Among Tulips and Alpacas: Love Grows at Healing Acres Farm

Alpacas, tulips, dogs, and chickens are just a few of the vibrant joys awaiting visitors at The Healing Acres Farm in Lake Katrine, NY. What began as a healing-inspired tulip planting (3,000 to be exact) has blossomed into a thriving farm and beloved local sanctuary, thanks to the vision and dedication of Letitia Fernandes and her partner, Sanjay. United by their shared love of animals, nature, culture, and community, the couple has cultivated more than just a farm—they’ve created a space for connection and healing.

Nestled along the tranquil Esopus Creek, The Healing Acres Farm is also home to a charming waterfront Farm Stay Airbnb. At the heart of the property stands a historic stone farmhouse dating back to 1836 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are invited to slow down, spend time with the animals, and immerse themselves in the peaceful rhythms of farm life.

Letitia and Sanjay have lovingly shaped The Healing Acres into a welcoming retreat for a diverse and ever-growing community. Rooted in values of inclusivity and a deep connection to the earth, their story is one of transformation—both personal and collective. We sat down with Letitia to learn more about her journey, from the first tulip bulbs to a life of purpose, healing, and shared joy through farming.

Read on for her inspiring story….

INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Letitia Fernandes: Sanjay and I grew up in the bustling city of Bombay (now Mumbai) and immigrated here about 25 years ago. Jersey City was our first destination, where we quickly settled into the hectic rhythms of our new life and jobs. We quickly realized we needed an escape for ourselves as well as our four-legged companions from the fast-paced city life. For over a decade, we spent most weekends and holidays in the Hudson Valley and now call The Healing Acres and the amazing community around us our home.

Have you always been a farmer, or did you have another career?

Letitia Fernandes: I have spent the last 17 years as a mental health professional and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I had the most amazing and supportive work family and a profession that gave me a sense of purpose. I soon realized through my travel experiences and personal journey that farming gave me a much-needed sense of fulfillment. Honestly, farming is a brand new chapter, but it is something that’s deeply connected to my passion for healing and well-being.

Tell us about your farm life journey and what inspired the idea and name for Healing Acres Farm.

Letitia Fernandes: In 2019, life took me on an unexpected journey, one filled with both sorrow and hope. After laying my parents to rest 7,000 miles away, I returned home with a heavy heart. Those who have experienced the loss of a loved one will know that grief is a deep and lasting emotion.

In search of peace, I embarked on a unique journey, one that involved planting 3,000 tulip bulbs. I dug trenches and planted each bulb one by one, allowing myself the space to be with my thoughts, memories, and emotions. As I immersed myself in this repetitive act, I realized there was something profoundly therapeutic about connecting with the soil. While grief never truly disappears, this process became a healing practice for me, and it marked the humble beginnings of our healing flower farm.

In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, those tulips bloomed, and we began leaving bouquets for our neighbors and loved ones. The blooms brought smiles from afar. In sharing the beauty of the flowers, we found a way to heal not only ourselves but others who needed it as well.

Fast forward to 2023, and our flower farm has grown into something much more than flowers. We now have a fully operational farm, and we hope that The Healing Acres will be a place of healing and hope, not just for us, but for our community as well.

One of the reasons we continue farming is to honor our farming heritage. Both my husband and I come from agrarian ancestry, and we feel the need to honor our ancestors and the land. We want to share the peaceful energy of the farm with others, reminding everyone that even in the most challenging times, there is always space for growth, beauty, and the hope of brighter days ahead.

Tell us about what you’re raising and growing on the farm (tulips, alpacas, etc.)

Letitia Fernandes: In today’s instant-gratification culture, our stores are saturated with flowers imported year-round with little regard to the environment or the community. We sincerely believe that locally grown flowers are beautiful, environmentally friendly, and supportive of the local economy. “Give flowers to the living.” Flowers can have a profound impact on well-being.  They are not just decorative but an integral part of our healing journey. We have tulips in spring and a variety of flowers through the short growing season. We also force tulips during the winter so we can offer locally grown flowers during the colder seasons as well. We understand the vital role that nutrition plays in supporting our physical well-being, which is why we offer pasture-raised eggs from our chickens and ducks. We also provide sustainable meat from American Bresse chickens and Pekin ducks that are free-range in our pastures. No farm is complete without the gentle buzz of bees, and our apiary not only supports our flower fields but also yields delicious honey. Our twelve alpacas are the ultimate therapy animals, and their presence brings peace and tranquility to our farm. They provide us with fiber, which is sold as a raw blanket and used for yarn, eco-friendly dryer balls, and other crafts. Their manure, “black gold,” enriches our soil and is also available for sale.

What does holistic well-being mean to you, and how do you incorporate that into your life?

Letitia Fernandes: As a nurse, I was taught early on how important wellness is and the need to adapt lifestyle habits. To me, holistic well-being means recognizing the interconnectedness of all the different aspects of wellness: emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. If any one area is neglected, it can affect overall health and quality of life. I try to incorporate this into my life by making time for self-care, staying active, maintaining strong relationships, and being more mindful.

What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of running the farm?

Letitia Fernandes: One of the biggest challenges is trying to find a balance between maintaining the farm and managing the bottom line. Another challenge is getting used to waking up at the crack of dawn for morning chores, often greeted by a grumpy bunch of animals and birds who remind me that I’m always late. However, the most rewarding part is seeing how much people appreciate the work we do and the products we offer. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

What impact does your business have on your community?

