Experience The Animal Sanctuary - The Highlight of Your Sanctuary Cottage Vacation Rental Experience

Pecan grove transformed into a farmed animal rescue & sanctuary

A pecan tree grove, formerly overgrown with brush, weeds, and poison ivy; with no roads, utilities, or fencing, has been transformed.

Those same 18 acres are now filled with beautiful, lush pastures where we shelter and care for the rescued residents who call Changing Hearts Farm Sanctuary home.

Your personal farm sanctuary retreat

You can call our farm sanctuary home too! Enjoy exploring our piece of paradise in the North Carolina foothills with rolling hills, mountain views, and gorgeous pecan trees. Visit with cows, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, and horses.

Sip coffee or tea on the deck enjoying mountain views; stroll to the horse barn with a glass of wine to watch a beautiful sunset; enjoy s'mores at the fire pit under the stars.

Our property has been transformed into a beautiful sanctuary, and we're thrilled to be able to share it with you. 

Be prepared to be charmed...

Have you ever met a cow or a pig or a sheep up close?

Most people have not. But you will! 

When you arrive you’re most likely to meet our big boys, cows Zeek and Zephyr, first. These two often stand sentry in the upper pasture to ensure that everyone receives a proper greeting. And believe it when we say—they are impossible to miss! However, if they happen to be roaming elsewhere (which they’re free to do), you will still get a chance to mix and mingle with them while you are here.

And don’t be surprised if a 400-lb. pig meanders across your path on her way to… who knows where? That would be Willow. If you don’t see her right off, you might try looking in one of her favorite places—which is just about anywhere belly rubs are being given out.

What to Expect

Soon after your arrival...

You’re likely to encounter our resident goat duo, Buckey and Baker, and their pasture-mate, sweet Daffodil the sheep.

Buckey and Baker are always eager to have a close encounter with new arrivals and are quite adept at converting them into new best friends.

Daffy is a touch bashful, so don’t be surprised if she opts to hang back a bit.

We're happy to guide you around the property to meet all the rescued residents, each of whom has their own unique character and special qualities. After your Sanctuary Orientation Tour you can freely interact with the residents. There's nothing like animal therapy!