Barn Rehab Update

After years of planning, fundraising, preservation work, and waiting, we can finally share the news:
the historic barn rehabilitation project at Old Homestead Alpacas is officially moving forward.

This is easily one of the biggest milestones our farm in Walla Walla has experienced in years.

We recently were notified that we were selected for a highly competitive grant from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the final piece of funding needed to begin the critical structural stabilization work required to preserve the historic barn safely for future generations. While there is still a tremendous amount of work ahead, this marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter for both the farm and the property itself.

For longtime followers of the farm, you already know this project has been years in the making.

The old barn has stood here for generations. Long before alpacas grazed these pastures or fresh-cut flower bouquets headed to our local farmers markets, this building was already part of the original homestead. It has weathered decades of changing seasons, harsh winters, windstorms, and the slow wear that time brings to historic agricultural buildings.

Like many old barns across rural Washington, preserving it has become increasingly difficult and expensive.

Historic preservation projects rarely move quickly. There are engineering assessments, preservation requirements, grant applications, contractor coordination, budget revisions, and countless layers of planning before visible work can even begin. For a long time, much of the effort happened quietly behind the scenes.

First it was finding the right engineering firm to assess the barn’s needs - we used 2024’s proceeds to pay for the design, using HARMS Engineering out of Richland, Washington. Then we found the right contractor (who’s done work on other historical barns in Walla Walla county). And now with this grant and our BarnRaiser fundraiser proceeds, it’s actually happening!

We’re finally approaching the stage where the work becomes visible.

Work will begin on Maya 26, 2026 - my 46th birthday! - starting with the structural stabilization phase that will help secure and preserve the barn’s future. While stabilization work may not sound exciting from the outside, it is the foundation for everything that follows.

Preserving historic barns matters because once these structures disappear, so do the stories tied to them.

For us, this project is about much more than simply saving an old building.

It’s about stewardship.
It’s about preserving rural history.
It’s about protecting the character of this family farm in Walla Walla for future generations to experience.

One of the things we hear most often from families during our farm tours is how peaceful and authentic the property feels. Visitors frequently tell us the farm reminds them of a slower, simpler way of life that’s becoming increasingly rare.

That feeling exists because of places like the barn.

The barn anchors the property historically and visually. It reminds us that farms are layered places built over generations, with each era leaving behind its own mark.

While the structural rehabilitation itself is now funded, there are still dreams beyond the immediate preservation work.

One hope for this year’s flower season is that proceeds from our locally grown flower bouquets may allow us to tackle an additional long-term goal: painting the farm buildings, including the barn, dye house, and farm store.

That portion is not grant funded and remains aspirational for now, but for the first time in years it feels possible enough to imagine.

Small farms constantly balance sustainability, preservation, and practicality. Every improvement requires careful prioritization. Restoring a historic structure is never the fastest or easiest option, but preserving the character and history of this place feels deeply worthwhile.

We also recognize that this milestone would not have happened without the support of our community.

Every bouquet purchased at the farmers market, every skein of alpaca yarn brought home from the farm store, every private farm tour booked, and every kind message sent over the years has helped sustain this farm and move projects like this forward.

Truly ~ thank you.

As construction begins in the coming days, I’ll continue sharing updates along the way. I know many people have followed this journey for years, and I’m excited to finally bring you into this next phase of the barn’s restoration.

This farm has always been built slowly, season by season, project by project, decade by decade.

And now the barn gets its next chapter too.

For those history buffs, here are some copies of the original homestead documents of the farm. Notice on the “Proof” document, it lists our barn!