HISTORY OF THE FARM
Willie’s family have farmed in Laughton for 8 generations. Willie Gilbertson-Hart was born here, his rare breed Longhorns ‘s have become synonymous within the surrounding landscape.
The valley is renowned for the quality of the grass ideal for breeding livestock.
Drovers would go North to buy herds of steers to bring back down to the valley, shoeing them with racing plates to make the journey south. These shoes occasionally still pop up on the farm!
The farm has developed over time, trading in cattle increased with the introduction of the trains where cattle were taken by locomotive directly to Smithfield market in London.
The present day sees diversification on the farm of redundant farm buildings that Willie and Kate have developed into a beautiful, rural retreat that is now offered at Cowslip Meadows, where nature and the environment pour through every aspect of the space to enrich and restore anyone who visits.
Our philosophy
We all need space to breathe and relax, time to think. At Cowslip Meadows you can deeply immerse yourselves in nature, rest and restore.
What do we offer?
Cowslip Meadows offers you the opportunity to recharge your batteries, surrounded by nature, bird song & rolling green countryside. Traditional pubs serving great food are only a dog walk away.
Come and explore rural South Leicestershire, The Grand Union Canal, visit some of the finest country houses or experience some of the myriad multicultural opportunities in Leicester home of The Curve Theatre & the innovative Richard III museum which tells the extraordinary story of the mystery of the missing monarch – only recently solved.
We have two Ashwood’s Shepherds Huts who have earned their reputation for exceptional quality design & build.
Your comfort is our priority, with luxurious cotton bedding, mattress toppers & pillows, we ensure you have everything you need on arrival to immediately be able to switch off and relax listening to classical music on your Roberts radio with organic milk, tea, sugar & ground coffee provided in our small but well equipped kitchen.
Light the wood fired hot tub, grab the binoculars, sit back, step away from your busy life and take time for self care.
Our third cabin is a repurposed static caravan, totally refurbished with luxury and comfort our priority.
Explore our website to see photographs of our accommodation, ideas of places to visit, names of some of our very best local food producers and information on the huts.
To make your stay with us extra special why not book a massage, the sauna or hire a vintage Rolls-Royce to take you to Silverstone or Burghley for the day?
There is an OS map, binoculars & local walking routes available for you in your cabin.
Nature & nurture are our passions, we have a treatment room & run courses on Ayurveda, yoga, painting and sculpture so far. You can find out more on our Instagram and Facebook page.
Get in touch and we can help you make the most of your stay.
With very best wishes,
Kate & Willie
Willie Gilberston-Hart
Cowslip Meadows herd of rare breed Long Horn Cattle.
Our Longhorn Beef Cattle
- The Longhorn or British Longhorn is a British breed of beef cattle characterized by long curving horns. It originated in northern England and later spread to the English Midlands and to Ireland.
- It was originally a slow heavy draught animal; cows gave a little milk, although high in fat.
- Here at Cowslip Meadows, we keep cattle because studies have shown the benefit of grazing as a tool for conserving wildlife habitat and keeping prairie healthy.
