ones are sassy. I saw. They hiss.

*they (all) spit when they are territorial. It would behoove you to get out of the way, especially if food is involved.

*Angel says the spit dries and doesn't smell bad, but my boyfriend's coat said differently. I believe the car ride home, thankyouverymuch.

*llamas and alpacas make a nice little family herd. Big ones, small ones...lots of shapes/colors!

*some look rastafarian/dreadlocks, others look like teddy bears. Baby ones look like ewoks.

This was the most fun I had in 4 inches of mud, and 2 feet of snow. Actually, really...it was a great experience. Really sweet animals, and lots of them. Approximately 70. Must make an appointment if you'd like to visit, please remember!

Also, the fur/hair of the alpacas are used to make some really sweet clothing items (made off-site), and no alpaca damage is done! Blankets, scarves (I got one for myself, one for my mother...we love them!), sweaters (I also love this), and many cool items. Unfortunately, they are not available online, but they are all displayed in a room in the historic estate for customers to take a look at...again, appointment only!

So, that's all I got on alpacas and their hair...but, the trip does not stop here.

From their site: Maryland Bicentennial Farm - This Family Farm has been continuously running for over 200 years by direct family members.

Yes, it's 200 years old, still doesn't have "real" heat, and it's so nifty and quirky, you'd be remiss not to check it out. Historical trinkets and treasures EVERYWHERE, dotting a very eclectic and unique decor style specific to Angel herself.

And speaking of Angel, she's a dear. Truly, a sweetheart who loves those alpacas (knows all of them by name), her 5 rescue dogs (one is Mr. Big!), and savoring life on the farm. One of the best "tour guides" I've ever experienced, so excited to share her passion for her heritage, her home...and of course, those fuzzy weird little alpacas with no regard for personal boundaries.

Best day of 2010, easily.

My best friend, myself, and our moms made the drive today from northern Virginia, and it was well worth it!! We were immediately greeted by the adorable llamas and alpacas out front, along with Angel's extremely farm hospitality. From the moment we walked in, she made us feel at home and was beyond generous in showing us the gorgeous Victorian era home on the warm.
Angel was also very accommodating in allowing the four of us to visit her farm on a day when she is not usually open. We called a few days before to schedule our visit and she was more than accommodating and excited for us to visit! She had the house beautifully decorated with all her wares on display and had all this lovely homemade food ready for us, including chili, an abundance of wine, and hot apple cider.
All her products were absolutely beautiful and it was hard to pick a few to purchase!! She gave us brochures for future events and we will definitely be returning!

A hidden treasure. Literally, this place is hard to find. But well worth it.

When driving onto the farm, you immediately see the alpacas...and they see you. Makes you want to go up and pet them.

The Victorian farmhouse is gorgeous on the outside, and on the inside is even more so. The owner Angel is warm and inviting, and committed to her product. The farm has been in her family over two centuries. Go during one of the open houses and indulge in the attentive service, high-quality alpaca products and general positive atmosphere.

Maybe buy a couple of alpacas while you are there. Name then Fernando and Milagro. Live the life.