Who are we?

Simon & Debbie Dawson, an ex-estate agent and an ex-solicitor now living the good life.

What are we?

Together we are smallholders, living on a self sufficient, off-grid 20 acre farm. Separately, Debbie is a chef in a country village pub, and Simon is a writer, author, after dinner speaker and radio presenter.

Why?

We're still figuring that one out, lol.

Where are we?

On Exmoor, close to the twin villages of Lynmouth and Lynton. 

When?

We've been here since 2000.


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Our smallholding world

If you close your eyes and imagine a cute, happy, old fashioned smallholding, this would be it. Hidden Valley Farm is the Exmoor home of woodland born and bred free range Berkshire pigs, along with chickens, geese, turkeys, goats, horses, cats, dogs, quail, ducks and seasonal lambs.
Free from pollution and set in a picturesque valley, we look after and feed our animals as naturally as possible. Exmoor is famous for its wild herbs and it is these natural flavours that result in us providing some of the most succulent and tasty meat in the country. 
The pigs are reared in our mixed woodland on the side of our steep valley, with loads of room to wander. They play and root and dig and snooze and laze about as pigs are meant to. It's beautiful to watch, and they are utterly content. 

What the press say about us

The Guardian said...

Change your life in a weekend

Ever dreamed of giving up city life and owning your own farm? A weekend course introducing you to what's really involved could soon see you on your way to the Good Life. Hidden Valley Pigs in Exmoor, Devon, runs two-day, hands-on courses for couples or private small groups...

The Telegraph said...

Top ten sustainable-living holiday courses

Prospective Good Lifers can learn the basics of owning a smallholding with Hidden Valley Pigs, a farm in North Devon, which runs tailor-made courses for private groups...

The Daily Mail said...

Who needs the rat race when you can hatch a chicken in your bra​

The enchanting story of a couple who've given up the grind for the good life...