Brian and Penny Ross are no strangers to rural life, having bought their farm in northern Rockbridge County in 1989 after moving from Southern Pines in North Carolina, primarily because of the Virginia Horse Center, but also because of the beauty of this part of Virginia. For many years, the farm was a retreat from the rigors of organizing and running horse shows.
Brian went on to become a top dressage and eventing Equestrian Judge, traveling 35-40 long weekends a year, judging on 4 continents, including the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, and became an educator of eventing judges in the US. Penny organized as many as 20 national and international horse competitions a year for 25-plus years mostly in central Virginia. They raised two sons, worked their gardens, harvested their own fruits and vegetables, and enjoyed their many pets and wild animals.
In 2015, Brian, a cancer survivor , and Penny retired from the horse industry to concentrate their time on the farm. After some research and visiting a lavender farm in Washington State that impressed them, they planted a field of 360 lavender plants. Other things they considered were grapes, hops, garlic and asparagus but Penny had always had a love for lavender and had planted some on the rock ledges in front of their log home, where it thrived so their dream took shape.
In 2017, they planted another field and began selling lavender products at a local farmers market where they were frequently asked "Is the farm open to the public?” Inevitably they agreed to open in May 2018. Another lavender field was planted along with the building of a gift shop with adjoining porches to take in the outstanding views and enjoy locally made lavender ice cream! Several theme gardens have been added along with walking trails to a waterfall and picnic tables. Take time to visit with our many animals on the farm. With about 2,000 lavender plants and over 40 varieties in the ground their venture is truly Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm.
Tantivy Farm in Northern Rockbridge County is open in 2026 from April 17th. through December 20th. Thursdays through Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 1 pm - 5 pm. Groups, clubs and tour buses are welcome by appointment at 540-460-6347.
Full Bloom is from mid-May through the end of July, with extended hours. Live lavender plants are available for purchase in the Gift Shop along with fresh picked and dried lavender, soaps, sachets, eye pillows, bath and culinary products, ice cream and numerous other items.
For further information regarding directions to Tantivy Farm, special events and activities, please check the website at www.tantivyfarm.com.
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