Poppy heads

July – New additions to Huxtable Farm

Peahens

Hurray, we’re now connected to Fibre Broadband 🙂 having had the connection delayed due to Covid-19 lockdown. What a difference it makes not having to watch the circle whirling around.

Other additions to the farm include another broody hen hatching another seven chicks and we have just purchased a peacock, Pedro and a two peahens. Pedro is quite stunning with his tail feathers on display (see photo at bottom of post)

Chick July 2020

Chick July 2020

 

There’s still a lot happening here; Antony continues to chop and split the trees he felled the winter before, last ready to sell as seasoned logs when the weather changes and I’m busy picking goosebrries, redcurrants, blackcurrants & raspberries in the fruit garden, followed by lots of sorting, freezing and jam making. The fruit all seems to ripen at once, thank goodness I have a little helper!

Felted Jacob sheepskin rug next to wood burner

Felted Jacob sheepskin rug next to wood burner

I’m also spending time updating the website adding some of the lovely items available to purchase, which can be sent by post within the UK;  Jacob wool items; throws, cushions, hand knitted hats & new this year unique vegetarian Jacob sheepskin rugs, made from the fleeces of our ewes.

I’ve also had my paints out again and have some prints and cards of my water colour paintings available to purchase. Cards £2.50 each (including envelope & wrap) or 5 for £10 and mounted A4 prints £25 each. (Jacob sheep, wool card £4.50 each)

Card of West Buckland School

Card of West Buckland School

Springer Spaniel - Print of acrylic painting by Jackie Payne £30 (8.25"X11")

Springer Spaniel – Print of acrylic painting by Jackie

 

 

 

 

 

Jacob sheep card

We’re already taking B&B bookings for 2021 and have extended our offer of a free copy of the book ‘Huxtable the Story of a Devon Farm’ to all bookings for next year, celebrating Huxtable Farmhouse being 500 years old! Next year could be busy so you may wish to provisionally book ahead.

Check Availability

Until we see you again, take care, stay safe & healthy, with warm wiahes Jackie, Antony & Bella, the dog 🙂

Peacock Pedro

Chicks July 2020

Chicks July 2020

Huxtable Farm B&B house & garden

July – Fruit picking and things to do

Butterflies & grasshopper at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon/Exmoor

Butterflies & grasshopper at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon/Exmoor

 

The beautiful weather through out May and July has been lovely for the butterflies, grasshopper and insects around the farm  but the sheep are looking forward to getting shorn on the 1st July –

The 'King' sheep at Huxtable Farm B&B

The ‘King’ sheep at Huxtable Farm B&B

 

 

 

 

Some sheep decided to shed their fleece already and who blames them, this Jacob obviously is keen to be the ‘King’ of the flock keeping it’s mane 🙂

Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam

Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam

 

Fruit picking has started – Gooseberry’s, redcurrants and the raspberries will be ready soon.

Fresh home-grown fruit for the breakfast table and homemade jams – ‘Elderflower & Gooseberry’ is a favourite jam with many to have on Huxtable Farm’s home baked granary toast or croissant.

 

 

Things to do/Events this July;

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival has 2000 roses on display now 16th June – 22nd July – The largest rose gardens in the South West.

Clovelly Maritime Festival 14th July

National Trust Arlington Court – What’s on in July

Things to do for free at Huxtable Farm B&B

Tiverton Mid Devon Show 28th July

North Devon Show 1st August

July – Picking fruit & making jam – Things to do

Blackberry flowers at Huxtable Farm B&B

Blackberry flowers at Huxtable Farm B&B

 

Looks like there’s going to be a bumper crop of blackberries this Autumn. However, there’s plenty of fruit to pick for the breakfast table at the moment to eat fresh or to make jam with – Fresh raspberries, ‘Gooseberry & Elderflower’ and Loganberry jams.

July fruit

July fruit

 

 

Things to do this July;

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival has 2000 roses on display now 17th June – 30th July – The largest rose gardens in the South West. Pick up your free Rose Trail Garden Map when you get there.

Lynmouth Raft Race 22nd July

Man vs Moor 15th July

Clovelly Maritime Festival 16th July

National Trust Arlington Court – Family ranger days, drop-in family crafts & garden days – PDF of events

Things to do for free at Huxtable Farm B&B

North Devon Show 2nd August