A Day in the Life on Our Farm
There’s something magical about life on a smallholding. Each day brings new challenges, joys, and surprises, whether it’s a mischievous goat escaping or the first signs of spring emerging in the hedgerows. For those who dream of a slower, more nature-filled life or are just curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a working farm with holiday cottages, here’s a glimpse into a typical day.
Morning: The Farm Awakens
The day begins early, usually just as the sun starts to rise over the fields. The first job is to check on the animals, who are always eager for their breakfast. Poppy and Pickle, two of our naughty little goats, are usually first in line, bleating impatiently for their feed. They are full of character, always plotting their next adventure (or escape!).
Next, we head to the chicken coop/duck coop to let the hens and ducks out for the day. There’s nothing quite like the sight of them rushing out to peck at the dewy grass, and we always check for freshly laid eggs—one of the simple pleasures of farm life.
After that, it’s time to feed the other animals, top up water troughs, and check on any new arrivals—springtime often means lambs, ducklings, or baby goats needing extra attention.
Mid-Morning: Farm Jobs & Garden Care
With the animals settled, we move on to the never-ending list of jobs that keep the smallholding running smoothly. Depending on the season, this could be anything from repairing fences and mucking out our pygmy village to planting vegetables in our kitchen garden. We grow a variety of produce, from fresh tomatoes and courgettes in the summer to hearty root vegetables in the winter.
This is also the time we take a quick break, often with a cup of tea or coffee in hand, enjoying the views and the peace of the countryside before tackling the next task.
Afternoon: Cottage Care & Guest Greetings
Running holiday cottages alongside the smallholding means that part of the day is dedicated to welcoming guests and making sure everything is perfect for their stay. If it’s a changeover day, we’ll be busy preparing the cottages—fluffing pillows, preparing welcome hampers, and ensuring every detail is just right.
Guests often love to meet the animals, so we’ll sometimes offer a little farm tour, introducing them to Poppy and Pickle and letting them help with feeding time. It’s a wonderful way for families, especially children, to experience farm life up close.
Evening: Winding Down
As the sun begins to set, it’s time for the evening round of animal checks. The chickens and ducks are gently coaxed back into their coop, the goats get one last cuddle (or attempt another daring escape!), and we make sure everyone is safe and settled for the night.
With the work done, we can finally relax, often sitting outside with a glass of something cold, watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange. There’s a special kind of tiredness that comes with working outdoors all day—a satisfying, contented exhaustion that makes sleep come easy.
Why We Love This Life
Life on a smallholding is not always easy—it’s hard work, unpredictable, and often messy! But it’s also deeply rewarding. The connection to nature, the joy of nurturing animals, and the pleasure of seeing guests fall in love with farm life make every early morning and muddy boot worth it.
If you ever fancy swapping the hustle and bustle for a slice of country life, we’d love to welcome you to our little corner of the world. Who knows? You might just fall in love with it, too. https://www.rudgefarmcottages.co.uk/about/
