Real estate magnate’s Middle Peninsula farm provides sanctuary for animals

Anyplace else, General Jackson probably would’ve been euthanized. Several veterinarians have recommended it. Ever since he was a foal, the Tennessee walking horse has suffered health problems, including laminitis, a painful hoof condition that requires constant attention. But “The General,” as he’s fondly known, had the luck to be born where respect for animals is unconditional, come as they may.
Holly Point Farm, the country home of real estate developer Ramon W. Breeden Jr. and his wife Lucy Breeden, is a pastoral 400-acre animal paradise that has evolved over 44 years from a retreat to a sanctuary.
Past its iron gates is an arrow-straight driveway lined by ancient pines, sweetgums and oaks – some old enough to have witnessed the birth of this nation. Visitors are greeted by a herd of languid black angus, chewing cud and swatting flies with their tails, relaxing in the shade of an open forest without fear of ever seeing the inside of a slaughterhouse.
In 1961 he founded The Breeden Company – now one of the nation’s leading real estate development firms. And when his grit secured success, Breeden purchased a farm near Charlottesville. Eventually, he wanted something closer to Hampton Roads, where he was busy building a business empire.