Award-winning Northumberland farm shop up for sale

Jul 9 2009 by Jane Hall, The Journal

“This area is crying out for something like this to be developed. We don’t have planning permission for an attraction, but the whole emphasis for farm diversification at the moment is for tourist-based projects, particularly with us being so close to a World Heritage Site.

“It is something we would have loved to do, but the farm shop alone is quite time consuming as it has really taken off, and we have found it is encroaching too much on the time we have to spend with our son.

“Sad as we are to be leaving, Herding Hill needs someone else to come in and power things along.”

The Raysons plan to move to another farm they own near Brampton, Cumbria.

Herding Hill has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality rare breed meats reared on the farm. The Raysons also manufacture their own range of chutneys and pickles which are sold in the farm shop.

The property is for sale through George F White’s Alnwick office, and Debbie hopes it will attract a buyer who will share her and husband Charles’s passion for both rare breed animals and local food. “We would love it if the farm was to go to someone who shares our ethos but can also see the potential for expansion,” she says. The Raysons intend to continue selling their award-winning meat and other produce at farmers’ markets in the area.