Learn About The History of Laythams Holiday Cottages

Our Story

For those of you who enjoy a little history, the story of how Laythams Farm came about is quite a journey with several generations of the Wenner family coming together to create a unique place, set in breathtaking surroundings.

Let’s start in 1969 when Michael Wenner (Died November 2021 aged 99) first became aware of the property. His four sons were at nearby Stonyhurst College, and on his return from ambassadorial duties abroad, he received a tip-off from an old friend who knew he was looking to purchase a property not far from where his sons were at school.

What he found was a traditional Pennine longhouse built in the 1500s, (though the exact date remains unclear). What we do know is that the property was marked on a map in 1591, under the name Grass Yard Enclosure.

The Vision

Michael had a vision to refurbish the place and make it into something that he, his wife, and his sons could call a home. Stonyhurst College was a half-hour drive away, and a family home in the area would provide a welcome break and retreat.

Despite working in London at the time, Michael set about drawing up plans for turning the animal housing into living quarters. Michael continued to make progress on the property well into the late 70s, slowly converting the rest of the house. 

Michael’s youngest son, Martin, headed up the next stage of renovations which saw the push-through from the kitchen and into the ‘barn’ area to create the utility room and the games room. It was in the 80s that the cows were re-accommodated elsewhere, which gave way to the creation of ‘The Cottage’ and a potential living space for a caretaker for the property.

The Refurbishments

Some 40 years on, there is a modern space for the Managers Victoria and Paul, to live comfortably whilst overseeing the Holiday Lets business.

It was Christopher, another of Michael’s sons and an ex-Blue Peter presenter, who instigated the holiday let business, initially in a very simple form. Also involved in major refurbishment projects, alongside his brothers, he paved the way to introducing holiday visitors to the farm.  Initially the central Farmhouse portion was occasionally let out for self-catering holidays. By 1989 this became more regular.

The Cottage was then added as an inter-connectable, self-catering, unit that could be enjoyed by larger groups of friends and family. The Hayloft was originally kept as a private refuge for friends and family but today, we are happy to say that the Hayloft is also open to visitors.

Running The Farm

So, what was once used solely as a home to be reunited with his sons, gradually became a place for all to enjoy – for those looking to get out of the city and to bathe in the tranquillity that only a visit to the countryside can provide. Michael ran the farm initially, but later it was slowly taken over by the four brothers, who would each leave their own mark on the place as they undertook refurbishments, repaired stone walls and fences, and worked tirelessly to make the place into what it is today. 

Eventually in 2010 Martin completed a long process of buying the rest of the family out. It was after this transferred ownership that he began to convert an old hay barn (now The Lakehouse) into a beautiful and luxurious house overlooking our lake. 

We can safely say that Michael was certainly lucky when he stumbled across this beautiful property without the knowledge of what it really was, or what it would become, and we are lucky that his vision to convert the place became a reality.