Old Country Farm
Three years ago, Old Country Farm, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, began to offer bed and breakfast on their holding which consists of a farmhouse together with a range of farm buildings arranged as a traditional farmyard, and 220 acres of land (gardens, grass keep, orchards, woodland, wetland) managed under a number of environmental schemes. Visitors were invited to explore and enjoy the farm, which has been successful in achieving a Gold Wildlife Action Award and a Green Business Award from Herefordshire Nature Trust’s Growing Green Tourism scheme.
In 2005, a feasibility study was commissioned to investigate the opportunity to build on this achievement through a successful combination of residential accommodation, meeting rooms and associated dining and catering facilities based on a number of the listed buildings, attaching special importance to minimising environmental impact. The buildings were the subject of a separate, parallel study by HH Heritage West, Building Conservation Consultants.
Our work involved refining the project proposal in close discussion with the client; a market assessment, including identifying evidence about relevant market trends; a competitor analysis; and preparation of a business plan. The feasibility established the demand from groups looking for sole occupancy of quality, character accommodation in an historic rural environment, and confirmed the advantage conferred by the special environment and qualities of Old Country Farm.
We were able to recommend Old Country Farm as a location for the BBC2 TV series Nature’s Calendar . Our client has gone on to develop The Lighthouse, new accommodation available to groups or family gatherings, and further plans for a group venue in the 'Cowshed' are under consideration.For more information visit www.oldcountryhouse.co.uk
