Little Edstone is a small mixed organic farm.  The conversion to organic status began as soon as we arrived in 2002 and is now Soil Association registered. A few years were spent on the building development for the holiday cottages.  The cottages are all part of the original farm buildings built behind the house in the mid 1700’s, arranged around a self-contained courtyard. All visitors have use of the indoor heated swimming pool, small gym, tennis court, games room and children’s play area.

We are now developing the farm itself. We already have a flock of organic free range chickens.  Guests can visit our horses goats and rabbits – the goats are at the bottom of the gardens in summer.  In future we plan to have rare breed sheep and perhaps a house cow.

Our vegetable and soft fruit production expanded in 2009 and more is planned for 2010.  We hope visitors will be interested in buying vegetables and fruit that have been grown on site and picked that day. Subject to seasonal availability, of course.  We hope to start a local box delivery scheme in 2010.

The farm has signed up to the Countryside Stewardship scheme which promotes wildlife conservation, including such features as uncultivated field margins, the creation of beetle banks, planting new mixed variety hedges, cut only during winter to provide autumn food and a better habitat for wildlife.

These conservation features have helped to increase wildlife diversity on the farm.  Guests have the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, including wild deer in the woodland walk.  Many types of owls can be observed, including barn owls.

Like many small farms we have to look for other small enterprises to ensure an income from farming.  Having created some excellent facilities for the holiday cottages, including the swimming pool, small gym, tennis court and play areas, we welcome interest from local people to join a local members club.  We have also held a ‘De-tox’ course here and plan further courses in 2010.

We have never been comfortable with the rearing of animals and poultry for slaughter so we have focused on eggs and possibly milk products in future.  We like to enjoy our animals for their company.

Animals at Little Edstone

The Horses

Our horses are called Wotsit and Barney. Wotsit is an 11 years old bay mare. She likes to be treated as a celebrity and can be a bit of a diva with Barney (well she bites him on the backside). She has the top slot between them and likes to remind him of it frequently. Barney however, doesn’t take this lying down, so they tend to squabble like children a lot of the time (“Push me, shove you”, “he did it first!”, etc, etc). Barney is over 30 years old and semi-retired and has been used as pony for disabled riders – a lovely old boy.

The Goats

There are two white goats, Tallulah and Frostie.  They are both very friendly and love all the attention they can get.  They spend the summer in a paddock that runs behind the cottage – therefore guests have goats at the bottom of the garden.  In winter guests can visit the goats in the barn.

The Greyhounds

We have two greyhounds – both retired ex-racers.  There is a black girl called Penny Black and a brindle boy called Scooby Doo.  They are both very friendly, although Scooby can be a bit shy.

We like to support the Retired Greyhound Trust and there is a collection box in the games room. If you ever consider getting a rescue dog please consider greyhounds as there are so many in need of homes. They are real couch potatoes who do not need a lot of exercise.

The Retired Greyhound Trust are excellent at recommending the right dog for the right person; they take a lot of care over rehoming. Greyhounds make lovely pets and they are really nice to live with. Please visit their website at www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.

The Rabbits

There are two rabbits, a chunky brown one called Harry (a confirmed bachelor who has the pad upstairs) and a small black and white English rabbit called Pinkie who lives downstairs.

The Chickens

Although we have a large flock of chickens to produce eggs for sale we also have a number of pet ones that wander around. There are usually a few chicks each summer.

Riding/pony rides

There is a professional riding stables nearby in Sinnington where both rides out (depending on ability) and lessons in an indoor school are available. The telephone number is 01751 43275, website is www.friarshillstables.co.ukummer

See also:

Little Edstone Cottages - about the cottages and how to book

The Area - places to visit and things to do during your stay

Renewable Energy - the Little Edstone ethos