Ancient City Farm — the scenic St. Augustine property known for a range of agriculturally-minded community events — is seeking county approval to add a horse sanctuary on its 46.1-acre property in St. Augustine, The Citizen has learned.
The picturesque parcel, located off St. Marks Pond Boulevard, wants to use an existing 7,776-square-foot building to house horses, provide equine care and other necessary agricultural equipment, according to a pre-application filed with the county last month.
The project would maintain and rehabilitate the animals while creating a “gathering and educational space” where visitors can safely engage with the regally-maned residents.
The Farmstead — as the property is also known — has expanded its agricultural offerings in recent years and plans to add bees, vineyards and edible gardens in the near future.
Co-owners and brothers Daniel and Paul Laubacker told The Citizen that the venue already hosts Highland cattle along with rescued horses. Its vision, he said, is to serve “a large-scale gathering place for communities,” as well as a serene “spot for schools and churches” to host events.
As sprawl takes hold around it, the Farmstead remains a prized local destination, hosting attractions for visitors to experience a bit of farm life.
In addition to weddings and corporate events, the property has hosted a rodeo, along with the St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival.
The venue also brought family fun and cheer to St. Augustine during its first annual Christmas Experience in 2024.
“The use of the property remains a bonafide agricultural operation in nature and consistent with the mission of preserving open land for equine care and related activities,” the application states.
