Amanda and Clive Owen, stars of beloved countryside reality series Our Yorkshire Farm, are joining forces again despite their split after 22 years together.
The pair are embarking on an ambitious project to renovate a derelict farmhouse for their large brood of nine children.
Nestled near their abode at Ravenseat Farm in the stunning, remote setting of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales, the renovation is set to mark a fresh chapter for the family. “I am proud of where we have got to,” Amanda reflects on her continued relationship with Clive.
“Life throws you some funny curve balls, but it’s how you overcome them and move forward. It’s about building the blocks again.”
With a touch of light-heartedness, she adds: “But don’t get me wrong, we have our moments and our differences of opinion!”
When quizzed on who spearheads the renovation project, Amanda, aged 50, responds humorously: “That depends on who is up at the property. I don’t know if it is a blessing or a curse but there is no connectivity around there, you have to walk to get to it because the track up to it is so bad.
“I had to really persuade the builders to want to work on this project. Nobody can ring you, so you have to make your own decisions. But that’s been good as I’ve had to learn to let go.”
In a serendipitous turn, Amanda made the purchase of ‘Anty John’s’ farmhouse on the very day lockdown commenced in March 2020. The 19th-century property was a joint venture with her partner Clive, 69, intended as a legacy for their children, reports the Mirror.
“If any good came out of Covid, I guess it was buying this property,” she shared.
“I feel blessed to have been able to buy it as it presented an incredible opportunity to acquire another farm with ample land 30 acres and common grazing rights, which is quite unusual nowadays.”
Yet, Amanda concedes that the renovation journey was anything but easy. They delayed the start until a year ago and encountered numerous challenges before they could begin.
The farmhouse was a shell, missing both foundations and a roof, and burdened by outdated planning permissions. “A lot had changed since the original application was put through,” Amanda notes.
“Things like an old 1970s-style avocado bathroom! So, there was a lot of paperwork to sort through before we could even get started. It was stressful and there were moments when you’d stand among the rubble thinking, ‘OMG, where do I even start? ‘ It was overwhelming.”
Nonetheless, with a solid background in farming, Amanda wasn’t deterred. Once the initial administrative hurdles were cleared, she and Clive embarked on their ambitious project.
Today, she shares that progress has been frustratingly slow. A year into the project, they’ve only just managed to secure a roof over their heads, with windows next on the list.
“I had dreamt of being able to light a fire in a room this Christmas,” she confesses. “Obviously that isn’t going to happen. Things have gone a lot slower and we’ve really been battling the elements to do the work. I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights worrying about walls falling and underpinning. But this will be a legacy for our children.”
While she keeps the financial details under wraps, the whole family is pitching in, including Clive and their nine children: Raven, 23, Reuben, 20, Myles, 18, Edith, 16, Violet, 14, Sidney, 12, Annas, 11, Clementine, nine, and Nancy, eight. “They’ve all been helping,” Amanda says proudly.
“I want them to be involved because this is for them. I don’t want anything handed to them on a plate.”
Amanda juggles an array of responsibilities, from home renovations to full-time farm work, while also being deeply engaged in raising their children. Her day often starts at 4:30 am and stretches late into the night.
Despite being seen by many as a superwoman, she modestly rejects the label. “No, no, life isn’t about perfection,” she insists.
“It’s about overcoming things. Everyone is juggling. I am no role model. I’m just someone who tries to do their best.”
The pair became household names back in 2011 after their charming portrayal of farm life in the Yorkshire Dales captured hearts on an ITV travel programme, subsequently earning Amanda the endearing moniker ‘Yorkshire Shepherdess’ from her popular book series recounting their pastoral life. Their rise to fame skyrocketed with Channel 5’s hit show Our Yorkshire Farm in 2018, securing a special place in viewers’ affections.
Despite wrapping up the beloved series in 2022 amidst reports of their separation, Amanda is far from fading away from the spotlight; rather, she has excitedly revealed plans for a comeback on television. Their next venture will offer fans a candid look at their home renovation project.
“I do enjoy doing the TV,” Amanda says. “With this new series, you will see every element of the renovation project as well as the animals and children, because everything is interlinked.”
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