Mornings, evenings and all the hours in between

An interesting lesson we’re learning right now is that running a hospitality business and Smallholding makes for super long days. There’s no room to hate mornings, and none for early nights by the fire either.

It seems obvious, but come-what-may the animals need attention morning and evening, the cottages need attention during the day and somewhere in between our own house needs a clean!

However, there is a critical difference when it comes to spending these hours on our business compared to spending a similar amount of hours at work in our past lives. And that is that it’s OUR business. So the hours all count towards making ourselves and the animals.. and of course our guests… happy. It’s a big motivator. And definitely one we need as the nights get longer and start earlier!

Everything starts somewhere

So we bought a farm…

At the end of October this year we started down a road that’s going to change our lives. for some time now, we’ve tried to work out how we could move up to our beloved Hayfield and live and work their permanently. It never seemed possible, and our working assumption has therefore been that it is our long-term retirement plan.

This is possibly all about to change.

The Farmhouse next to our house came up for sale and we were successful in buying it. It cam with an additional cottage, barn and 7 acres of land.

So now we have a place to live, two cottages and a farmhouse to rent to holidaymakers, and land to raise animals. In other words, we have the makings of a business.

Clearly this won’t happen over night. There is renovation work to do so we can put the farmhouse and cottage up for rent. We’ll also need to add a room in our house as a B&B to make the numbers work,

But it will work.

And then we need to turn our city-bread hands to farm work and learn a shedload of new skills - fencing, land management, and care of farm animals to name just a few.

We can’t wait.

This is going to be a tough, long, fun and crazy change for us. but so exciting. Which is why we’ll be documenting our adventures - as well as all the great things you can do when you’re visiting the Peak District right here.

Happy reading!

Escape to These Hidden Gems: The Top Country Pubs in and around Hayfield

If you're looking for a warm and inviting country pub with a home away from home feel, you'll find plenty in and around Hayfield. From open fires to beautiful gardens, and hearty meals to traditional cask ales, there's something for everyone.

Booth Farm and Barn Cottage are located near some of the best country pubs in the Peak District, so we've put together a Top 5 list of our local favorites for you to enjoy during your stay.

1. The Sportsman

With a stunning log fire and a beer garden, The Sportsman Inn is a welcoming, friendly pub. It also serves great homemade food, traditional cask ales, and a wide variety of whiskey. Dogs are allowed on a lead in the bar area. The Sportsman, Kinder Road, Hayfield, SK22 2LE

2. The Packhorse

A Michelin Guide recommended pub, The Pack Horse is located in the heart of the Peak District national park. Sustainability and seasonality are fundamental to what they do, and their food changes with the seasons, using the best local suppliers wherever possible. The Pack Horse Hayfield, 3-5 Market Street, Hayfield, SK22 2EP

3. The George Hotel

A Grade II listed 16th Century hall, The George Hotel is right in the middle of Hayfield High Street and under new management. With stained glass mullioned windows and a magnificent cast iron range fireplace, it's the perfect place to relax in winter. The George Hotel, 14 Church Street, Hayfield, SK22 2JE

4. The Old Hall Inn

This quintessential country inn has previously won the CAMRA regional Pub of the Year award and the Great British Pub award for best cask pub in the region for several years. With eight hand-pulled ales, a popular and large menu featuring dishes using local produce, and a well-attended beer festival, there's something for everyone. The Old Hall Inn, Whitehough, SK23 6EJ

5. The Blind Bull:

After an extensive renovation, this 12th-century inn has been restored to its former glory and has a unique dining space and tap room. With a large beer garden and incredible views, The Blind Bull offers a choice of four real ales, including a regular house beer and three regularly changing beers predominantly from local brewers, as well as a varied food menu. The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow, SK17 8RT

No matter which country pub you choose to visit, you're sure to enjoy a warm and family-friendly welcome, delicious food and drinks, and a memorable experience in the beautiful Peak District countryside.