Welcome to the Farm Lodge

Tartan Acres, LLC
Homer, NY
(315) 729-9357

By Brenda Clark

Just north of Cortland, in the Town of Homer, is the newest VRBO in Cortland County.  Because it is located on an alpaca farm, guests have the opportunity to plan a visit with the herd of 40 or shop for clothing, yarn, and gifts made from alpaca fiber in the farm store.

The VRBO is a recently remodeled and expanded 1900 farmhouse.  There are three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a loft space loaded with games and CDs for guest’s entertainment.  More info and pictures can be found at the VRBO website.  It’s a great place to stash visiting family for the holidays or any time.

In 2001, Ken and I bought three alpacas.  Another soon followed.  Over the years we have had as many as 92 livestock on the farm that have coexisted with chickens, guinea hens and cats.  After  20+ years we have found that it is time to move on to focus more on the rental business and are downsizing our herd.  In doing so, we will give discounts to guests who visit to spend a weekend deciding if they want to get into the business and purchase alpacas from us.

People who are interested in a hobby farm of their own can arrange for an Alpaca 101 class where we will teach all aspects of raising them.   Some of the things we encourage prospective owners to find out before buying are:  what kind of dwellings and how much pasture space alpacas need, what kind of food they eat,  how healthy they are in general, and what kind of medicines they need.  This member of the camelid family does live comfortably in Central New York and can live between 16 and 22 years.  We can also instruct on breeding.  Raising livestock can be both rewarding and challenging. We have been fortunate enough to have had very few difficult births and sicknesses and have great veterinarians who help out when needed.  Shots are given once a month to help keep a parasite away and shearing day every spring is a time for friends to help and have fun. It is exciting when a new baby (cria) comes into the world and it is fun to watch it grow and run around the pasture chasing after butterflies and guinea hens.  Spring and Fall are always a busy time of year taking some of the young stock and herd sires to special events to show them off.  There are some proud alpacas on this farm who have earned many blue ribbons for their strong frame and wonderfully soft fleece.

All of the fleece from the animals at Tartan Acres is sent away to be processed into warm and comfortable clothing or yarn which we sell in our farm store.   

So, if you’ve ever thought of owning an alpaca, or want a unique gift, plan on stopping by.  

Call (315) 729-9357 for your personal shopping experience.