Picture this: you roll out of bed in soft pajamas and meander across the natural wood floor of a charming cottage tucked high into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The landscape is vast beyond the window you peer from while alpacas and llamas graze over the rolling pastureland to your left, a pond glimmering in fresh sunlight off to the right. 102 acres of land, split between these friendly-fluffs playground, open space for activities, and the forests beyond where you aim to begin your morning walk through the trees. 

The Cottage at Durrant Farms is a charming two-bedroom home just 20 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina. It blends the beauty of the countryside with modern comforts and offers all the basic human needs. As you check in, you’ll notice a fully stocked kitchen, including a welcome gift of fresh local eggs, homemade bread by Whitney, one of the owners, and organic milk and butter, giving the feel of an English cottage. The home comfortably sleeps four, is only a 2 minute walk from the pastures, has an easy 0.5 mile walking loop between the trees and has four walls. I cover a lot of glamping stays… this is not one of them. Inside, you’ll find wifi, laundry, AC in summer and heat for warmth in the colder months, and so much more. There is also a camping site and RV park spot that can be rented at the same time or by other travelers. Though the cottage is the best in my opinion. 

The biggest perk of discovering Durrant Farms may not be the cottage at all. Instead, it may be where luxury meets fresh, outdoor air with their permanent venue structure, open acreage for tent space, yard games, outdoor fires and fishing grounds. Think weddings, reunions, bridal showers, baby showers, or, more importantly, enjoying brunch with the alpacas. 

The fenced-in pasture is complete with rolling hills, wild flowers, and a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Smokys, to be exact. When you arrive for the alpaca brunch, you are greeted with a bucket of treats, escorted to a sturdy, well built wooden shelter, and introduced to “the boys.” Two llamas named Heartbreaker and Brinkley, and four alpacas named Ralph, Scully, Hotline and Micah. If your’e lucky and schedule your brunch at the right time, you can help feed these furry friends. They are the absolute sweetest as well, timid at first, they warm up quickly and will even take food and treats from your hand.

Once you have been properly introduced, you’re left in peace to soak up the animals presence. You’ll enjoy coffee, juice, tea and water, with an assortment of munchies, fresh fruit -many of them locally picked- and locally made, layered and fluffy biscuits by the Asheville acclaimed “queen of biscuits” Beth Kellerhal, owner of Butter Punk in Asheville. 

The experience lasts about an hour with adorable tableware and settings, faux flowers —because the animals immediately ate all their real ones— and a basket full of peppermint treats for the fluffy friends. They are very curious creatures so expect a few cuddles, especially if you’re holding the treat basket, and maybe even a few kisses, especially by Ralph who is definitely the snuggliest of the bunch. Lastly, the alpacas and llamas are very familiar with human interaction. It’s not likely they will spit —their favorite defense mechanism when threatened— however, they can’t promise your human friends wont talk with their mouths full, so saliva could still be present. 

Also, they provide hand sanitizer, so don’t be afraid to pet the animals, and there are public restrooms on site, so you can absolutely wash your hands and drink all the provided beverages. It is $60 for adults to participate and $30 for children. This experience is perfect for bridal parties, birthdays, bachelorette events, and families and is the most heartwarming and fulfilling way to brunch.

Booking the cottage is easy via Airbnb and you can easily book brunch with the alpacas and llamas by clicking here. Reserving the open venue space for a wedding or events simply takes an email, text, or call, Once you’ve confirmed the date for your reservations are available, you’ll be sent a link to book online. Contact Whitney or Tom at 828-539-0689 or e-mail: hello@durrantfarms.com

Since most people will be reading this article to learn about the alpaca and llama experiences, keep in mind you should make reservations at least 48 hours in advance. There are special discounted prices for children 8 years and younger and those staying overnight in the cottages, and it’s honestly so worth the price. Everyone who wants to participate does need a ticket in advance, and the experiences run every season besides winter (when things in the Blue Ridge Mountain get a bit chilly.) 

This warm experience is sure to make the best memories. You can even take home a piece of them from one of their shop collections. 

Check out my instagram post here for quick glimpse into Brunch with the Alpacas —girls day style—, and check out my instagram post here for an overview video of Durrant Farms.