The convergence of people, culture, and the outdoors ignites Alex’s passion for involvement in land management and assisting others in realizing their land use dreams. As a third-generation landowner with a background in land management, he’s got the right combination of authenticity and curiosity to help you connect with the right people to find your right place.
A native of the Northeast, Alex spent summers on his grandparents’ ranch out West sparking his interest in the land and the cultivation of a “sense of place.” After eight years in farm and land management, he continues to advise and guide potential buyers and future and current owners with their land-holding operations.
A culinary aficionado, Alex lives with his wife, Bliss, daughter, Nellie, and son, Bo, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He’s insistent that his children also discover the thrill of downhill skiing, and they all enjoy spending time fly fishing, traveling and exploring new places, and discovering the local cuisine, whether in the Blue Ridge Mountains or wide expanses of the West.
Talk land with Alex.
Whitney Farm spans 1,303± scenic acres in the rolling Piedmont countryside of northeast Georgia. Located in the quiet community of Stephens, the property blends well-developed agricultural infrastructure with the timeless appeal of the rural Southeast. The farm is defined by its balanced nature and is comprised of 850± acres of open, productive pasture paired with 450± acres of mixed hardwood and pine forest. Every element of the property has been designed and constructed with precision, efficiency, and longevity in mind.
At the center of the farm sits a beautiful and recently built contemporary farmhouse, perfectly situated to capture the 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The improvements, almost all of which were built within the past 5-10 years, support a top-tier cattle operation built on Akayushi Wagyu and SimAngus genetics. The farm’s thoughtful layout was designed to support an efficient, intensive rotational grazing program, and no detail, from the fencing to watering systems to the forage composition of the pastures, has been overlooked. Whitney Farm represents one of the finest turnkey cattle operations in the region.
The farm is accessed off a quiet county road and has a highly desirable (and private) end-of-the-road location. A central farm road runs through the middle of the property and services the thoughtfully spaced barns, cattle facilities and farmhouse. The farmhouse is located well into the property on an elevated knoll overlooking the surrounding acreage, with sweeping views and wonderful seclusion. Describing the setting as private would be an understatement. From the porch of the house, the only sounds heard are those of nature and farm activity, and at night, the completely dark skies are absent of artificial light. Even though the farm is easily accessible from Atlanta and Athens, it is a world away from their hurried pace.
The pastures are spread throughout the farm and interspersed with small blocks of forested acreage. The farm has the rolling topography typical of Georgia’s Piedmont, yet the slopes are mild and the land very usable. Raiden Creek, a steady perennial stream, runs for nearly one and a half miles along the western edge of the property, while a small stretch of Syls Fork flows near the northern boundary. There are several other small, intermittent streams throughout the farm. Overall, the farm is well watered, and the water resources on the farm (both natural and man-made) easily support current farm operations.
Almost all the farm’s improvements, including the interior fencing, water systems, and agricultural structures, were constructed by the current owner within the past decade. All are built to the highest standards, providing a fully improved and highly functional property ready for a future owner to enjoy for many years to come.
Whitney Farm represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully developed, exceptionally designed cattle operation in northeast Georgia. The property’s modern infrastructure, thoughtful layout, new home and natural beauty combine to create a premier agricultural holding. The next owner will have the privilege of stepping into a turn-key farm ready to be enjoyed from day one.
Whitney Farm is located in Stephens, Georgia, in Oglethorpe County. The nearest small towns include Union Point and Crawford, while Athens – a lively college town – is just 30 minutes away. The farm enjoys an outstanding rural location, yet lies within easy driving distance of numerous Southeastern cities. Approximate distances and driving times to some of these include:
The nearest commercial airports are Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, one of the world’s busiest airports, and the smaller but convenient Augusta Regional Airport. The nearest FBO is found in Athens at the Athens-Ben Epps Airport, which features a 6,122-foot runway suitable for most private aircraft. Approximate distances and driving times are:
Oglethorpe County remains one of the most rural and scenic areas of northeast Georgia. The region’s undulating hills, farmland, and forests form a classic Piedmont landscape. With a population of roughly 15,000, the county offers a quiet, small-town lifestyle primarily supported by cattle, crop, and timber production. Development is limited, and the countryside retains its agricultural character, with large tracts and family farms dotting the landscape.
Twenty-five miles Northwest of the farm is Athens, which offers an exceptional counterbalance to Whitney Farm’s country setting. Athens is renowned for its historic architecture, thriving arts and music scene, and vibrant downtown. It brings cultural depth, dining, and entertainment to the region, making Whitney Farm both peaceful and conveniently connected. The city is also home to the University of Georgia, a national leader in higher education and college athletics. It is also the largest employer in northeast Georgia and a tremendous resource to surrounding counties through its research, agricultural, and entrepreneurship programs and initiatives.
