Rishi Sunak has welcomed the success of a diversification project which has transformed into one of Yorkshire’s largest wedding venues.
The business at High Brockholme Barns, in Danby Wiske near Northallerton, was opened by the Hugill and Scaife families two years ago and now attracts couples from across North England and further afield.
The conversion of farm buildings has created a venue which can accommodate 300 guests with accommodation on site for up to 64 guests.
Mr Sunak, MP for Northallerton and Richmond, visited the site, where he said: "Seeing how the family have developed this business in just two years is inspirational.
"They have shown real entrepreneurial adventure.
"The investment has been sizeable, but it is good to see how it is paying off for them now."
High Brockholme has been in the Hugill family for 100 years.
The farm was originally a mixed dairy operation but evolved over the decades.
The latest transformation includes an events barn, a six-bedroom house, four three-bedroom units, and a honeymoon suite.
Much of the original farm buildings have been repurposed, though the land remains in agricultural use through a share farming agreement.
The venue is managed by Alan and Rachel Scaife, who have experience in hospitality, having run the Arden Arms at Atley Hill and a successful mobile bars business.
The idea for the venue was inspired by their own wedding at the farm in 2014.
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Ms Scaife said: "That day they realised how much work was involved in creating the perfect space for a wedding and how beautiful the rural backdrop of High Brockholme would be for other couples.
"The bar business we set up first was a great success. It quickly grew, and nearly every weekend we would be running bars at multiple locations – at weddings, birthday parties, hunt balls and more."
The family secured planning permission and began construction in 2023, with High Brockholme Barns hosting its first wedding in summer 2024.
Mrs Scaife added: "We love the planning and getting to know our couples as much as we do executing the wedding itself.
"We want couples to be able to enjoy our little corner of Yorkshire in a relaxed and private setting while creating memories that last a lifetime."
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