Family diversifies beef farming business with £150,000 backing to create rural tourism venture offering guests a hands-on taste of farm life
A WORKING cattle farm in Carmarthenshire has opened its gates to visitors for the first time after launching a new holiday accommodation business designed to diversify income while giving guests a taste of rural life.
Carnau Mawr Holiday Cottages, based at Brynawelon, has transformed part of the family-run farm into two high-quality three-bedroom holiday cottages, creating an additional revenue stream alongside its established beef farming enterprise.
The project was supported by a £150,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales through the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, helping Robert and Emily Currell complete the development and welcome their first guests.
The couple, who run the working farm, say the move into tourism has allowed them to make better use of their land while introducing visitors to everyday farm life.
Robert and Emily Currell said: “Diversifying into holiday accommodation has been an enjoyable experience for us. It’s given us a way to bring in additional income alongside the farm, while making full use of the land we already have.
“Neither of us had a background in hospitality before this, but we’ve found that we really enjoy welcoming people here. One of the most rewarding aspects has been giving visitors a chance to see how a working farm operates. For many children especially, it’s their first real insight into farming, and that educational side has been incredibly positive.
“The Development Bank of Wales was excellent to work with. The team were approachable, supportive and made the whole process feel very personal. It really felt like dealing with people who understood what we were trying to achieve.”
The diversification reflects a growing trend among Welsh farms seeking to strengthen their long-term sustainability by expanding into rural tourism, while responding to increasing demand for high-quality countryside accommodation.
The investment was led by David Knight, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales.
Nakeja Howell, Portfolio Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Carnau Mawr is a strong example of how farms across Wales are adapting and evolving. By diversifying into tourism, Robert and Emily have created a business that not only strengthens their own income but also contributes to the wider rural economy.
“Projects like this highlight the value of flexible finance that works alongside the realities of running a farm. By taking a relationship-led approach, we aim to provide funding that is practical, accessible and tailored to individual businesses.
“We’re pleased to support Carnau Mawr as they establish their holiday accommodation offering and open up their farm to visitors, creating new opportunities for both the business and the local area.”
The loan was provided through the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, a £500 million fund financed by the Welsh Government, which offers loans, mezzanine finance and equity investments ranging from £25,000 to £10 million to support businesses across Wales.
