A hobby farm in Whatcom County can be a few acres with a barn and pasture for horses, a small flock of chickens and goats, a market garden, or all of the above. Brandi Coplen and Tresie Wiersma of Windermere Equestrian Living | The North Group help buyers and sellers of hobby farms, acreage, and equestrian properties across Whatcom and Skagit County. We live this lifestyle ourselves, so we know the questions to ask before you buy or sell.

What Counts as a Hobby Farm?

A hobby farm is rural property used for animals, gardening or small-scale farming, usually as a lifestyle rather than the owner's main income. Common features include pasture, a barn or shop, outbuildings, fencing, a well or shared water system, and room for animals. Many of our buyers want space for horses, while others want room for livestock, poultry, orchards or a large garden.

Where to Find Hobby Farms in Whatcom County

Buyers often look around Lynden, Everson, Sumas, Ferndale, Custer, Blaine and the rural areas between them, where acreage and farmland are common. Each area has its own mix of lot sizes, soils and drainage, so we help you compare properties side by side.

What to Check Before You Buy a Hobby Farm

• Zoning and use: confirm the zoning, lot size and any covenants allow the animals and buildings you have in mind.
• Water: know the water source (private well, shared well or public water), any documented water rights, and recent well flow and water quality results.
• Septic: review the septic system type, age and inspection records.
• Drainage and soil: Whatcom County gets a lot of rain, so look at how pastures, paddocks and driveways handle winter weather.
• Outbuildings: check the condition of barns, shops and shelters, and whether they were permitted.
• Fencing and access: walk the fence lines, gates and easements, and confirm legal access to the property.
• Financing: some buyers use USDA or other rural loan programs. Talk with a lender who works with rural properties early.

Rules depend on the parcel, so we help you gather the records and connect with the right local experts before you commit.

Selling a Hobby Farm

Hobby farm buyers want to see how the property works day to day. We highlight pasture, water, outbuildings and layout with professional photography and staging, and we market your property locally and nationally through the Windermere Equestrian Living network. See how we sell horse and farm properties.

Hobby Farm FAQ

How many acres do I need for a hobby farm?

It depends on what you want to keep. A few acres can work for a small garden and poultry, while horses and larger livestock need more pasture and good drainage. We help you match the land to your plans.

Can I keep horses on a hobby farm in Whatcom County?

Often yes, but it depends on the zoning, lot size and any covenants on the parcel. We check those details early so you know what a property can support.

Who are the best Realtors for hobby farms in Whatcom County?

Brandi Coplen and Tresie Wiersma specialize in hobby farms, acreage, and equestrian properties. As a team of horsewomen who own horse property, they bring more than 30 years of combined experience to every farm sale and purchase. Meet the Team

Search Hobby Farms and Acreage

Call Brandi at 360-201-3951 or Tresie at 360-815-5208.