Letitia Fernandes: Our farm focuses on sustainability and community. Coming from a culture where reusing and recycling were necessities and not just trends, we carry that mindset into our farming practices. For example, we repurpose food scraps from local restaurants as treats for our chickens and for compost, helping to reduce waste. We encourage every restaurant to reach out to local farms to donate food scraps, keeping them out of landfills and supporting sustainable practices. Beyond that, we are dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses and people, contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

You have a fiber event on the farm coming up in May. Who are you collaborating with? Can you share more about the event and how to sign up?

Letitia Fernandes: We are hosting a beret-making workshop on May 31st. The workshop will be conducted by Renee Baumann, and the fiber used will come from our fluffy alpacas. The workshop offers an opportunity to create a finished beret from our alpaca fiber using wet felting techniques. You will leave with your own handmade beret, along with the knowledge of how to wet felt a hat or bowl in the future.

Do you have other upcoming events we should know about?

Letitia Fernandes: We will definitely be offering more fiber workshops, along with workshops on flowers. We also believe that sharing meals and moments of laughter is great for our well-being, which is why we will be offering farm dinners featuring local produce from our farm and nearby farms. Looking ahead, one of my goals as a nurse practitioner is to offer low-cost mental health services for our community, especially our farmers, essential workers, and small business owners.

Tell us about your visiting hours and your Airbnb for folks who want to experience farm life or a getaway on an alpaca farm.

Letitia Fernandes: We are an inclusive farm and all are welcome here; however, being a small family-owned and operated business, we currently do not have open visiting hours. We do offer visits by appointment for a nominal fee, which is donated to two local charities, namely People’s Place and the Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA). We do have a farm stand by the barn where the community can buy eggs, flowers, and honey. There is a good chance of bumping into Pete the Peacock and our nosy guinea fowls, who like to check in on visitors from time to time.

We believe in experiences, which is why we offer a full-house private farm stay in a historic farmhouse. Our 1836 farmhouse provides a wonderful way to experience farm life without the responsibilities of owning a 60-acre farm. Guests can choose how involved they want to be, whether it’s simply observing from afar, meeting the animals, feeding them, or collecting eggs. This 19th-century stone and frame house has been fully restored through historic preservation practices while maintaining all the modern comforts. Our location is a great central point for exploring the Hudson Valley. We are located on the Esopus Creek, where guests can enjoy private access to the water, perfect for exploring wildlife, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or simply having fun on the water. Another special feature of our farm is that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name De Meyer-Burhans-Felten Farm.

What makes living in the Hudson Valley special for you?

Letitia Fernandes: What makes living in the Hudson Valley special for me is the people and the community. It’s the long-time residents, as well as those who have recently moved here. It’s the individuals who have placed their trust in us and given us a chance; it’s those who have consistently offered their support. Above all, it’s the people who remain aware and acknowledge what’s happening around us today, who are not desensitized by it, and who continue to stand up for justice, humanity, and equality.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

Letitia Fernandes: We believe strongly in the power of community, where small businesses lift each other up. In Kingston, Chef Oz has been a huge supporter, incorporating our eggs and flowers into the offerings at Masa Midtown. Cheryl and Juan at Black Eyed Susies showcase our flowers. Rebekah at Milne Antiques and Aditi at Calcutta Kitchens have also been amazing partners, carrying our flowers. Over in Saugerties, Shirley and Tommy at Enoki offer our eggs to their customers. Vanessa at Josie’s Coffee Shoppe uses our eggs in their delicious dishes. Bread Alone in Lake Katrine gives us the extra bread, and of course, Katie at Farmhouse Feed Co. is a staple for us, not only carrying our flowers but also providing us with all the feed and supplies we need to keep the farm running smoothly. We are truly grateful for the support of these local businesses.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

Letitia Fernandes: This area is truly beautiful, and honestly, I cannot think of anything that is missing. If there were, we probably wouldn’t have chosen to make Hudson Valley our forever home.

Who or what inspires you personally?

Letitia Fernandes: We draw inspiration from the farmers in our community, they who generously share their knowledge and experiences and who never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Raised in a close-knit community, I have found a similar sense of community here with Lisa and Tom from The Lone Duck Farm, Bart and Becky from Catskill Wagyu at Hilltop Farm, Richard and Jeanne Boice from Catskills Creamery, Rob and Nim from Himalayan Hillside Farms, Chrissy and Andrew from Good Seouls Farms, and Karin and Dennis from Glenerie Farms. I must also acknowledge Bernice and John Morrow, the former owners of the farm, who entrusted us with the farm and gave us the chance to turn our dreams into reality. Their faith in us continues to inspire our work every day.

Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know.

Letitia Fernandes: One thing people might be surprised to know is that I’ve always had a deep love for painting. It’s something I don’t often share, but when I have the time, I will pick up a paintbrush.

What do you do for fun? What are some of your favorite ways to unwind and unplug when you are not working on the farm?

Letitia Fernandes: For me, travel is a way to heal and grow. We can learn a lot from experiencing other cultures firsthand. Another way I unwind is through painting. Like farming, it gives me space to reflect and relax. We also love living on the Esopus Creek and spending time on our most cherished Craigslist find, a little old wooden boat. But truly, every day spent in the company of the farm animals or with our hands in the dirt is a beautiful way to unwind and relax.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Letitia Fernandes: The howls of coyotes or the thought of them getting into the chicken coop disrupt my sleep. If I could have one superpower, it would be the gift of peaceful, uninterrupted sleep, free from the constant worry of coyotes or foxes sneaking into the coop.

Photos by The Healing Acres Farm

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