Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency - Rural Small Buildings Grant Case Studies

This grant scheme operated during 2007 - 2008 but is not currently available.

Neil Milbourn’s family have farmed at Walby Grange near Carlisle for 80 years and have the remains of a section of Hadrian’s Wall running through their land. Three years ago, Neil and his wife, Katie, decided to sell the dairy herd, diversify the farming business and convert three large redundant buildings into a farm visitor attraction.

Peter Toaig has run a successful furniture-making business from a rented workshop base in Stirling since 1998. He and his partner decided to move south into Cumbria last year as a result of her job.

They wanted to buy a property with potential for investment and development, not only as a workshop for Peter’s own work, but also with space for him to run specialist woodworking courses on site.

Frank and Amanda Purnell established Brockhill Enterprises in Kirkby Stephen in 1987. The Company manufactures electronic and electrical cable assemblies and undertakes contract assembly work. It has maintained a steady growth and currently employs 25 people.

Crosby Nursery is situated in Laughingstock House, which was separated into two houses in 1900. James and Maria Sedgwick lived in Bloomsberry House, which was half of the building, but when the remaining half of the building came up for sale the couple bought it in September 2002. The property needed significant renovations and repairs.

Mary and Graham Walker have been running Lakeland Llama Treks in Cumbria near Penrith for more than three years in addition to a specialist education and therapy centre, Lords House Farm, a registered charity in Lancashire which they established 18 years ago.

Llama Trekking clients were so enamoured with the delightful llamas that there were many requests for a Visitor Centre, as they wanted to learn more about the animals and have the opportunity to visit them again. It was a business opportunity the couple decided to explore. They were looking to expand their fascinating and unique business and relocate to Cumbria.

Castlerigg Farm has been providing camping facilities since the 1920s, and Doris Harrison came into the business in 1997 following the sudden death of her husband’s uncle. The site had a toilet and cold tap when Doris joined the family business, and since then she has developed a shop, modern shower and laundry facilities.