I really need advice.

[Zarathustra]

Hi to everyone,
I really need help/ advice before I make a very big financial decision so I thought that I would sign up to this blog as you are the experts.

I live in North Yorkshire and have done for many, many years, however, I am seriously considering relocating back to my "Motherland" around the Perthshire area. I have searched far and wide for a property that would be suitable for the needs of both myself and husband. I know there is never the perfect house that ticks every box, this is where it gets complicated. I have found that house, it's the sort of house that you dream all your life of living in. The problem is it comes with a large stable block which would home six horses and also a fenced paddock of around 2 acres in excellent condition. Stables are good condition with light and power. My question to you is " what can I do with it" I don't work now, however would like a hobby that makes some money for me which would help to off shoot the monthly payments for the house if possible. Can you all advise me how I would go about turning it in to a livery stable or similar. I will be honest with you and say I know really nothing about horses and the like, but I'm not frightened of hard work and willing to learn. Is this a pipe dream or a possibility??? The extent of my knowledge of horses is picking the winner of the National for the last five years, only being honest !!! I do love horses and my Father did own a few when I was a child, he was a Bookmaker in Scotland many, many years ago, I digress !!! I really love this house and would love to live there as it is semi rural and absolutly beautiful. So I ask you all to give it some thought and if anyone has any advise or thoughts on the matter I would be so grateful to you if you relied.
Thanks so much for reading my story and for any answers you provide.
From a lovely autum day in Yorkshire. Thanks.

 

[EmmaC78]

One thing I would say is that 2 acres is not a huge amount of grazing for 6 stables - especially in Scottish weather. You may be able to offer a couple of stables on DIY livery though. This would mean you could charge for someone to rent the stable and grazing from you but you would not have to do any of the work. Is there access to good places to ride near to the house? Factors like this would determine how much you could charge a week.

 

[wren123]

As Emma says above, that is not enough grazing for 6 horses, offering DIY livery for a couple of horses would be more suitable possible. As you are not horsey I would only offer DIY. You could do a bit of research and see how much DIY costs in your area. TBH if it is quite cheap locally I don't think it would be worth the wear and tear on your property and possibly the cost of extra insurance.
I have years ago paid for DIY livery at a non horsey persons private house, but there was more grazing which supported more horses which provided more income, and it was a very popular horsey area which meant the house owner could charge quite a lot and get it!

 

[Alec Swan]

As Emma says, 2 acres of paddock really isn't enough ground to accommodate the turnout aspect of 6 horses. I would also suggest that you give VERY careful thought to having a livery yard. One owner is one thing, 5 or 6 are an entirely different matter, and without a rod of iron in your hand, the chance for bickering and squabbling and expecting you to adjudicate, is almost a certainty.

One possible thought for you, do you have either a Trainer nearby or perhaps an Equine Vet, or perhaps a local Pack, any of whom could do with spare stabling on occasion? Perthshire (my favourite part of Scotland!), would you be within sensible travelling distance of Blair Atholl? Perhaps when they have events on you could act as overspill accommodation.

Failing that, better an empty house (stable) than a bad tenant!

Alec.

 

[Zarathustra]

Yes most definatly, the area around is just wonderful open green fields that seem to go on forever.
Thanks for your reply.��

 

[Zarathustra]

Thanks so much for your honest advice, yes it is close to Blair Atholl. Gives me something to think about.

Ann��

 

[D66]

If the stables are in an attractive building you could investigate converting four of the stables into a small holiday let then you may be able to rent them out - possibly to horse owners.

 

[x-di-x]

Hi and welcome from Perthshire! I 'think' I know the house you're on about and it's beautiful!

You could easily rent out the stables during the Horse trials (which are on next September). But that's really the only big event in that area.

DIY livery in Perthshire varies, anything from about £18pw up to about £40 and not necessarily with services or hay & straw

I rent 5 stables, hay she'd, outdoor school and approx 8 acres from a private house for an all in one fee. In exchange we maintain all the fences and associated outbuildings (stables etc) it's an arrangement we've had (with exception if a little break when the house was sold) for 6 or so years. We previously did the same on a farm for over 10 years.

It works out well as the home owners don't have people turning up at all times of the day or night and can effectively forget about the yard, we also are there to let tradesmen in, supervise the Gardener etc (as they commute between Perthshire and London) I also, occasionally babysit for them and their kids play with mine during the holidays

I'd say you're probably best renting to one or two liveries who have a couple of horses each. And can use the remainder of the stables for storage. There's plenty of demand for that sort of set up up here.

If you want to know any more about the area please feel free to pm me xx