Innovative and enthusiastic people are the most important asset to driving forward a robust and resilient farm business in an ever-changing industry.
Welcome to Cragg House Farm, a true family-run hill farm rooted in the heart of Buttermere, in the Lake District.
Farming runs deep in our family — Alister was born and raised on a hill farm in the Scottish Borders, while Rach’s family have farmed across the Lake District for at least seven generations. Together, we’re proud to continue this long tradition of sustainable upland farming.
Alister brings a wealth of experience from his time as a farm manager on a mixed beef, sheep, and arable enterprise, and as a Next Generation Ambassador for the National Sheep Association (NSA). Rach has served on several sheep breed councils and in honorary society roles, as well as judging livestock shows throughout the UK.
Our two youngest farmers, Jacob and Cameron, share our passion for the land and animals. Jacob, full of ideas for innovation, is the driving force behind our Honesty Farm Shop and new ways to diversify the farm’s future.
As a family, we’ve worked hard to raise high-quality Herdwick and other native breeds, winning numerous prizes in the show ring — including Champion Herdwick at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show. Most recently, we were honoured to receive “Tenant Farmer of the Year” at the 2025 Cumbria Farmer Awards.
At Cragg House Farm, we’re passionate about celebrating traditional Lake District farming, caring for the land, and inspiring others to connect with food, farming, and the countryside.
We are advocates and positive role models for a farming sytem working in harmony with a variety of strategies to address nature recovery and sustain the natural and cultural heritage of the local area.
We are in an era of extraordinary challenges: bio- diversity loss, climate change, soil erosion, global deforestation and global conflict are affecting our everyday lives.
Visit us and be part of the change taking place here in the Lake District.