Amanda Owen, the beloved Yorkshire Shepherdess and star of Our Farm Next Door, has opened up about the ongoing difficulties she and her family face while renovating the historic Anty John’s farmhouse. The farmhouse, a two-century-old listed building situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, has become both a passion project and a slow-moving challenge for the family.
Known widely from Channel 5’s hit documentary Our Yorkshire Farm, Amanda and her former partner Clive live and farm at Ravenseat with their nine children. Their story continues on Channel 4 with the ten-part series Our Farm Next Door, which spotlights the family’s efforts to breathe new life into Anty John’s, a derelict house they purchased during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Speaking on This Morning alongside her daughters Clemmy and Nancy, Amanda provided insight into the painstaking restoration process. “It’s a very slow project,” she admitted. “Because the house is in a National Park and is a listed building, there are strict regulations we have to follow. Our goal is to preserve the heritage and integrity of the house while making it practical for modern family life.”
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The family’s involvement runs deep, with all the children contributing to various aspects of the renovation. Clemmy revealed plans for a cupboard bed that her sister Nancy quickly claimed for herself, igniting laughter and excitement about the home’s quirky features. Amanda also shared the progress of installing a water supply, which involves connecting to a nearby spring—offering the family pure Yorkshire spring water.
Amidst the heavy lifting and manual labor, Amanda reflected on the home’s unique character and charm, joking about whether their horses might fit inside through the doors. Despite the setbacks and the slow pace, the family remains committed to the project, making it a meaningful labor of love.
This update comes shortly after Amanda shared the emotional struggle their pet dog Sprout faced following the loss of a family canine, underscoring the family’s resilience in both life and renovation.
The new series of Our Farm Next Door begins airing tonight on More4 at 9 pm, continuing to bring viewers into the heart of rural Yorkshire life and the Owens’ enduring farming journey.