Parris Hill Farm Alpacas

Selectively Breeding Exceptional Alpacas
with 
Pride, Commitment & Success

THE MANCHESTER JOURNAL

Shopping in the Country
August 21, 2001

Visit a working Alpaca farm
and do your gift shopping in the country

Linda and Bill Ley, owners of Parris Hill Farm, have opened a retail shop, The AlpacArt Studio, at their Alpaca breeding farm in Pawlet, Vermont.  Local residents and visitors to the area can now visit the Ley’s working Alpaca Farm where they can see their award-winning herd of Alpacas and beautiful end-products made from the fleeces of these gentle creatures. 

Parris Hill Farm, home to Daniel Parris, one of the first settlers of the area, includes an historic 1790 colonial farm house, a restored 1780 post and beam barn and silo, stables and run-ins for the alpacas and a converted sheep barn that is now the The AlpacArt Studio. On the hillsides and behind the Studio, in pastures surrounded by white split rail fencing, visitors to the farm can view the Alpacas grazing. “We enjoy telling people the ‘Alpaca story’ - the history of these hugable animals and their growing role in our country”, explains Linda Ley. 

Although The Ley’s bought their first alpaca six years ago, they just celebrated their second anniversary at Parris Hill Farm as full-time Alpaca breeders. “We are particularly delighted to open the Studio so that people can fully appreciate the alpaca and can now experience ‘from fleece to fashion’ on our farm”, comments Bill, who also enjoys telling the story of how he and Linda went from innkeeping to Alpaca breeding. 

The AlpacArt Studio, former art gallery of the late James Montegue, offers fine Alpaca apparel and accessories for both men and women. Also, there are soft, cuddly teddy bears for the young and young-at-heart as well as luxurious Alpaca throws and baby blankets to snuggle in by the fire. In addition to beautiful Alpaca products, the Studio also features fine crafted gifts by local artisans. 

The Studio is open most Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., most Sundays from Noon to 3 p.m. and always “by chance” or by appointment. “If someone cannot visit during our regular hours, we welcome a phone call and will make other arrangements”, offers Bill. "And, of course, visitors are always welcome to visit the Studio or Farm on line."  Visa, MasterCard and personal checks are accepted at the Studio. 
 

Linda & Bill Ley
637 Brownsville Hartland Road | Brownsville, Vermont 05037
Phone / Fax  (802) 484-3200
Leys@ParrisHillFarm.com