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In 2016, Dr. Henry Cabrera decided to step away from his medical career, not because he felt pushed away from the field, but because he felt an even stronger pull toward something closer to his heart—agriculture. Drawn to sustainable living and land restoration, he purchased Lavender Waves Farm, where he found a new sense of purpose in creating a place where nature, community, and education come together.
Lavender Waves Farm is a reflection of Dr. Cabrera’s deep commitment to the land and the environment. From the start, his goal has been to give the community a place to find retreat and to restore the land to its former glory, all while teaching people how to be better stewards in caring for the planet.
The farm has become a sanctuary where animals roam, lavender grows, and the local community reconnects with nature. Transforming the farm into what it is today hasn’t been easy, but Dr. Cabrera’s dedication has turned Lavender Wave Farms into an enjoyable and educational hub that promises to give back for generations.
Exotic Surprises: Camels of Lavender Waves Farm
It’s not every day that you find camels in Rhode Island, but Lavender Waves Farm is home to three of them. There are two different types of breeds: dromedary camels, which have a single hump, and Bactrian camels, which have two. Jack and Bingham are the two dromedary camels on the farm, the first with a dark brown coat, and the latter with a bright white one. Though they’re common throughout the world, especially in the sub-Saharan desert regions, they are the only two of their kind in the entire state of Rhode Island—and that’s after coming over from Wisconsin.
Lavender Waves Farm also has a Bactrian camel, Humphrey, a much rarer breed that’s native to cold-weather regions in Asia. Only 1,500 or so are left in the wild. Two-year-old Humphrey came from a breeder in Michigan and has been with the farm since he was less than six months old.
Both camel breeds are enormous, mesmerizing guests who get the chance to see them at Lavender Waves Farm. Beyond captivating visitors with their size, Jack, Bingham, and Humphrey also play another role—helping people learn about the importance of animal welfare and conservation.
Dr. Cabrera’s dedication to animals is clear, with facilities expanded to include three new stables, Dutch doors, and a poultry area. These improvements ensure that all the animals at the farm, not just the camels, have enough space and comfort. By caring for camels on the farm, Dr. Henry Cabrera helps create a unique and entertaining educational experience.
Restoring the Legacy of Gatewood Farm
Before it was Lavender Waves Farm, the land was known as Gatewood Farm. Here, cows and pigs were raised, and bacon and sausage were sold directly from the farm to local residents. Over the years, it fell into disrepair—the land eventually divided and mostly forgotten about. Even so, some reminders of the farm’s history remain. These include the overgrown “cow pond,” the pig breeding shed, and the old barn.
In 2020, a woman whose grandparents owned Gatewood Farm in the 1930s and 1940s visited Lavender Waves Farm. She spoke of her family’s deep connection to the land and shared memories of the farm’s past. As she walked through the property, she pointed out the white house on the hill where her family once lived and remembered the meat market that operated on the farm.
When Dr. Henry Cabrera first bought the farm, he desired to bring its history back to life. Although the years of neglect made this difficult, he was determined to help the land flourish again. Through a combination of traditional farming methods and modern innovations, the project came together, slowly reviving the property.
Inspiring Future Generations With Sustainable Farming
Dr. Cabrera’s passion for sustainability is evident in the way he takes care of the farm. Installing a drip irrigation system was one of the first things he did when he acquired it. The system delivers just the right amount of water directly to the plants, which helps conserve water and keeps the soil healthy. It’s an efficient way to water crops without wasting resources.
He also uses organic fertilizers to enrich the soil without using harmful chemicals. These fertilizers help the plants grow strong and healthy while keeping the land in good condition. Another sustainable practice Dr. Cabrera introduced is rotational grazing. This means that the livestock—like sheep, llamas, alpacas, and donkeys—are moved to different places throughout the year, preventing overgrazing and keeping the grass healthy.
Dr. Cabrera has introduced other sustainable practices like crop rotation, integrated pest management, and rainwater harvesting. He’s also helped boost biodiversity at Lavender Waves Farm by planting native species and setting up pollinator gardens. These gardens bring in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, creating a more balanced environment on the farm.
When Dr. Henry Cabrera restored the farm’s old barn, he made it a priority to preserve its original structure while adding modern updates, like electricity and an updated water system. While he believes in the power of innovation, he ultimately wants to keep certain traditions of the farm going.
These sustainable practices go beyond mere efficiency. They’re also a reflection of Dr. Cabrera’s long-term commitment to making Lavender Waves Farm an eco-friendly model for future generations of farmers.
A Unique Airbnb Experience on the Farm
Visiting Lavender Waves Farm is one thing, but staying there offers an entirely different experience. Dr. Henry Cabrera opened an Airbnb on the property that is both rustic and luxurious. It’s located directly in the lavender fields, which are the heart of the farm and one of the main reasons people visit. With over 4,000 lavender plants and 10 different varieties, guests are surrounded by breathtaking views during their entire stay.
Those who visit during peak bloom season, from late June to early August, get to see the lavender in full bloom while taking in the refreshing scent. Even after peak season ends, a second bloom continues into October, allowing visitors to enjoy the fields well into the fall.
The Airbnb was designed using reclaimed wood from a 150-year-old silo and stunning stone tiles. The suite features amethyst geode sinks that were shipped all the way from Estonia as well as imported Italian granite. It’s also equipped with other amenities like a king-sized bed, an open kitchen and living area, and a rainfall shower with massage jets—with plenty of attractions nearby.
Only adults are allowed to stay at the Airbnb, and they’ll get the entire property, including the custom-built gazebo in the center of lavender fields, all to themselves. This makes it perfect for those seeking a private, peaceful getaway in nature. Dr. Cabrera wants guests to understand that they are not just booking a stay, but an experience.
Dr. Henry Cabrera Is Uniting His Community
Lavender Waves Farm has a way of bringing the entire community together. Each year, it welcomes about 2,500 visitors for events like lavender cutting, picnics, and membership programs that offer private access to the farm.
Dr. Cabrera’s vision for the farm includes expanding its role as a place of learning. He offers workshops on matters like sustainable farming, animal care, and environmental conservation. These workshops allow guests to learn more about how farms like Lavender Waves Farm help positively contribute to the environment. While it’s important to Dr. Cabrera that people enjoy their time at the farm, he also hopes they’ll take away lessons, like how to take care of their natural surroundings.
Leaving a Lasting Impact at Lavender Waves Farm
Lavender Waves Farm is both a working farm and a place to learn—a reflection of Dr. Cabrera’s unique approach to farming. He has blended the old and the new, making the space fascinating and inviting for those who get the chance to visit.
Dr. Cabrera’s journey speaks to his passion for the land, the environment, and the community. Through his work, he’s restored a historical property and created a space where animals are cared for properly, crops are grown sustainably, and visitors are encouraged to learn about the environment.
When the granddaughter of the original Gatewood Farm owners visited, she couldn’t help but feel her grandparents would be proud to see the farm doing well again. What was once on the verge of being forgotten is now full of life, thanks to Dr. Cabrera’s care and dedication.
Lavender Waves Farm is a model of what farming can look like when it’s done with respect for the environment. As the farm continues to grow, Dr. Cabrera’s vision of a place where nature and community come together remains at the center. Visitors may come for the camels and lavender fields, but they often leave with a sense of peace, feeling more connected to the planet, themselves, and their community.
