This weekend has been filled with visitors – my brother’s family is over from Australia and it’s been a good excuse to get as many of us together as possible. It’s been lovely having somewhere large enough to cater for everyone – even though we also had to find nearby accommodation as we don’t have enough sleeping room yet. It’s helped us imagine what it would be like for other groups of families who rent our cottages in future, and think of different things to do to accommodate large groups and different ages (like lightweight garden furniture that can be easily moved, enough cutlery that you don’t have to keep washing up, and plenty of entertainment during nap times!!).
Having young children here also gave us a chance to visit another local place – Ferne Animal Sanctuary – which is just across the valley. It’s not huge but there’s a lovely trail through woodland that takes you past the various animals – goats, geese, pigs, and horses to name a few. As some of the animals have arrived there after bad experiences, they tend to steer clear of humans and so you can’t get too close; but you can see most at a distance at least. Chickens and ducks roam freely throughout the site and are tame enough to walk right past you, much to the children’s entertainment!
There’s a ‘small farm’ area towards the end with cats, tortoises, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and an aviary with budgies. If you don’t see many animals around the sanctuary, you’re sure to see some at the farm. The fact it’s dog friendly and popular with the children – as well as only a ten minute drive away – means it’ll be ideal for our future guests to visit.
Ley Farm Cottages 