Amanda Owen, the beloved star of Channel 5's Our Yorkshire Farm, has delivered a sobering update on the ambitious renovation of Anty John's farmhouse, describing the project as moving at a glacial pace.
A Slow and Steady Restoration
Appearing on ITV's This Morning on Monday, 19th January, with daughters Clemmy and Nancy, Owen explained the significant challenges facing the family's dream project. The 200-year-old property, purchased during the COVID lockdown, is both a listed building and situated within a National Park, imposing strict limitations on the work that can be done.
The shepherdess emphasised that the goal is to restore the derelict house to its original state while making it liveable, a delicate balance that requires immense time and care. "It is a very slow job," she admitted to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. "It's a slow project, a very slow project."
Family Efforts and Spring Water Surprises
Despite the delays, the entire Owen clan remains hands-on. Clemmy revealed they are currently designing a traditional cupboard bed for the property, which Nancy immediately coveted. The family's latest task involved installing a bespoke water supply, sourcing water directly from a local spring.
Amanda shared an amusing anecdote about this, recounting how one of her children, while bathing in a London hotel, exclaimed in surprise at the clarity of the tap water compared to their home's spring supply. "Mum! The water, it's see-through!" she recalled with a laugh, championing their "Yorkshire's finest" spring water.
New Series and Personal Challenges
The television appearance served as a preview for the latest instalment of the family's spin-off series, Our Farm Next Door. The new series premiered on More4 on Monday, 19th January at 9pm. The show documents the family's life and their ongoing efforts to revive Anty John's.
This renovation update follows a period of personal difficulty for the Owen family. Just a day before her This Morning appearance, Amanda opened up about the emotional struggles of their pet dog, Sprout, who is grieving the loss of his companion, Chalky.
While the dream of a completed Anty John's remains on the distant horizon, viewers can continue to follow the Owens' resilient, mud-and-all approach to farming and renovation in the Yorkshire Dales on their continuing television journey.
