Houghton North Farm Cotage

(Continued)

The middle cottage is called MERCI BEAUCOUP, because during the First World War, Sir James Knott, who ran the Close House Estate, furnished the cottage and let it to the friends and family of soldiers who were convalescing a mile down the road at Holyn Hall. At the end of the war he held a competition to name the cottage and the winner received £1.00.

The farm has changed greatly over the years from a mixed farm with sheep, pigs, cattle, chickens and arable, to a mainly Hereford cattle and arable farm. We grow all the feed for the animals, although we are not an organic farm. We buy in weaned Hereford calves and raise them to sell to Waitrose.

The visitor accommodation used to be the pigsties and part of the lounge was a coal house. There is a picture in the lounge showing various stages of construction.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

Jeff and Paula Laws