Home of the Nidderdale Herd of Pedigree Aberdeen Angus Cattle
The Beginning
It’s difficult to say when the beginning occurred as we had always hoped that we would be able to build or renovate a property. Eventually in 2003 we found ourselves in a position to actively search for the dream. After many visits and many disappointments, we found ourselves driving along a stony track, with sunlight streaming through the trees. When we turned the corner and saw the group of stone house and barns, we both felt our hearts quicken, hidden potential abounding in all directions. After tea and cakes with the lovely owners we left feeling that the buildings were perfect but that the fields could be a problem. We revisited often, discussing the options for the buildings and farmland, and decided to place our bid. We will never forget the moment when the phone rang and we heard a voice say “congratulations you now own a farm” Our lives were about to change dramatically.
For the next couple of years our lives became a whirl of planning applications, architects, designs and builders as we set about delivering the hidden potential to a point when we could move in. In parallel to this familiar world of builders etc, we also started to explore the entirely new world of farming. We quickly realised that a farm without activity or animals was not an option. As we explored and researched we began to understand the history and natural balance of the farmland and livestock.
To enable us to properly manage the livestock, we set about a renovation plan for the farm activities. The entire property needed fencing to secure each pasture, and a new cattle barn would be helpful. Somehow we managed to complete these farming works so that our cattle could move in during early 2005, a good six months before we were able to move.
As we have settled into the farming way of life we realise that we may never achieve the status of finished, as the job list attracts new projects more quickly than we can compete the original works. This is perhaps the secret of happiness here. We have wonderful neighbours in a vibrant community, we love our Aberdeen Angus herd who have patiently taught us all they know to ensure they are as happy as we are.
