A total transformation ...
In 1959 a young couple, Ray and Jean Allanson, moved to Rains Farm. Ray began his employment as as a farm labourer, and continued to work on the farm for 15 years, supported by his wife Jean. Then, after 16 years as tenant farmers, ownership was finally transferred to the Allanson family in 1990.
Five years later, the story began of the transformation of this historic agricultural outpost into the award-winning present-day 4* luxury holiday cottages and 4* silver award B & B accommodation provided by Rains Farm Holidays.
The planning picture ...
As can be imagined, planning control was tight in such a beautiful rural area - with restrictions about planning, design and even the materials used for the development. The original openings were generally all that were permitted - although this was not necessarily a major restriction because it enabled the old cart shed openings, amongst others, to be transformed into picture windows with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside - which has recently been immortalised by becoming the focus of the new Rains Farm Holidays logo.
So a great deal had already gone on behind the scenes before a builder could lay hands on a single brick in the property. After a great deal of thought and planning, and interactions between a local architect and the planning authorities, a firm of local builders began work on the award-winning scheme. The buildings were completely stripped, and some of the materials (such as the traditional clay tiles) were to be later reused on the front face of the complex, which could be seen from the road.
Only the best ...
In line with the Allanson philosophy, only the best would be good enough , and the new buildings would be totally renovated using the best quality materials and high standards of workmanship.
Real stonework, original and specially-selected new timberwork and real timber flooring would form the basis of the scheme, which would also incorporate sealed unit double-glazing and full central heating. At the same time as maintaining the architectural integrity of the complex, the aim was to create a lasting construction, built with solid materials and finished to the highest standard.
The whole project took only seven months from start to finish.
Stripping back the years ...
Stripping back the years from the buildings at Rains Farm was a lengthy but careful business. All the tiles had to be carefully removed and stored ready for re-use. Historic bread-ovens and kitchen ranges were either carefully extracted or painstakingly protected ready for reinstatement in the finished project. Original herringbone flooring and the cobbles from the former milking parlour were saved to be used as features in the newly-developed courtyard and other original elements were noted and protected ready for refurbishment.
A neighbouring farmer purchased the dutch barn and the shed which used to cover the ‘fold yard’ (where the cattle had been housed) - now the courtyard. Several layers of concrete had to be dug out before new floors could be laid for all the cottages. Other salvageable items were put into dry storage for the winter. All the plaster was removed and both internal and external walls were sand-blasted to bring out their original warm Yorkshire stone colour.
Cranes and concrete ...
Then there was the day the crane came. It was no ordinary crane - it was a sizeable beast! The new steelwork for the main roof structure called for a substantial piece of kit to hoist it into place. The self-contained sewage system which was planned needed nearly 60 tons of concrete to stabilise the subsoil ready to take the weight of water involved.
Traditional craftsmanship was harnessed in several forms. Solid timber floorboards were carefully put into place, apart from the stone feature walls, everywhere was completely replastered. In the meantime, custom-made double-glazing was being manufactured, and hand-made, bespoke units made from solid timber were in production for the kitchens, bathrooms and vanity units.
The joinery was being prepared to a very high standard. The central heating systems were carefully installed and the properties were fully rewired and the necessary fire protection installed. The walls were completely repointed, a new driveway laid outside and the garden areas began to be planted.
Award-winning work ...
Only seven months later the dream was realised. This picturesque farm in the beautiful Vale of Pickering had been transformed into an even more picturesque holiday complex which would delight its future visitors just as much as its owner-operators.
Five luxury holiday cottages now joined the already-existing quality bed and breakfast accommodation to provide a baffling choice for holidaymakers. Its fame spread rapidly, and very soon it became a winner of the Ryedale Good Design and Construction Awards.
Of course, the work did not stop there. The quest for quality still continues and the cottages and the B&B accommodation have seen numerous renovation and refurbishment projects to ensure they are kept up to the same high standards today as they were when the units were first opened.
Use the menu system to explore our cottages and B & B accommodation, as well as other articles about the history of the farm and its transformation.