Its February……So that means the start of Lambing. At Crake Trees we lamb in various stages through February, March and April. The first Ewes to give birth this year are Mules. This breed has been the traditional choice of sheep farmers for over a hundred years. They are a crossed breed of Swaledale mother from…
Today, even though I only found out this morning, is BOOK DIRECT day. I know your calendars are bursting with a day for this and a day for that, but having a special day does highlight a cause or an issue and make us think about the days title a little bit more. BOOK DIRECT…
Its the time of year again. No sooner have the decorations come down, the Toffee Shop fudge been devoured and I seem to have a tidy kitchen for a short while ……when I notice that Seville Oranges have arrived at Booths. Oh dear, now my favourite job (NOT) looms. Making Marmalade has been an annual…
Christmas Party nights with a difference. For a totally different way to celebrate with work colleagues or friends this Christmas. Exclusive use of Wood Fired Hot Tub and seasonal 2 course supper for up to 6 people. Start the night with an hour or so in the steaming clear waters of the Wood Fired Hot…
We certainly get wonderful skies in Cumbria. The Autumn weather changes rapidly but the ‘back-end’ of each year usually brings long spells of gorgeous weather that means a holiday in The Westmorland Dales is a good choice.
Crake Trees Manor has just relaunched after a 7 month closure for refurbishment. We are very pleased with the standard of work by our contractors Mace Construction and all the other tradesmen (I’m afraid I was the only lady on site!) that slaved away in the intent heat of our early summer. A very tight…
As we get towards completion of the bedrooms and bathrooms renovations the quality of workmanship becomes more visible. The hot dry weather has its pluses and minuses. Tools and equipment are easy to store and move about, but trying to work in tight spaces during the day needs lots of rehydration breaks. The…
Its been all about the internals this week. All the trades work together to a tight schedule so that the plasterer can complete the skimming and boarding without interruption. Light holes and cables, underfloor heating pipes and electric circuits all have been meticulously mapped. After plastering the plumbers and joiners are back to drill and…
After 18 years of guests at Crake Trees the hard worked bathrooms and shower rooms are feeling the strain. So for the past 3 months we have been busy with renovation and alteration to the “facilities” and added on a few extras. Our contractor, Mace Construction from Kendal is pulling together all the different trades…
As well as Muesli that I mix up myself I make a regular batch of Granola. Its unique flavour of roasted nuts, honey and oats really perk up thick yoghurt and give fruit an unusual crunch. The recipe is an adaptation of a local recipe from the special cookery book produced to celebrate Newton Rigg College centenary in 1995.…
I have rarely seen the countryside around Crake Trees Manor look so beautiful.
A late spring, lots of warm sunshine and a thankful drop of rain has given us a riot of colour and fresh growth
The hedges a blaze of vivid frothy white blossom, with so many wild flowers, I cannot even name them all!
Our fields are full of courting pheasants, mother hares, ground nesting birds and low flying owls around dusk.
So long as people walking the footpaths keep their dogs on a lead and wear gloves, we welcome them to enjoy our space and fresh air.
But no-one can stay overnight, no camping, glamping or self catering as yet.
Re-opening dates cannot be guaranteed so we await further direction .
Should you need to get in touch with us please email ruth@craketreesmanor.co.
Or just give Ruth a ring if you would like to talk.
Our Instagram posts will continue, trying to keep you all updated about life at Crake Trees during these strange times www.instagram.com/
We look forward to re-opening and welcoming you all back again once it is safe to travel.
Best wishes….Mike & Ruth.
Crake Trees Manor, Crosby Ravensworth. Tel: 01931 715460
