Crafty plan for rural stable conversion
PASSIONATE craftspeople are preparing to share their secrets and skills at a new creative enterprise near Market Bosworth.
Entreprenneurial couple Tony and Jessica GurleyWard are planning to convert a stable building at their countryside home in Wellsborough into a rustic retail area and workshop space for the sale and demonstration of rural crafts and skills.
It started with an idea to buy and sell things they love but has grown into a collective venture involving talented individuals from across the borough and beyond, all ready to host sessions showcasing their special skills from floristry to needlefelting, bee-keeping to balm-making.
To be known as Squirrel at Wellsborough, the scheme is already attracting an enthusiastic following on social media.
Mr Gurley-Ward, 44, who runs his own design business specialising in cafes, restaurants and kitchens, said: “We’re really excited about the opportunities that this venture will create for local people and businesses by working together to provide unique experiences.
“We’ll be working with wonderfully talented contributors to host a number of workshops and experiences from beer brewing, beekeeping and falconry, to needlefelting, floristry, jewellery making and much more.
“There’s so much passion and knowledge to share from so many talented local people, we can’t wait to get started.”
The stables will also be used as a showcase for vintage finds, collectibles, art and craft items, all available to buy. A planning application has been submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for a change of use from stables to Class A1 retail.
Mr Gurley-Ward said: “We want to keep the agricultural character of the stable building intact.
“The exterior will remain largely the same and the interior will retain features such as the hay rails at the windows, stable doors and exposed beams where possible.
“The whole structure will be insulated and we’ll have a wood burner crackling away on those colder days in autumn and winter.”
The planned conversion also includes a kitchenette, toilet and washroom.
Follow Squirrel at Wellsborough on Facebook for more information.