Winter on our Llama Farm Stay

Some may think that we have the winter off on our Farm Stay in France. In the same way that teachers get lots of holidays! The winter is for us, like school holidays are for teachers, a time to plan, prepare, find inspiration and recuperate.

Our 5 years here in Lavernat, France have been eventful, that’s for sure! Building a hospitality business from scratch has taken hard work and creative thinking. The farm has evolved each year as we have discovered our direction and what works for our guests, our animals and us.

So, winter 2022 / 23, what have we been up to?

The Wedding

We started strong with a wedding, our wedding! Postponed from April 2020 due to a pandemic that reared its ugly head a month before. The big day finally happened on September 10th. The sun shone, the sky was blue and much eating, drinking and dancing was partaken in.

Notes for future events:

Check Wi-Fi distance for Spotify.

Don’t kid yourself that “fruit” punch is a healthy alternative to wine.

Remember to eat.

Bench seats and “fruit” punch aren’t your friends.

The Stable Suite

Next up is the addition of The Stable Suite. Those that have been here may have noticed a pretty room that’s opposite the llamas stable. The book exchange, board games and puzzles that currently live there are being moved to one of the piggeries and the room is being refurbished with an en-suite shower room and toilet. So exciting! Work starts in 3 weeks, look out for updates on our social media.

The Nomad Tent

We have ordered a new addition to join our beautiful belles.

The Lotus Belle, aka The Banana Tent, remains by the banana trees, overlooking the donkeys paddock and the llamas sand pit.

The Sibley, aka The Wild Tent, remains at the end of the orchard. The Wild Tent has had a trip to the U.K. for professional cleaning. It’s currently on its way back to France looking and feeling like new!

Brand new for 2023, we welcome The Nomad. To do this tent the justice it deserves we are building a new platform. The Nomad will take up residence under the shade of the willow tree, with views of the llama meadow.

The Project Plan

Meanwhile, there is a project plan. It satisfies my need for lists and organisation!

Whilst the major projects take place, we will be pruning fruit trees, planting new shrubs and sowing seeds, repairing fencing, clearing more land of brambles within the llamas meadows.

But mostly we will be cuddling donkeys!