It’s not something you’d have the chance to buy everyday, that’s for sure.
Samy’s Alpaca Farm just north of Strathroy is looking for new owners, with the asking price set at $2 million.
“Now’s the time to move on, do something else,” said Steve Houle, retiring owner of Samy’s Alpaca Farm.
A retired tradesman, Steve knew it was time to relax when he lost a dear friend.
“I had a dog, a St. Bernard, and I lost my dog this year and that broke my spirit,” he said. “He was my best friend out here.”
Steve and his wife Yvonne Houle have owned the business for 22 years, and now they look forward to travelling with their family and enjoying retirement.
“We are very passionate about our alpacas, about our herd, and we hope to find the right person that can continue it,” said Yvonne.
The farm would be great for a family with children, as they can work and learn, Steve added.
The $2 million asking price includes the alpacas, the business and the house, but most people who’ve shown interest have seemed focused on the animal sanctuary aspect, Yvonne said.
While the business isn’t officially deemed an animal sanctuary, Samy’s takes in rescued and abused animals.
Although they may look cute, Yvonne and Steve want buyers to know that the business is not a petting zoo.
“They are not pets… we need somebody that’s passionate about animals in general, and don’t need the love back from them,” said Yvonne.
The farm’s store acts as an outlet for the fibre harvested from the alpacas. The fibre is used to make hats, gloves, socks, yarn, and more. All products are made from in-house fibre, and the Alpaca Fibre Co-operative of Ontario, an organization of 20 farms that pool fibre.
Samy’s also prides itself on sustainability, working with local artists to create store items, selling manure and waste to gardens, and making their farm a chemical-free zone.
The farm is open year-round offering open houses, picnics, walks, and other seasonal events.
Interested parties can read more about the farm here.
