Amanda Owen Confronts Renovation Challenges and Personal Heartbreak
Our Yorkshire Farm star Amanda Owen has provided a candid glimpse into the significant pressures she faces while managing renovations at her family's historic farmhouse, Anty John's. In a recent episode of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, the renowned Yorkshire Shepherdess detailed the complexities of the project and the emotional toll of decision-making.
The Architectural Divide and Renovation Strategy
Amanda explained the unique structural challenges of Anty John's, noting that the property is effectively split into two distinct sections. The main house end is listed, requiring traditional blind plaster techniques, while the barn end is not listed, allowing for faster and more cost-effective plasterboard and skim methods. This division has created a dual approach to the renovations, with Amanda overseeing both aspects simultaneously.
"The house is, in a way, split in two," Amanda stated. "Basically, the house end is listed. The barn end is not listed. So the main house needs to be done with blind plaster, and the barn end, we can just plasterboard and skim it. It's a faster, quicker, easier, cheaper job."
Decision-Making Pressure and Design Dilemmas
As the project transitions to interior styling, Amanda admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of making critical design choices. She arranged a consultation with lighting expert Simon, but the initial proposals failed to align with her vision. The first option was dismissed as "too modern," while the second induced feelings of seasickness, leaving Amanda uncertain about the direction.
"There's a bit more sort of onus and pressure on me to kind of make decisions, and that's really hard," Amanda confessed. She added, "I don't know quite what I am doing, so what I am doing is relying on other people to come up with suggestions whilst I say, 'No.'"
Emotional Family Loss of Beloved Dog Chalky
In a poignant segment of the episode, Amanda and her husband Clive shared the heartbreaking news of their cherished dog Chalky's passing. The family gathered for an emotional burial, with their daughters reciting a poem in tribute to their loyal companion. Amanda fought back tears as she recalled the moment the children discovered Chalky had died.
"When the children came running out of the house door saying that Chalky had passed away, they were absolutely bereft, and they knew it was coming, and I knew it was coming," Amanda remembered. "But still, just to see her laid there, as peaceful as anything and still warm, it pulled at your heartstrings."
Clive reflected on Chalky's life, saying, "Oh, it's good old Chalkie. She's gone, but not forgotten. She's lived a great life, and she's been a great friend to us all. There she'll be, and we'll remember her there, won't we?"
Broadcasting Details and Future Updates
Our Yorkshire Farm continues to captivate audiences with repeats airing this weekend on Channel 5, while Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids is available for streaming on All4. Amanda's openness about both the practical challenges of farm life and the personal joys and sorrows of family resonates deeply with viewers, offering an authentic portrayal of rural existence.
