Carol Brigandi tends to a few of the llamas that call Willow Glen Farm Bed & Breakfast home.

Llamas and Landscapes Make for a Unique Bed and Breakfast

It doesn't take visitors of Willow Glen Farm Bed & Breakfast in Cana long to realize they are about to enjoy a truly unique experience.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, guests are welcomed by the sight of 12 friendly llamas that call that call the 55-acre farm home.

From the outside, the bed and breakfast offers a majestic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a walking trail through Willow Glen's gardens and vineyard.

	The magnificent 18-foot tall, 12-foot wide fireplace inside the home.

The view from inside is just as grand, as visitors are immediately taken aback by a breathtaking 18-foot tall, 12-foot wide fireplace, originally installed by artist Archer Bennett. The remodeled home also sports a Celtic flair with Scottish tartans and pictures from Ireland on the wall.

Despite all of these fine amenities, the biggest hit of Willow Glen Farm Bed & Breakfast is the animals, especially the 12 llamas of South American descent.

	Carol brushes one of the llamas.

"People really enjoy the llamas. They are an unusual animal, but they are gentle and friendly. People can hand-feed them and brush them," Joe Brigandi said. "They are easy to handle and you can train them to do certain things. When you do that it gives you a great deal of satisfaction."

The llamas are so popular that Willow Glen's owners are showcasing all around the Carroll County. On July 24, the llamas will be available at Llama Day at Devil's Den Nature Preserve. Beginning in September, the Brigandis plan to take the animals to the New River Trail, where people can take part in llama trail walks. Also, usually around the end of May each year, guests can participate in a shear day at Willow Glen.

"We have guests that ask to walk the llamas around the vineyard," Carol Brigandi said. "Everybody just loves them and we love sharing them. They are such gentle and beautiful animals."

Animal lovers will find that Willow Glen Farm B&B offers much more than just llamas. The Brigandis also have a bird barn on site with parakeets, cockatiels, canaries, and other exotic birds. Several recently hatched baby birds, and several more expected to hatch soon, offer an insight to the delicate state of nature and birth. Several bluebird nests also dot the farm in addition to a variety of bird feeders, where guests can view owls, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and other feathered wildlife. Thanks to the farm's large, open area, around 10 wild deer also take residence on the premises. "We have a walking trail where you can catch glimpses of deer," Joe Brigandi said. "I have also seen some wild turkey, quail, and rabbits. It is a good place for children because they can interact with the animals. They are not in any way dangerous."

	Llamas are just one of the common sights at Willow Glen Farm.

Assorted wildlife may draw visitors to Willow Glen Farm B&B, but the hospitality provided by the Brigandi's keeps visitors coming back for more. A full gourmet breakfast is served to guests each morning and snacks are available in the dining room, on the deck, in the gazebo, or in your room. Snacks, wine and tea are also included in the nightly rate. "Carol in an excellent cook and we have had people ask her to make some special meals. She really spoils people. We do what they expect and what they are looking for. They seem to like the hospitality more than anything," Joe Brigandi said.

"There was a couple here celebrating the husband's birthday and the wife called and said his favorite meal is salmon with a particular kind of dressing on it. Carol dug through her extensive cookbook collection and did everything the wife asked her. When people treat you like that, that is the kind of thing they remember the most."

Gift certificates are also available for special occasions. Picnic lunches, favorite meals and desserts can be requested in advance at an additional cost to make any celebration a special one. The Bed & Breakfast is available for parties and showers for up to 25 people.

"This is not a money-making proposition, it is a way of life," Joe Brigandi said. "We moved from Philadelphia (Pa.) to Yadkinville (N.C.) and we were living on a 10-acre farm. We decided we wanted to open a Bed & Breakfast and we thought this area would be a better place to do that. We just liked the area and moved and we have been in love with it ever since."