Yorkshire jockey invests in luxury lodges
RACEHORSE trainer Ann Duffield and her jockey husband George are creating a £500,000 luxury log cabin development.
The Duffields are building four log cabins at their Sun Hill stables in Constable Burton, near Leyburn, which will be available for holiday lets from October.
The development has been supported by a 35% grant from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and it is estimated the new log cabins will provide a £500,000 annual boost to the Wensleydale and wider North Yorkshire economy.
Gary Verity chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “This is a fantastic, top-quality development that really adds to the high standard of tourism offering in Yorkshire.
“We are sure it will be a huge success, not only with holidaymakers but also with the horse racing industry as it is based right in the thick of the equestrian community and, not least, due to owner Ann. We are delighted to offer our full support.”
The lodges are called Spindrifter, Alborada, Pivotal and Woodlands Corner, the first three named after famous horses George Duffield rode and the fourth after Mrs Duffield’s first business, Woodlands Nursing Home in Liverpool.
Mrs Duffield said: “It is always important to diversify and we already have two very popular holiday cottages. We are blessed with an amazing location at Sun Hill and we thought we would make the most of it. The top field, next to the gallops, was not being used, and ideally located to enjoy the spectacular views and horses in training, so we thought we would develop it in a sensitive and creative way.
“Both George and I have long been fans of quality log cabins, due to their comfort, simplicity and low environmental impact, and it seemed a logical step to build four of the very best at Sun Hill. We are extremely grateful to DEFRA for their grant, which has enabled us to turn our dream into a reality.
“DEFRA, and Welcome To Yorkshire, who have been very supportive, rightly believe that our development will have a tremendously beneficial knock-on effect on the local economy.
“We are determined to make this happen, with racing-themed holidays, taking in tours of Middleham, one of the leading racing centres in the UK, and ‘behind the scenes’ trips to Yorkshire’s fantastic racetracks, with link-ups to some of North Yorkshire’s finest shops, pubs and restaurants.
“But it is important to point out that our development is not aimed exclusively at those who love horse-racing. We have some of the most beautiful countryside in England on our doorstep and this is the perfect base from which to explore.”
The four log cabins are part of Autograph lodge holidays.
