BARFORTH Hall Fit Farm and Rural Retreat, which has just opened outside the village of Winston, County Durham, does what it says on the tin. Guests are encouraged to leave old habits at the door and to shape up, but also have the luxury of peace in a beautiful countryside location.

The venture is the brainchild of farmer’s wife Paula Forrest and her husband, Jason.

The couple, who are originally from Bishop Auckland, moved to Barforth in 2000 with their two children. The farmhouse needed a lot of cosmetic attention, but original features were soon discovered as boarded-up fireplaces were opened up, beams uncovered and bricked-up windows shown the light of day. Set around a courtyard, one wing remained untouched for years, until Paula and Jason started to think about farm diversity.

With both children at university, the couple’s nine-bedroom manor house had started to feel a bit empty and the farm needed a financial lift. “Quite a few local farms had gone down the route of running holiday cottages,” says Paula. “It wasn’t really an option with so many in the area. I wanted to offer something a bit different and use my background in fitness and nutrition.”

As the former One Life coordinator at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre, Paula specialised in weight management programmes. And as a fitness instructor, with a sports science degree under her belt, she teaches Zumba and Nordic Walking.

Converting part of the hall into a fitness, health and wellbeing centre seemed like the perfect solution. Restoring the disused wing for the fit farm proved a little complicated when it was discovered that the building was Grade II*-listed. “We had to work with the property which was restricting, but its age also makes it special and different,” says Paula.

The Forrests were hands-on with as much of the refurbishment as possible – from decorating bedrooms to measuring and painting the white lines on the tennis court outside. Luxurious touches include underfloor heating in each of the ensuite bathrooms and log burners in the living spaces. Exercise routines created by Paula imaginatively use the landscape and features of the environment. A few days before guests arrive, Paula makes a quick reccie outdoors to check for seasonal changes on the farm. “We had foals in the springtime, so we did bicep curls overlooking the paddock. The distraction can help get you through to the next exercise,” she says.

Paula’s fitness circuits may involve riverside runs along the Tees, hill-work up the banks and press-ups against hay bales. Jason is often sent out to the long grass with his ride-on mower to carve pathways ready for a thigh-burning run uphill. “I love to take people outside the fitness studio for activities,” says Paula. “The views towards North Yorkshire and the river can help you keep going when the exercises get demanding.”

The business is set in 300 acres of farmland, so space is not an issue. “Jason always keeps part of the fields wild to encourage birds and other wildlife. We’ve had quite a few sightings of unusual birds such as yellow wagtails,” says Paula. With beautiful country walks right from the door, Nordic walking is also popular. “The place really lends itself to it. I like to do it on the last day of a retreat as it is fairly moderate to intense exercise. We walk the three-and-a-half miles to Eppleby with the promise of the village tea room when we get there.

The fitness retreats are intended to help guests kickstart a healthier lifestyle which they can continue when they return home. Weekend packages are flexible to clients’ goals and needs.

With beauty treatments and a hot tub available too, it’s not all work and no play. “We’re quite popular for girls’ get-togethers,” Paula says. “They can pick out the activities they want and combine the programme with beauty treatments and relaxation.”

Mothers and daughters also find the retreat an ideal spot to spend a bit of time with each other while making a few improvements to eating and exercise habits. Later this year, retreats focusing on meditation will also be on offer, making the most of the peaceful location.

Among the unique features of the scenery is the historical ruin of the Monastery-St Lawrence Chapel, which dates back to the 12th Century, a Saxon bridge and dovecote. “We’ve had quite a few Australian guests and they adore the history,” says Paula. “We have an Elizabethan doorway that leads onto the courtyard which makes a beautiful feature, but it’s so old we don’t dare touch or even open it.”

One of the main perks for Paula is working from home. “I love being here and it’s such a big old house, it’s wonderful to share it with other people.

And it’s so rewarding to see how uplifted guests are at the end of their stay.”

  • Barforth Hall Fit Farm and Rural Retreat, Winston, Richmond, DL11 7UL. T: 01325-730712 W: barforthhallfitfarm.com