‘Born together, best friends forever’ – it’s a common quote, right?

But what about twins, best friends and business partners across multiple ventures? That’s where Stella Laird and Jodie McSherry are doing things differently.

Back in 2012, we knew them as the founders of Choclateas – a luxury chocolate-infused tea range which went on to develop even more sweet flavours.

Fast forward 10 years and they’re launching their next venture: a farmhouse renovation project set to become a ‘celebration destination’. Sleeping up to 20 guests, Blackton Grange will be the ultimate staycation spot for large families, stag and hen parties and group getaways.

With everything from a games room to a cocktail lounge, hot tubs and a cinema room, it promises to provide a high-end getaway for large groups. Not only that, but they’ve curated a range of suppliers from beauticians to chefs, chauffeurs to mixologists and even Pilates instructors who will be on hand to help everyone relax and have a great time.

From a young age, Jodi and Stella have always been excited by property renovation and this project really is a dream come true for the sisters, especially given the challenges they have overcome to see their vision become a reality.

Sadly, over the last few years, both Stella and Jodi have found themselves battling breast cancer in what has been a tremendously difficult time for the family. But it was on their respective roads to recovery that both sisters rediscovered a real zest for life and adventure, vowing to themselves and each other to live their lives to the fullest.

They came across the Blackton Grange Estate with this mantra at the forefront of their minds and, as they say, the rest is history.

We caught up with Jodi and Stella to find out more about what we expect from Blackton Grange when it opens later this year, and how the renovation project is coming along right now…

Talk us through your renovation project ­– what will it be like when it’s finished?

[Stella] The renovation aspect is huge, as we’re literally ripping everything out and starting from scratch. It was a previous walkers’ hostel and then an outdoor activity centre so, by their natures, it was very basic in terms of living standards, but had very generous living spaces.

When finished, Blackton Grange will be a super luxury group holiday home with eight bedrooms, two of which are master suites. The bathrooms and ensuites will have the highest quality finishes, with some rooms featuring large, freestanding tubs. The kitchen is a really warm and welcoming space with all the mod cons and dining for 20 guests. There will even be an outdoor dog spa for those guests that bring pets.

There are many elements to Blackton Grange Estate, as we also have the wedding barn that we’ll be starting work on in the new year. That will be fully licenced for civil ceremonies and, later down the line, we hope to utilise more of the land we have by adding glamping pods and star gazing pods to really take advantage of the neighbouring Dark Skies Discovery Site.

What challenges have you faced during your renovations?

[Jodi] The main challenge is ensuring the renovations are all progressing alongside the allocated time frame. It’s such a big project, so some unexpected things crop up, but we’re working with some great contractors who are really on the ball, so that helps. The budget side of things is also challenging and can quite quickly get out of control! We’re being quite savvy with this, though. For example, we’re getting some ex-display pieces, ordering in bulk and getting some lovely vintage furniture.

Being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the planning permissions are stricter. We have also had some setbacks with the wildlife, with bats and owls making themselves comfortable in the barn. This has delayed things, but we want to follow all the right guidelines, so it’s just something we need to work around at the moment.

We’re on a big learning curve, as there are many legal areas we need to make sure we adhere too, such as fire, health and safety regulations and correct room layouts. But we’re enjoying learning and getting all aspects of the property to the highest of standards.

To book your next sensational staycation, visit Blackton Grange’s website. 

And if you want to stay up to date with Stella and Jodi’s renovation project, follow Blackton Grange’s Facebook page and Instagram account.

Blackton Grange, Balderhead, Barnard Castle, DL12 9UX