After the eco renovation of their redundant barns involving much muck, hay and farming memories, Paul and Elspeth Walker opened for holiday business in 2002. Not without some trepidation they thought - what if no one came? Who would be interested in ‘greener’ holidays?
But the Christmas and New Year periods were booked almost immediately and soon the calendar was filling. Since then, visitors have arrived from near and from California to Hong Kong, from Germany to Scandinavia - many returning each year.
Two of their first visitors got engaged there and Elspeth and Paul were invited to their wedding and later welcomed them back with their baby!
Because of their interests in art education and wildlife conservation, courses are regularly run in painting, crafts and countryside activities, many through partnerships with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Peak District Ranger Service and various charities. These have expanded to include annual free family events including biodiversity and Apple Days with an ever- increasing number of families participating.
With the opening of the Studio two years ago as the base for courses and events, their daughter Sarah is now increasingly involved in the business.
To help celebrate this anniversary, throughout the year new and returning visitors will receive a special welcome pack of homemade and local produce.
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