The annual open day raised £3,700 for the National Garden Scheme and Soundabout, a charity which uses music therapy to treat children with learning difficulties.

Visitors enjoyed the popular tea and cakes made by Marion Baylis and Jean Grant.

There was a display of ornamental fowl and visitors had the chance to meet Marigold, a rare Mangalitza curly coated pig, and Suffolk Punch heavy horses.

Vintage farm technology was on display in the newly reconstructed ancient barn. Other displays featured rare breed farm animals and heavy horse demonstrations.

Children enjoyed rides on ponies and donkeys Monty and Magic. They also went swimming in the pool and played tennis on the lawn.

Other attractions included honey produced from beehives between the farm’s historic chalk pits and 18th century-style formal flower and walled vegetable gardens.

Alun Graham, from Emmer Green, said: “It’s brilliant. We have never been here before but our neighbour told us about it. It has been excellent, really good.”

Andrea Huggins, from Emmer Green, said: “We are loving it. We come back every year. It’s so nice. We love the pool, tennis court and tractor rides.”

Sarah Hall, who owns the farm with husband John, said: “It went splendidly well. We had nearly 700 people and all we had to pick up at the end of the day was one paper napkin.

“We have had some fantastic comments and emails from people. One was from a couple who said they came here for the first time three years ago and loved it so much they brought 30 friends back with them.

“We have a team of helpers who support us every year for free and that it pretty outstanding.”

Published 11/08/14  in the Henley Standard