For a complete change of pace we went right to the heart of glorious Gloucestershire
July/Aug 1999

Church Farm is, as you would expect - right opposite the Church in Abenhall.

The Farm gate viewed from both directions - the stable yard is in the background.
Strangely devoid of chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs and cats, in this picture!

Here is the view of Church Farm from Plumphill, with Shapridge in the background to the right.

The Granary has been tastefully converted into two holiday flats - upstairs and downstairs.
We were upstairs.

The original beams have been retained as a feature in the bedroom and living area, while the modern bathroom and kitchen sport all home amenities.

From the granary window we could watch Monarch when he was in the paddock.

From the other window we could look down on the spacious stables - and see what he was up to!

Monarch soon made friends with Mini otherwise known as Bonsai.

...and Paddy - John's grey (or often pink - after he rolls), here being shod.

Mavis' horse Dinah had been kicked in the field the week before the holiday, so thankfully John kindly loaned Paddy to me.

Mavis rode Monarch who seemed happy with the new arrangement !

A couple of miles from the farm is St Anthony's Well. Here the approach from the woods is what forest riding is all about!  Peace and tranquility.

Jenny (left) and John made us feel at home right from the start. The farm is clean, tidy and has a few little touches which make horsing around a real pleasure.- Like hose pipes and automatic bucket fillers !
We enjoyed it so much that we are going back this bank holiday weekend, with both horses this time (fingers crossed!), despite the four hour trek to Gloucester from Manchester with a Series III Landrover and trailer ! ..................

The sequel - visit two !

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To contact Church Farm for more information call 01594 541211