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