Stephens, Georgia, experiences a pleasant subtropical climate with four distinct seasons and plentiful rainfall. Spring features highs in the 60s and 70s, while summer is warm and humid, with high temperatures frequently topping 90 degrees. October and November see the weather cool off and the humidity drop, causing a resurgence of the farm’s cool-season grasses. Winters are generally mild, with lows in the 30s and highs pushing into the 50s.
The farm receives ample precipitation and sees an average of 55 inches of rain annually. Snowfall is rare and averages a few inches per year, if at all. In short, it’s an ideal climate for farming, cattle, and recreation.
The farm’s 1,303± acres are gently sloping or level, with excellent usability and a nice balance of open and wooded areas. An approximate breakdown of the farm’s 1,303± acres is:
Farmhouse: A newly constructed 1,600± square-foot contemporary farmhouse serves as the main dwelling on Whitney Farm. Completed just two years ago, the home features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and top-of-the-line Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Its refined yet understated design, generous porches, and thoughtful hardscaping create a setting that embraces both comfort and the outdoors.
Pastures and Fencing: There are 33 four-hole Ritchie automatic waterers installed throughout the pastures. All sit on concrete pads and are serviced by a 2” waterline, with water supplied by three strong wells. Most of the pastures are comprised primarily of Novel Endophyte Fescue, which provides the persistence and drought tolerance of traditional tall fescue without the toxic alkaloids that can harm cattle performance. This results in healthier livestock, improved weight gains, and greater overall forage productivity. The remaining pastures are mostly a mix of Bermuda grass, rye grass, and crabgrass, providing a useful balance that supports year-round grazing.
The entire perimeter is fenced in fixed-knot woven wire, ensuring cattle remain on the farm. Interior and cross fencing are high-tensile with a hot wire to support the temporary polywire fencing used in the rotational grazing program. Lastly, a center pivot irrigation system was installed five years ago and covers 100 acres of pasture.
Barns and Agricultural Infrastructure: Soon after entering the property, there is an eight-year-old, 120’x40’ equipment barn with workshop and bathroom that serves as the farm’s headquarters. Just past that is a small but efficient line of concrete feed bunks, while further down the road, there is a 120’x50’ hay barn (built four years ago). Adjacent to that are the corrals and a covered cattle working facility.
Annual property taxes are approximately $13,569.
Although focused on cattle production, Whitney Farm offers abundant recreational opportunities. The scale and diversity of the landscape make it well-suited for horseback riding, hiking, ATV use, and a multipurpose trail network. The terrain, streams, and forest cover could easily support enhanced habitat or the creation of ponds and managed hunting areas for deer, turkey, and other native wildlife.
Whitney Farm is centered around an active cow/calf operation that supports 275± animal units. The herd consists of Akaushi Wagyu cattle bred with SimAngus cattle, which consistently produce exceptional calves. In recent years, well over 90% of the farm’s calves have been graded Prime. Wagyu beef production in the US has undergone tremendous growth in recent years as consumer demand for gourmet products and healthier, premium beef has surged. Wagyu cattle are prized for their rich flavor profile, and the intramuscular fat composition of the animal produces naturally tender beef with exceptional marbling. (Note: cattle are not included in the asking price but may be available for separate purchase)
Hay production varies annually depending on grazing rotation and rainfall. 2024 saw the farm produce 700 round bales.
Highly recommend them for folks considering buying a farm or recreational property.
We had a great experience working with Alex Leamon at Hall and Hall to finance the purchase of our property. From the first phone call, he was very prompt to respond and provided great service throughout the process. It was my first experience buying a large tract of land, and he made the process...
450± acres atop Lookout Mountain, GA. A mile of brow frontage for development or individual residence. Strong mountain creek and waterfall. Near McLemore Golf Course and Desoto State Park.
575± acres in one of Georgia’s most scenic areas, McLemore Cove. Abuts 20,000-acre Pigeon Mountain WMA. 35 minutes south of Chattanooga. Gorgeous views. Endless recreational opportunities. First time on market in 43 years. Great location!
Beautifully improved riverfront farm in the north Georgia foothills, featuring two houses, a stocked pond, fenced pastures, and productive gardens in a desirable location just 65 miles northwest of Atlanta.
A highly improved property, Persimmon Valley Farm is a beautiful 81± acre mountain retreat located in the most desirable area of northeast Georgia, offering a very favorable climate.
This 227± acre recreational farm is in Madison, Georgia, an hour from Atlanta. Habitat managed for deer populations. Six-acre lake and a mile of Sugar Creek. Custom 5,225± square foot home.
