Some places never truly leave us. They live quietly inside, waiting for the right moment to be revisited—not just physically, but emotionally. Vivian’s 17th birthday at Exotica was one of those moments.
Long before Exotica existed, this property was Vivian’s home. She grew up here, forming childhood memories within its walls and across its land. It was also the home envisioned and deeply loved by her stepfather, whose dreams for the property were never fully realized during his lifetime.
After his passing, the family no longer had the resources required to maintain the estate, and with great difficulty, they made the decision to sell.
Years later, as Vivian approached her 17th birthday, she shared a wish with her mother that surprised everyone in its simplicity and depth: she wanted to return to her old home to celebrate. Her mother reached out to us and explained the history. From the moment we heard the story, there was no question—this was exactly the kind of moment Exotica was meant for.
From the instant Vivian arrived, the experience was deeply emotional. Walking through the gates, she was visibly moved—not only by being back, but by what she saw. The home she remembered had been completely renovated. Two expansive deck extensions opened the house outward to the landscape. A pool and gazebo now anchored the grounds, alongside a whirlpool that quickly became a favorite gathering place. The farm itself had been fully rehabilitated, restored to health and abundance.
For Vivian and her family, the transformation was powerful. What could have felt like loss instead became something profoundly healing. The property was no longer frozen in the past—it had evolved, beautifully and thoughtfully. Even more meaningful was the realization that the changes aligned closely with the vision her stepfather once held for the place. In many ways, it felt as though his dream had finally been completed.
The day unfolded gently. The family lounged by the pool, explored the grounds, and spent long stretches talking, laughing, and reflecting. There were quiet moments too—pauses filled with memory and gratitude. The whirlpool became a space of connection, warmth, and shared emotion.
At the heart of the celebration was Vivian’s mother, who baked and served a beautiful homemade birthday cake. It was a simple, loving gesture that grounded the day in family and continuity. For Vivian, turning 17 in the place where so much of her story began was overwhelming in the best possible way. There were tears, smiles, and a deep sense of closure mixed with renewal.
For us at Exotica, this was more than hosting a birthday. It was a reminder that a home and land carries memory, and that restoration can be emotional as well as physical. Exotica is now a fruit farm, a retreat, and a place of growth—but it is also a space where stories are honored, where the past is respected, and where new chapters can be written without erasing the old.
Welcoming Vivian and her family back was an honor we won’t forget. Seeing the joy, relief, and peace that came from witnessing a beloved home reborn reaffirmed why we do what we do. It has made us at Exotica consider whether we should continue operating under our current lines of activity (Airbnb lodgings, farming, birding and farm tours, nursery activities) or also offer our Garden of Eden for special events like birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.
Happy 17th birthday, Veronica. This place will always be part of your story—and you will always be welcome here. 🌿
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