MEET THE ‘HAIRY COOS’
By Chris Wadsworth
Photos by Love Runs Wild Photography
At first glance, it may look as though the cow is wearing a wig. But don’t be fooled. That shaggy crop of hair hanging over its eyes is sometimes called a “dossan” and it’s a signature feature of a Scottish Highland cow.
It’s one of the things that drew Robin Darter to the small, rugged beasts.
“They’re just so beautiful,” Robin said. “Every single one is so unique, so different. They’re a little sassy and they definitely throw their weight around and have no cognizance of space or anything.”
Darter, along with her husband, Shawn, own and operate Sterling Hills Farm – 30 minutes north of Ashburn in the rolling hills of rural Loudoun near the Potomac River.
The farm isn’t a farm in a traditional sense – no crops are grown here – although a peony field is in the works. And the roughly 50 head of cattle they have are not raised for their milk, their meat or their hides.
Instead, Sterling Hills is all about education, experiences and – let’s face it – loving on some really cute cows.
“I know it’s a funny concept,” Robin said. “You know how people have horses and they don’t necessarily race them or do anything with them. They’re just beloved animals. That’s how we treat our Highlands.”
The Darters have spent most of their careers working in the restaurant industry. When life slowed down during the pandemic, the couple liked the more relaxed lifestyle they – and the rest of the world – found themselves forced into.
So, in 2020 they closed on the original 70 acres that became Sterling Hills and built their home there. (They have since bought neighboring property and expanded to 107 acres.) In June 2022, they purchased their first five Scottish Highlands cows, also known by the nickname “Hairy Coos.”
The plan was to breed them and sell the offspring to other folks like them – people with farms or lots of land and people who just love animals. That worked well for a few years – but soon the growing herd of cute cows– often visible over the fence line from the road – was piquing people’s interest.
“[Friends] are surprised to learn I have cows,” said Olivia Darter, the couple’s 8-year-old daughter. “They ask me what colors they are and I like to share the colors I know – like ‘dun.’” (Editor’s Note: Dun is described as a muted grayish-brown or sandy-tan color. Yes, we had to look it up.)
Soon people were asking to visit the cows. They wanted to pet them, talk to them, take selfies with them. So Robin started letting family friends visit. She would teach them about the breed and the farm – how Scottish Highlands are a hardy breed from northern Scotland accustomed to frigid temperatures who love the winter and how they want to be good stewards of the land and keep the cows out of the streams that run through the property. That protects the water quality and the stream banks, as well as the cows.
Demand for visits continued to grow, so eventually Robin created an online reservation system. It filled up almost immediately. Since then, this has become a major focus for the farm. Guests are welcome for various “experiences” where they can meet the cows and – if they’re interested – get a little education too.
The farm also holds special events such as tea parties, art classes, wreath decorating, egg hunts and more – all with the cows present as part of the fun.
Loudoun-based photographer Jill Mandichak owns and operates Love Runs Wild Photography. She has done family photo shoots at Sterling Hills, high school senior portraits, even engagements – all with the mop-haired cows playing an integral part.
“As a photographer, I immediately recognized how special the property was. The rolling hills, the stunning cattle,” Mandichak said. “Families return year after year, and children light up the moment they meet the Highlands.”
The Darters’ herd, which now includes both full Scottish Highlands and Highland crosses – Highlands mixed with other breeds – continues to grow. Two more were expected to join this summer.
Longterm, Robin says she could see them eventually getting up to 70-75 Scottish Highlands and Highland crosses. But no matter how large the farm and its bovine brood grow – don’t for a second think the business side will overtake the personal side of the Darters’ endeavor.
“They’re fully 100% my pets,” Robin said. “They all have names. They’re all my sweet babies.”
HOW TO VISIT
If you would like to visit Sterling Hills Farm and its Scottish “Hairy Coos,” the Darters offer a spring season and a fall/winter season. Prices start at $175 and reservations are made through the farm’s website at lovesterlinghills.com. Fair warning – slots for visits fill up quickly.