Amanda Owen left ‘helpless’ as Anty Johns renovation halted for 'horrific' reason: 'Not a lot I can do!'

Raven Owen returning to Ravenseat on Our Farm Next Door
Channel 4
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 29/10/2024

- 11:05

The Yorkshire Shepherdess and husband Clive have been hard at work in Our Farm Next Door

Former Our Yorkshire Farm star Amanda Owen has admitted she feels “helpless” amidst serious construction issues on her farmhouse renovation.

Owen now stars in Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids which follows her, and ex-husband Clive as they reunite to build a legacy for their nine children.


The Owen family, who are tenants on Ravenseat farm, purchased the neighbouring farmhouse Anty John’s as soon as it came on the market to establish a permanent family home.

Owen described the opportunity as a “dream come true” but it has not been without its challenges.

The farmhouse has been derelict for several years and required a total refurbishment, including a brand-new roof.

“Horrific” weather earlier this year has constantly hampered efforts to rebuild, as documented in the latest episode of their More4 series.

Amanda and Clive Owen plan refurbishment

Amanda and Clive Owen plan refurbishment with builder, Richard

Channel 4

Owen candidly opened up to viewers after adverse weather meant work had to stop, saying: “I feel a bit helpless because there’s not actually a lot I can do.”

“It’s going so slowly at the moment. We come back and it’s like, 'What’s been done? A few more slate (roof tiles)'.”

The Yorkshire Shepherdess also said “pressure” was building as the project fell behind and scheduled works needed to be delayed.

“I’m getting messages from electricians and heating engineers and of course Phillip the joiner. They want to know (when they can start). I need it to move on.”

Amanda and Clive Owen on farm

Bad winter weather has hampered building work

Husband Clive admitted: “It’s been a struggle all winter with this roof. And we’re still struggling.”

He added that all the farm’s workers were “up to have a go” and hoped that would speed things along as spring approached.

Head builder Richard was less confident, suggesting the upcoming April lambing season would pull attention from the refurbishment.

“We’re going to be losing Steven (farmer and roofer) because he’s got his sheep to look after at lambing time. Clive and Amanda, they’re going to be busy," he mused.

Despondent, the builder declared: “All tools will get dropped. They’ll run like rats from a sinking ship. You won’t see them for six weeks.”

However, as the episode drew to a close, the Owens managed to get back to work at Anty Johns in order to keep their renovation dreams alive.

The Owen matriarch and patriarch ended their 22-year marriage in 2021, which also prompted the end of their hit series, Our Yorkshire Farm.

The couple have reunited for their new farming venture and new series.

Speaking about her return, Owen said to The Mirror: "It's about building the blocks again."

"But don't get me wrong, we have our moments and our differences of opinion!"

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