A FARMING family has transformed two former stable blocks into four-star self-catering accommodation, providing visitors with a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
The Dairy Farm is located within acres of ancient parkland close to the banks of the River Ouse in the hamlet of Saltmarshe, near Howden.
It has been home to Vivienne and John Sweeting for more than 40 years, and their family has been farming in Ea
st Yorkshire for generations.
Vivienne first came up with the idea of converting some of the redundant farm buildings into cottages around three years ago.
And the transformation work of the brick-built stables into stylish yet homely accommodation is now complete.
Vivienne explained: "We have plenty of room in our stables for people to bring their own horses with them so that they can ride out in the surrounding parkland. In addition to the gorgeous countryside on our doorstep, our visitors find that the cottages are a great base from which they can explore other parts of the county, including York, the coast, the Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors.
"When you arrive here and take in the beautiful countryside, it's easy to forget that Saltmarshe is just minutes away from the M62 and that this area is so easily accessible to visitors."
The couple have enjoyed hosting guests to such an extent that they now offer bed and breakfast within the main house, in addition to the self-catering accommodation available at River Cottage and Orchard Cottage.
Not surprisingly given their long association with farming, the Sweetings are champions of locally produced food and everything that they serve to guests is sourced from local suppliers; even the Fairtrade coffee is supplied by their eldest son James' company, Lincoln and York.
Apple Tree Cottages is part of the Farm Stay scheme, which is a national network of working farms offering accommodation to those want to explore the countryside and enjoy a taste of life on a working farm.
n For more information about Apple Tree Cottages, visit www.appletree-cottages.co.uk. To find out more about Farm Stay UK, visit www.farmstayuk.co.uk.
