Welcome to Hidden Hills Homestead in South Glastonbury, CT, where we—Paula and Phil—pursue a simple life in the most wonderfully complicated way. As stewards of this beautiful 20-acre property, we raise critically endangered Santa Cruz sheep, rescue horses and other farm animals, and breed puppies to bring joy to loving homes, especially for veterans. Alongside our animals, we rent RVs and sell livestock to keep our farm thriving. While we occasionally rescue animals, we’re not a traditional rescue—this is a working farm with a mission to give back.
Our Story: A Dream Rooted in Gratitude
Our journey began in 2014 when Juan Villamizar, a generous landowner, invited us to farm his land in my hometown of South Glastonbury. It was a dream come true, especially since Phil, a 10-year Army veteran, and I were relocating from Fort Polk, Louisiana, with our animals in tow. Juan’s words, “I’m just paying it forward,” inspired us to do the same. That spark led to the creation of our Pay It Forward Program, where we gift sheep, goats, puppies, and ponies to veterans, recognizing the healing power of animals for military families.
Our connection to animals runs deep. During Phil’s military service, we saw firsthand how animals provide comfort and stability for service members and their loved ones. This belief drives us to continue what we do at Hidden Hills Homestead.
Saving the Santa Cruz Sheep
At the heart of our farm is our commitment to conserving the critically endangered Santa Cruz sheep, one of the rarest breeds in the world, with only about 150 left. In 2012, we met Marion Stanley, who had helped rescue these sheep from slaughter on Santa Cruz Island. When he needed new stewards for his flock, we stepped up, transporting them from California to Louisiana, and later to Connecticut. These resilient sheep are a treasure, but they don’t always “earn their keep.” Your support helps us protect this endangered breed and continue our mission.
Our Pay It Forward Program
Inspired by the kindness we’ve received, our Pay It Forward Program has provided free or discounted animals—rams, goats, puppies, and even ponies—to veterans. We also place retired breeding dogs and offer discounted puppies to veteran families and local hero’s. To keep the program sustainable, some dogs are placed with contracts to produce one litter, allowing us to gift more puppies to those in need. Since 2020, we’ve expanded this initiative, placing multiple dogs and livestock with veterans, creating a cycle of generosity that we hope will grow.
How You Can Help
Running a farm and sustaining these programs isn’t easy, and we can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can support our mission:
• Purchase a Puppy or Livestock: Bring home one of our animals and directly support our farm.
• Rent an RV: Stay on our beautiful property and experience farm life firsthand.
• Sponsor an Animal: Help us feed and care for our sheep, horses, and other rescues.
• Donate: Every contribution keeps our Pay It Forward Program and conservation efforts alive.
Special thanks to Juan and Sarah Villamizar for sharing their land, making our work possible. Join us in paying it forward—whether through a donation, a purchase, or spreading the word. Together, we can preserve a rare breed, support veterans, and build a community of care.
“This place is magical. ”
What we do
Sell Puppies.
Rent RV’s (see adventure page)
We sell Wool
We conserve an endangered breed of sheep.
We have taken in sheep when people had to move and do not want their pet sheep to be dinner
We educate individuals who come to the farm about animals and heritage breeds if they want to listen to me go on about them.
Plant Sale
Free rams to approved Veterans
Pay it forward Puppy Program for Veterans
We have pulled horses from slaughter (10 so far)
We participate in an annual free live nativity in Ellington, CT
We provide consultation to individuals interested in raising livestock to help with the learning curve
Giving Garden, excess produce goes to families in need
Horseback Riding lessons For children with disabilities occasionally.
What we have achieved
2016 - Rescued 8 horses from going to slaughter
Rescued a Shetland Sheep from being Christmas dinner
2017 - Our flock has grown to 38 Santa sheep making it one of the largest flocks in the US.
2017 - Took in Bobby, a Nubian dairy goat and her baby whose family was moving and needed a new home right away.
2018 - We have Electricity!!
2018 - Started rebuilding the Greenhouse.
2019 - We finally have running water at the farm!!! Thanks to donations + the Owner of the Farm and Dalmik Well Drilling for supporting us with a discount that made it possible
Spring 2020- Our incomplete Greenhouse fell down in a storm and we were fortunate to rebuild it better with lumber purchased by the owner of the farm and donated Materials. Thanks to Wing-side in Weatherfield and North East Power washing in Glastonbury for the Doors and windows
June 2020. Helping for find homes for Abby and Molly, 2 ponies that were giving to us by their owner in hopes of finding a loving forever home.
Summer 2020 Started the Pay it Forward Puppy Program for Veterans.
August 2020 Donated 2 ponies, Abbey Molly to a local veteran family as part of the pay it forward pony Program.
2012 - Rescued 17 Santa Cruz Sheep that were being attacked by a mountain lion in King City, CA
2012 - Moved the flock to Leesville, Louisiana
Invited Veterans and their families out to the farm weekly to give them an opportunity to connect with farm animals
Provided farm based education and activities at Anderson Farms for 3500.00 children in the south west Louisiana area
Had a barn raising even where 100 individuals from the community came out to help build a barn for our animals. We offered free pony ride and crafts for the kids and a large barbecue to thank all our volunteers.
Offered free nature classes for preschoolers
Moved animals to Hidden Hills Homestead in CT
2015 - Welcomed our Santa Cruz ram Burt to the farm to add new genetics to our flock from East Hill Inn