Farm buildings adapted to create new business opportunities

16:01:20 20th January 2010

Old farm buildings are being transformed into viable businesses, as country dwellers adapt their homes and lives to get through tough times.

The Telegraph reports on Brunswood Farm in Derbyshire, which is using fresh cow's milk to make ice-cream and turning deserted farm buildings into a shop.

One year on, according to the newspaper, they have churned 10,000 litres, developed 33 flavours of ice cream and sorbet and employ 20 local people.

The Telegraph states that this spirit of enterprise is being shared by an increasing number of country dwellers, referring to a recent study by insurers NFU Mutual that reveals one in five rural households now operate a home-based business.

What's more, some 36 per cent have set up in the past 18 months in response to the current economic downturn.

Meanwhile on a bigger scale, derelict farm buildings in rural Northumberland are to be incorporated into a new leisure and holiday centre, including a shop and café.