Imagine standing in the middle of a vibrant field of sunflowers, the sun warming your face as horses and alpacas graze peacefully in the pastures around you. At Elle Pea Acres, we embrace the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the farm. Here, it’s all about savoring the simple moments, connecting with nature, and experiencing the joy that comes from working the land and caring for our animals.
The Spark: How It All Began
I grew up on a small farm with my family, where my parents worked long hours at their jobs, followed by even longer hours tending to the farm. As a little girl, I was a bit rough around the edges, with a wild imagination and an endless love for animals. I talked to them as if they were my friends, rescuing any creature in need. Horses were my sanctuary; my happiest moments were spent in the barn and the pasture. From an early age, I knew I wanted to have my own farm—a dream I carried in my heart every single day.
In 2023, that dream became a reality with the creation of Elle Pea Acres. Our vision was to build something meaningful: a sustainable farm that celebrates fresh-cut flowers, alpacas, and horses. But this farm is about more than just growing things; it’s about nurturing connections. By caring for the land and our animals, we aim to nourish not just ourselves but our community as well. Through our fresh flowers, sustainable alpaca products, and the values we uphold, we hope Elle Pea Acres becomes a place where people come together to learn, grow, and celebrate all things beautiful and peaceful.
The Journey: Turning a Dream Into Reality
Our search for the perfect farm in the Finger Lakes region had been a long time coming. Life in Florida had its perks, but the relentless heat, the looming threat of hurricanes, and the ache of being far from our New York family made the decision clear. It was time for a change. So, we sold our Florida farm, packed up the horses, rescue pigs, dogs, and cats, and made the 1,300-mile journey north to what would become Elle Pea Acres.
The move was an adventure we’ll never forget—and one we don’t plan to repeat anytime soon! From coordinating the safe transport of all our animals to dealing with unexpected challenges, it was no small feat. The only major hiccup came in the form of a 1994 Blue Bird school bus Thomas had planned to convert into a wheelchair-accessible RV. It broke down along the way, but we were thankful that everyone—two- and four-legged alike—made it to New York safe and sound.
Once we arrived, there was no time to rest. Outside of her day job, Kiersten was fixing fences with her dad, Thomas was mowing overgrown fields, and we managed to find time to work with the horses. And, of course, there was the excitement of planning our first year as a flower farm. Every step brought us closer to realizing the vision of Elle Pea Acres—a place to grow, create, and share something truly special with our community.
The Heart of Elle Pea Acres
Our first year at Elle Pea Acres was a whirlwind of challenges, growth, and excitement. Among the highlights were the new additions to our farm family: alpacas, three rescue donkeys, and a Belgian mule named Hodor, all finding a new home here. (You can see pictures of all our animals on our website!)
Life on the farm kept us busy in every sense. Thomas graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Food and Farming, while Kiersten balanced her workdays with training for her first endurance riding season with Nova, one of our beloved horses. It wasn’t always easy, but we stayed steadfast in our commitment to our dream.
With determination and a lot of teamwork, we planted our first flower and vegetable gardens and proudly opened our roadside farm stand. Seeing it all come together felt like a small victory in a much larger journey. This is just the beginning for Elle Pea Acres.
Looking Ahead
The future of Elle Pea Acres is as bright as the fields of flowers we hope will catch the eyes of everyone driving down Route 34N. We envision our farm as a hub of connection and creativity, where the community can come together for events like bouquet-making days, yoga in the fields, or even a peaceful walk with one of our alpacas.
This past year, we were so grateful to meet many of you at our farm stand and the Freeville Farmers Market, where we spent most of the summer sharing our flowers and produce. Looking ahead, we’re committed to making Elle Pea Acres a staple in the community—a place where you can stop by after work for fresh produce, cottage goods, and vibrant flowers, or simply enjoy the beauty of the fields from afar.
We also want to grow our reputation for high-quality alpaca products. Whether you’re looking for cozy winter gear or meaningful gifts, our handcrafted items bring a piece of the farm into your home. Soon, you’ll be able to shop our alpaca products online—stay tuned!
Thank you for being part of our journey. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, events, and a glimpse into life on the farm. We can’t wait to continue growing, creating, and sharing the beauty of Elle Pea Acres with all of you. We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons from our farm to yours.