Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE — After more than two decades of building one of Middlesex County’s most distinctive agritourism destinations, Yvonne and Steve Houle are preparing to step away from S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm—and are now searching for the right people to take over a place that has become a fixture of rural tourism in Adelaide Metcalfe.
Set on 10 acres just outside Kerwood, the farm is home to 47 alpacas, along with a small group of rescued animals including a llama, goats and a sheep. For years, the Houles have welcomed visitors from across Ontario and beyond for private tours, fibre products, and overnight stays through their on-site Airbnb, helping turn the property into a year-round destination for animal lovers and families looking to experience rural life.
Now, with their children settled into careers of their own and retirement plans taking shape, the couple says the timing is right to move on—but only if they can find buyers who share their values.
“We are both young enough to retire on good terms and start a new chapter in our lives,” said Yvonne Houle during a recent visit to the farm. “It is not worth waiting until you are 70 (…) We have been building this sanctuary for 20 years.”
The idea of selling, she said, has been discussed for some time, particularly as it became clear that neither of their children planned to take over the operation.
“Our daughter is going to be a lawyer in England, so she is not coming here, of course,” Houle said. “And my son told me, ‘Mom, it’s just not my passion.’ That’s very important. He doesn’t need to be tied down with the farm.”
For Steve Houle, the decision became more personal earlier this year.
“I lost my dog—my St. Bernard—a few months ago, and that was it,” he said. “When he died, I said, ‘That’s it. I just lost it.’ We have put our whole lives into this.”
Rather than listing the property with a real estate agent, the Houles are advertising the farm themselves and plan to meet and interview potential buyers personally.
“We want to meet the people,” said Yvonne. “We are practically going to interview them, because it has to be a perfect fit.”
That approach reflects the way the farm has always operated—more sanctuary than commercial attraction. The animals must not be sold, and any future owner must keep them together.
“All these animals here have forever homes,” Yvonne said. “They are not going anywhere. We don’t sell alpacas. The contract will stipulate that one can’t be sold here and another there. Our alpacas are not products.”
Steve agreed that animal care is non-negotiable. “We want somebody to take over who is actually going to take care of the animals. That is the most important thing. We are going to be very picky.”
The Houles say several people have already made inquiries. The asking price for the full package —including the house, land, alpacas, business operations and online presence—is about $2 million.
“It’s the house, the land, the business, all the animals—everything except the cats and the dog,” Yvonne said. “And that includes support, the social media reach, and the Airbnb name. We have a good name on Airbnb.”
Beyond its role as a sanctuary, S.A.M.Y.’s has become a meaningful part of the tourism landscape in the township. When the Houles started, they were among the first alpaca farms in the province.
“When we started, there were only four alpaca farms in Ontario,” Steve said. “I think we were about the tenth in Canada. And now, we are basically the only ones left into it around here.”
The farm continues to draw visitors from across Canada and abroad, contributing to local tourism and giving many people—especially children—their first experience with farm animals and rural night skies.
“We get kids that have never seen animals, never seen the stars at night,” Steve said. “It was never about the money. It was more about the animals than anything, and, of course, the kids.”
Yvonne said the tours often become conversations as much as visits. “I call it ‘walk and talk,’” she said. “You walk and then you meet such interesting people. You’d never meet them otherwise. That’s the amazing thing about private tours.”
While the couple plans to continue welcoming visitors for now, their long-term goal is to hand over the farm to new stewards and move on to a quieter life.
“We want to travel,” Steve said. “I want to build my dream house, relax, and travel. It’s time. We belong here, but after 45 years in the trades, it’s time to retire.”
For the Houles, letting go of S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm is not just a business decision—it is about ensuring that something they have nurtured for two decades continues with the same care.
“That’s why we need a good caretaker,” Yvonne said. “We are not just selling. We are passing it on.”
