About US
Established in 2009, Skara Brae Homestead is owned and operated by Stephen and Sarah Butcher Howell. Both are descendants of families with deep agricultural roots originating in Jamestown and Plimoth. Stephen’s family has been farming in what would become Fauquier County, Virginia, since the late 1600s.
Born in Kansas, Stephen grew up in Oklahoma and Texas before joining the Marine Corps and then the US Navy, which brought him to Virginia. Sarah hails from the Delaware Water Gap area of northwest New Jersey. She attended Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia, and stayed in the commonwealth after graduation.
Due to the onset of an autoimmune disease, Sarah required organic, nutrient-dense food to alleviate symptoms. They turned to growing their produce and meat to ensure they knew exactly what went into their food. This transitioned into Skara Brae Homestead.