A new indoor play barn that has been in the planning for 14 years has been officially opened in Desborough, Northants.
The Old Grain Barn at West Lodge Farm was formally opened by Star Wars actor Warwick Davis at a champagne reception.
The new indoor play area has a huge hollow oak tree centrepiece with a treetop hideaway and a range of bridges, slides, climbing posts and ladders. A cushioned floor makes for a soft landing from features including a climbing wall which has a secret cave beneath it.
Farmer Ed Dee who, along with wife Mo, has been responsible for transforming the farm into a popular visitor attraction during the past 20 years, said: “This used to be our grain barn and in 2003 I thought we needed to convert it. It’s taken 14 years.
“It wasn’t easy for us because we are outdoors people so the idea of an indoor play area was difficult but our designers Greenspan were so understanding about what we wanted to do here.”
The scheme was devised by architect John Oxley, who is a member at the farm, and built by Rockingham Construction. Entry to the Old Grain Barn, which also houses a new gift shop, cafe and entrance area, is included in the farm ticket. West Lodge is open all year round apart from Christmas week.