Fletchers on the Farm: Liz Fletcher on family life in the country

When Liz Fletcher traded film and TV sets for fields, she didn’t just change careers, she embraced a whole new way of life. Now, with lambs in the paddock, children racing through the yard, and a thriving farm shop to run, her days in the heart of the Peak District are anything but quiet.

As Season 3 of Fletchers on the Farm airs Sunday 19 October, she reflects on the balance between family, business, and the enduring pull of the countryside.

What sort of house do you live in, and who do you live with?

I live on a farm in the heart of the Peak District with my husband, Kelvin, our four children, Marnie, Milo, Maximus and Mateusz, and our dog, Ginger, along with lots of sheep, cows and five very judgmental Leghorn chickens. There’s something about those chickens - every morning I can feel them giving me the side-eye.

Our home is a barn conversion that once served as both a butchery and an organic farmers’ market.

How long have you lived there?

We have lived here for five years now.

Originally, we were due to move to California, but lockdown halted our visa process. With our house already sold, we found ourselves unsure of where we would end up. Then my husband spotted the farm and the idea began to take shape. I had never imagined living on a farm, let alone running one, but sometimes life takes you in wonderfully unexpected directions.

Have you had to do much renovating?

We have yet to carry out any major work on our main house, knowing we would want to make changes once the children were a little older and less inclined to draw on the walls or leave sticky fingerprints on every surface. However, renovating the original farmhouse, which from the outset we envisaged as a holiday let, was the very first project we embarked on.

Tell us more about the farmhouse?

The original farmhouse, which still stands proudly on the property, dates back to the 18th century. This was my first full renovation project, and when we bought it, I naively thought it would just need a quick lick of paint. In reality, it became a two year labour of love, stripping everything back to the brick. I thoroughly enjoyed creating it with a modern farmhouse feel; I wanted it to be the perfect countryside escape, and somewhere our guests could slow down, breathe and truly switch off.

I drew so much inspiration from our surroundings, using earthy tones, soft greens, and warm woods to reflect the fields and hills outside. It was also a space where I felt I could be brave with patterned wallpaper. Wallpaper can instantly bring a room to life and give it that ‘wow’ factor.

How do you balance comfort, style and the practical demands of a working farmhouse?

Life on a working farm means there are always muddy boots by the door and now I completely understand why farmhouses have boot rooms; they’re absolutely essential. Practicality has to come first.

Carpets downstairs are a definite no, as they’d be ruined within seconds, especially with the dog. I gravitate towards hardwearing natural materials like stone floors, sturdy wooden furniture and washable linens, pieces that can handle whatever family life throws at them and only look better with age. I’ve also learned that layering textures, warm lighting and accessories are what make a home feel styled, yet lived-in.

Which is your favourite room?

The kitchen, without a doubt. It’s the room where everything seems to happen.

There might be cooking on the go, children turning the windowsill into a stage, or on the floor playing with diggers, and the dog curled up happily. The kettle is always on, ready for a cup of tea for whoever comes through the door. It’s busy, noisy and full of life, exactly what a farmhouse kitchen should be. We have a 1930s Aga, which stands so proudly it really feels like centre stage when you are in front of it. I love lambing time, as we can always guarantee there will be a little lamb that needs a little extra warmth and it always happens in front of the Aga!

Finally what should no English Home be without?

I think no English home is complete without some sort of Chesterfield, whether it’s a sofa in the living room or an armchair tucked into a study. In a rich wine colour or dark or tan colour.

There’s just something about them that feels steeped in English heritage. They bring such a sense of character to a space, and they only get better with age, when the leather softens and creases. To me, it’s a must-have.

Fletchers Family Farm returns to ITV in October; fletchersonthefarm.co.uk