Deep in the heart of Cumbria 15 miles from Penrith lies the picturesque village of Kirkoswald . Here is where you will find Robert and Julie Picthall the current owners of Mains Farm .

MAINS Farm ’ s rustic buildings and period farm house date back to the 1700 ’ s , which have been carefully maintained and home to a thriving 750 strong flock of Black face mules and Texel cross ’ s but an amazing and quirky level of diversity , which so often nowadays is the key to securing a more stable future . I met up with Robert Picthall to hear more . The Picthall family first came to Mains Farm in 1967 when Robert ’ s father took on the tenancy following the roadbuilding program for the then new A590 , had rendered his previous farm unworkable . Dairy farming was the main business for many years until 11 years ago .

In 1988 Robert took the plunge and bought the farm and with interest rates at 15 %! The early years were a hard struggle . However , Robert is your traditional gritty farmer and firmly believes that every problem / challenge has a solution . They often say , “ Behind every great man ” none truer here . His Wife Julie has been an absolute rock from the very beginning . “ She is my steadying influence and often plays devil ’ s advocate making sure everything is fully thought through and planned ”.

Robert is a creative Maverick , always looking for new opportunities .

Eleven years ago , having done the math and taking stock of fluctuations in milk prices the numbers were making things exceptionally tough , a small return for a lot of hard work .

Julie offered to go and take a part time job to help the finances , though Robert wasn ’ t keen . So , after some research they decided to leave Dairy and switch to Sheep . This has proved very successful which means between September and March Robert is pretty much a full time Farmer . The other major benefit , it ’ s allowed Roberts creativity and Julie ’ s business head to spectacularly diversify within the farm .

So , following his conversion of one of the cow sheds with the help of a local builder , installation of 6 electrical hook ups , adaptation of one of the fields and creation of a website , 10 years ago on May bank holiday the Mains farm campsite was open for business . It was a bit of a steep change , however Julie ’ s previous experience managing a busy hotel reception meant guest management and booking was a much needed and readymade skill .

A great idea ideal for somewhere situated in beautiful countryside producing some good extra income . However , being the creative and hardworking type , Robert capitalised on the early success and between them they have developed the site much further . The Campsite now boasts space for 15 tents all with electricity , along with 30 caravan spaces , showers , toilets and on-site cooking facilities .

Not wishing to stop there and always looking to improve , more barns and sheds have been converted into 5 Bunkhouses , that can take groups and families who may prefer to holiday indoors rather than camping or caravanning . But wait it doesn ’ t stop there , following a suggestion from Roberts daughter Bridget who is a teacher , she had spotted a relatively new idea in the form of Camping pods !

Robert not one to stand on ceremony went and bought 3 initially . These simple but effective structures all come with heat , electricity and even USB points ! So , Mains farm now cater for those who like Glamp ! They have proved immensely popular with City families and those that do like a little bit of affordable luxury . The number of Pods has now risen to 12 .

We are proud to be associated with Robert & Julie Pickthall , Mains Farm