Our Story
“THE MOON WAS BUT A CHIN OF GOLD A NIGHT OR TWO AGO, AND NOW SHE TURNS HER PERFECT FACE UPON THE WORLD BELOW. HER FOREHEAD IS OF THE AMPLEST BLOND; HER CHEEK LIKE BERYL STONE; HER EYE UNTO THE SUMMER DEW, THE LIKEST I HAVE KNOWN. HER LIPS OF AMBER NEVER PART; BUT WHAT MUST BE THE SMILE; UPON HER FRIEND SHE COULD BESTOW, WERE SUCH HER SILVER WILL. AND WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO BE BUT THE REMOTEST STAR! FOR CERTAINLY HER WAY MIGHT PASS BESIDE YOUR TWINKLING DOOR. HER BONNET IS THE FIRMAMENT, THE UNIVERSE HER SHOE, THE STARS THE TRINKETS AT HER BELT, HER DIMITIES OF BLUE.”
— Emily Dickinson
Situated on 20 acres of bucolic rolling hills in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Full Moon Farms is every bit scenic as it is sacred. Dating back to the early 1800s, part of the original farmstead was built in pre-stagecoach times and the land bears even earlier signs of native Chumash life. With golden hillsides, endless night skies, and untouched landscape, it’s remained a stunning place for all who’ve been able to visit or call it home.
Over decades and centuries, the ranch has belonged to cattle farmers and horse riders, including its last landowner, Angela Slater, an avid horsewoman who bought the farm in 1999. Angela loved the land in so many ways, but what she loved most of all was the peace and quiet of the night sky. Especially when there was a glorious moon to observe! When not riding, working in the equine business, or caring for her ranch, Angela would enjoy wine on the porch or simply spend time admiring the endless views and majestic oaks that are sprinkled throughout the property. It was this spiritual sanctuary in the canyon where she chose to spend her final days before leaving the property and its legacy to her daughter, Leanne.
In witnessing the full circle of life, Leanne said goodbye to her mother and not long after she became pregnant with her second child. Leanne made a promise to her mom just before she passed, that she would honor the land her mom so deeply loved and make it a place that gave back – where love, laughter, and slowing down was offered to any who came to visit. With that promise at the forefront of her mind, Leanne shifted from a busy life in business to lean into her newfound farm life, spending the days with donkeys, alpacas, sheep, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, tortoises, dogs and her family. Every day is different and unpredictable; minding the animals, learning to farm the land and restoring each structure back to its original glory, down to the vintage forest green and white color palette.
It may come as no surprise that getting back to one’s roots is gritty and fun. Our family here at Full Moon Farms knows it takes time and we would love for you to follow along on the journey! Join us as we roll out our online mercantile, farm gatherings, country lifestyle approach, and future farm stays. We’re eager to share our spot with the you because in the full moon spirit, the farm just wouldn’t be right without friends.
“When you’re at the ranch you can’t help but slow down and get lost in the simple joys of life. We work hard, but it’s wholesome. There is something important about connecting to our land, the very soil that feeds us, and taking time to appreciate nature that is all around. Life here is similar to how life may once have been. It’s down to earth living - good for the soul.”
MEET THE ANIMALS OF FULL MOON FARMS
PIGS
Wilber, Penny and Chiquita
(Kunekune Pigs)
HORSES
Denver (Quarter Horse from Texas) and Apple Jack (Welsh Pony)
BABY DONKEY
Mamacita’s Baby - Churro the Burro
(BORN 11/29/20)
DONKEYS
Margarita, Mamacita, Sancho and Guapo
(Santorini Island, Greek donkeys)
TORTOISES
Shelly & Larry
CHICKENS
Dolly, Sierra, Poppy, Chip, Ginger, Rose, Pearl and Summer
COWS
Tomahawk & Red
(Belted Galloway Cows)
DOGS
Dixie & Cojo
BABY ALPACA
Clarice’s Baby - Alto
(BORN 1/08/2022)
ALPACAS
Gaston & Clarice
SHEEP
Maggie, Stockings, Holiday & Dimples
(East Friesian French Sheep)
BABY DONKEY
Margarita’s Baby - Taquito
(BORN 3/26/2021)