The Piggery
A unique, modern-rustic conversion offering self-catering for two
At the heart of the farm stands The Piggery. Lofty ceilings, great wooden beams, exposed stonework and a handmade king-sized four poster bed come together in a modern, country style. Four 18th century farmworkers' cottages have been combined to create an abundance of space for two people, all on one easy-access level.
Floor to ceiling glass doors and windows flood the airy Piggery with sunlight. As the seasons change discover a Northumbrian winter’s cosiness; draw the curtains against the darkening and snuggle down before the wood-burning stove, hear the stillness of the logs settling in the grate and nestle into the peace of this three-hundred-year-old building.
Our environmental work has influenced this renovation; there’s an air-source heat pump and underfloor heating, rainwater harvesting, eco-friendly decorations and many more green touches to be discovered throughout.
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The Kitchen
The huge kitchen area is the perfect space to plan a day adventuring over morning coffee. Dawdle at the kitchen island, bathed in light spilling from the double glass entrance doors, and enjoy the traditional farmyard scene beyond: a goose waddling past, a peacock preening from its tractor perch, or a sheep peering out from the old farm buildings opposite. Up in the kitchen rafters is a reclaimed (and very useful) ceiling airer, while below a retro fridge freezer also echoes the past. In contrast, the washer drier, oven, hob and microwave are firmly in the modern day.
The Living Space
Flowing from the kitchen, the living and dining area is a bright, open space. This building was recently our farm classroom and, with a nod to its long history, we’ve incorporated school desks, a restored pew, ‘rescued’ wooden storage box and tongue and groove panelling. Snuggle into the sofa before the wood-burning stove watching a pizza fizzle in the small oven above the fire, then turn down the lights, uncork the wine, and enjoy a romantic dinner for two at the large dining table.
The Bedroom
Beyond the wide oak doors stretching across the room’s width, is the bedroom with its craftsman-made traditional pine furniture. The king-sized four poster invites you to cuddle into the luxury of a deep feather duvet dressed with natural organic cotton bed linen and enjoy a cosy night’s sleep.
The Shower Room
At the far end of the building, through a long cloakroom with a plethora of pegs for your outdoor wear, is a spacious shower room. A big old-fashioned shower head and wall panelling add a retrospective twist to this modern room with his and her’s wash basins. After emerging from a warm, steamy shower, gently scented with the earth-friendly toiletries we provide, you’ll find our lovely natural organic cotton towels at hand.
Outdoors
Glass doors open from the living room onto a grassy seating area. Catching the morning light, this is a place to enjoy a lazy breakfast surrounded by birdsong. To the side of The Piggery, past a gap in the garden wall, is the Greenhouse Garden; a sheltered lawn around a small greenhouse decked with strings of lights. Here you can relax away the evening into the darkening. Young espalier ‘Elstar’ apple trees border The Piggery lawns, chosen as a link to the 200+ fruit trees we’ve planted on the farm.
By evening the setting sun bathes the front of the Piggery. As you sit on the gravelled area at the edge of the farmyard you can enjoy the last of the golden light and watch the gentle life of the farm. It’s a quiet steading – Tom works alone managing the organic livestock and fields, but as the seasons change so too do the dynamics of the yard. As the weather turns wintery, our gentle organic Beef Shorthorn cows are brought down to the courtings, and by early spring the sheds are overflowing with new-born lambs and ewes-in-waiting. On warm summer days the yard is deserted but for a few peacocks lazily pecking around and, at times, a disgruntled Freddie the donkey who falls poorly if he eats too much grass. .
A Piggery
In the 1950s the row of cottages was converted into a piggery and housed pigs for almost 60 years. After a huge renovation project in 2012 the piggery became a farm classroom, and today it has come full circle and is once again a lovely home on the farm.
Centuries of farmworkers will have viewed the changing seasons from this row of stone cottages and set off for a day caring for the land. We hope that you will revel in the lovely countryside around, exploring this place that is so special to us, and take time to discover the history and work that has shaped the farm of today. Step from The Piggery into the magic of Hunting Hall.
