Welcome to Sulby Reservoir Retreats at Park Farm
from Ian, Sylvia and family
Park Farm is a long standing family farm located in the heart of England, on the border between Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. The 96 Hectare farm is split in two by the Sulby Reservoir, which is used as a water supply for part of the Grand Union Canal. To diversify the farm business we wanted to create and share this beautiful secluded location with others, and so chose to build log cabins on the bank of the reservoir as holiday lets. Supported entirely by green technology, and traditional log home building design we have tried to create a nature friendly environment whilst providing all the modern comforts necessary for a relaxing escape to the country.
As a working farm, our land is split between arable and grazing, providing rich pastures to rear livestock and fertile fields to grow crops. Spring brings lambs frolicking in the fields, with autumn being a busy time gathering the harvest. If weather conditions are favourable the wheat we grow will be used for biscuit making, Weetabix or even bread. The oil seed rape produced is used for cooking, or used as an ingredient in margarine, with the seed husks being used as a by-product in cattle feed minimising wastage.
The old village of Sulby, long ago deserted and now buried under our land, is a protected Ancient Scheduled Monument site that is just one field away from the cabins. Great care is taken to protect the wonders and secrets of this medieval village. Animals must graze the site otherwise it would revert back to scrub and never be seen from the Jurassic Way footpath that passes over it.
At Park Farm we are a part of the Higher Level Stewardship scheme, where we endeavour to improve the landscape and provide more for this lovely natural environment through planting of pollen, nectar, and bird seed flora. This scheme has also allowed us to restore our listed property and out buildings back to their original state as stables for the old Sulby Hall estate. The Hall, as with many of our buildings was designed by Sir John Soane. Unfortunately the hall was demolished in the 1950’s as with many other large country houses in the area, but our farm stands testament to the busy nature of this part of the world for its occupants in years past.
If you would like to know more about what we do and why we do it, just ask us.
We hope you enjoy your stay.