High in the Pennine hills sits a large farmhouse from the 1400s. Cows roam freely in the farmyard, oblivious to the setting – a backdrop classified as an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Slowly over the past 20 years, the ancient farm has become a people magnet. From Laura Silversteen, a teacher who grew up on a farm, to two Buddhists and two Bahá’í families, the farm has gradually developed into a community environment.

The farm, known simply as Burnlaw, produces organic beef and at the same time has become a legal place of worship and a location for weddings. The farm’s residents meet every month to discuss their community affairs and plan the regular weekend retreats that take place on the grounds.

The idea of holding retreats in the idyllic farm setting naturally evolved over the years, and the farm community runs conferences and gatherings around themes such as the arts, music, positive family dynamics, and issues affecting young people.

“It’s particularly valuable for children, where they can really explore their identity in a supportive environment,” Mrs Silversteen says.

“And of course, being a working farm, younger people and children absolutely love it,”

The community has recently started holding “Wacky Days Out!” on the farm with children particularly in mind, and these, as well has the retreats, have proven popular with neighbours from the nearby area of Allendale.

“We try to give a forum for things to be discussed, and to create an environment where people can just be themselves, and express their ideas. The secret is that every person feels very valued and listened to.”