Caitlin Gee has a vision to make Lavender Fields forever and for all

“As a lawyer, I was always good at fighting,” said Caitlin Gee. “But fighting doesn’t bring people together. I want the farm here at Lavender Fields to be a place where people can come together.” Caitlin believes that uniting people is ultimately what will help to solve many of the problems society struggles with today. She doesn’t care about anyone’s political leanings, which are often used to divide people rather than bring them together. Instead, she believes that people have much more in common than they may realize, and she likes the idea of the farm becoming a vehicle to achieve her vision.

Caitlin grew up in Sussex County and moved to New Orleans, where she went to college and law school. She received her law degree from the University of Loyola – New Orleans, which is also where she met her future husband, Trevor Gee. After graduation, she began practicing law in New Orleans and worked in the specialty of medical malpractice defense. Eventually, she decided that she wanted to move with her family back to Delaware. With her interest in social issues, she envisioned setting up a practice with a specialty in social justice. She also thought doing real estate law made sense with all the growth in the area.

After moving back to the Cape Region, Caitlin discovered Lavender Fields through Lee Ann Wilkinson, who was working at the time with the previous owners to get the property ready for sale. Caitlin saw the property for the first time and immediately fell in love with it. She and her husband and three children live in the farmhouse on the property, but there are multiple buildings on-site, including the former train station that was previously located in Lewes.

Caitlin’s mom, Kerry Spieker, describes the farm as a labor of love for the whole family. Kerry has done much of the design work for bringing the buildings on the property back to life. Her dad John, who as an orthopedic surgeon used to repair bones, is now putting his skills to work to repair and renovate the structures. And as Kerry says, “Catilin is the brains behind the project.” Rather than tear down and/or replace the older buildings, Caitlin’s desire is to use them and the land as efficiently as possible.

Besides bringing people together, numerous issues are near and dear to Caitlin’s heart, and one of those is the environment. Another reason she loves the farm is that it allows people to make a connection with the land. And by making that connection, Caitlin hopes people can see that our planet is worth the effort to try and save.

Another of her ideas is to create an environment where individuals who have disabilities and/or high support needs, or are autistic can not only visit and enjoy the property’s beauty, but also have opportunities to work and earn money. According to Caitlin, 85% of autistic adults are not employed. Her plan for employing neurodivergent or disabled people is to structure jobs that will help them do whatever they are capable of doing. Along the same lines, Catilin also looks to buy the products she sells at Lavender Fields from businesses that have been started by disabled people.

Among other features, the property includes a petting zoo where children and adults can come and pet the goats that live on the farm. The family has also started a nonprofit organization called Peace, Love and Lavender. The nonprofit helps provide funding for the property, which offers free admission to all, and is also involved with the food and alcohol that are served in one of the on-site buildings.

As Caitlin looks into her crystal ball to see what the farm’s future might hold, she envisions an edible garden where children will be able to learn how food is grown, and purchase vegetables and fruits to take home. She also has plans for an inclusive playground, noting that most playgrounds are not accessible for children in wheelchairs.

In a world that sometimes seems to be overrun with intractable problems and a fragmented society where parts of it could really use some pulling together, Caitlin realizes that she can’t singlehandedly solve all the many problems she sees. However, in her mind, Lavender Fields can provide a safe place for those who don’t always have somewhere they can explore, be nurtured, and discover the beauty and resources that are available to everyone.

Regardless of age, ability or belief, Caitlin sees Lavender Fields as an idyllic place where everyone is welcome, and everyone can appreciate that it is a special little piece of Sussex County.