Holiday Marketplace December 14, 2024.
About Us
Who are We?
John and Gena Stephens are the proud owners of Carlee Farm, which was purchased in 2012. They are a couple that exude charisma, warmth, and love. Hailing from different parts of the country, they found their way to each other in the most unexpected of places, a local bar in Raleigh, NC. John, a proud native of Pennsylvania, met Gena, a true southern belle from Knightdale, North Carolina, in 2007.
Sparks flew instantaneously, and they soon realized they were meant to be together forever.
In 2009, they tied the knot and started building a family that would make the Brady Bunch proud. Together, they have six children, each one a unique and precious gift. Their farm, located in the heart of Granville County, is named after their beloved dog, Carlee, whom they rescued from a shelter.
John and Gena are not your typical couple. They are adventurers, risk-takers, and dreamers who believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. They have a passion for life that is contagious, and they inspire everyone around them to live their best life. In fact, they sold their home, bought the farm envisioning a simple life back in the country. However, after their daughter’s wedding here at the farm, people started calling and wanting to also book their wedding here at the farm. So, when they are asked if they built the barn as a venue, the answer is no. However, they accepted that John’s bad ass barn would become a unique place for so many people to start their own happily ever after and other memorable events for the community.
They are satisfied with this new direction in life and have embraced it well.
In their free time, John and Gena love to spend time with their grandchildren and family. John loves to build things, Gena loves to cook and entertain, educate others by giving workshops, summer camps and other community activities, and then they have time they love to go on road trips, and try new things. They believe that life is too short to be anything but happy, and they live each day to the fullest.
John and Gena Stephens are a testament to the power of love, family, and following your dreams. Their story is one that will capture your heart and inspire you to chase after your own passions.
Carlee & Brown Dog
Our Farm was named after our sweet Carlee on the right. Brown Dog was her sister and best friend. They loved this farm and both of them passed away within months of each other in 2022. Carlee has a legacy that will live on forever! Brown Dog Pond will always remind us of how much that girl loved to swim in there year round!
Our Precious Grandchildren
Hunter & Hensley, the future of Carlee Farm. They are absolutely wonderful children that love this farm almost as much as we do! You can find them running through the fields, playing in mud puddles, taking care of the animals or fishing. You might find them helping set up weddings and directing traffic! They are our pride and joy!