Our Story

Suzie and Jonty Birrell-Gray married in July 2015, beginning their small-scale farming journey in Smock Alley, West Sussex. With a passion for sustainable food, they raised their own Saddleback pigs, Star and Stripe, and cultivated fruit and vegetable patches.

Jonty, an enthusiastic amateur cook, was inspired by a Michelin-starred goat dish featured on The Great British Menu. As a Christmas surprise, he offered to buy Suzie some goats—and within 24 hours, she had acquired five pedigree Boer goats: Blondie, Luna, Cisse, Belle, and Lucius (her beloved pet wether).

Their interest in dairy soon led to the addition of milk goats: Sara the Saanen, Olive the Toggenburg, Ariel the Saanen cross, and Clementine the Golden Guernsey. With the introduction of Boer and Golden Guernsey bucks, their herd rapidly expanded, quickly outgrowing their 2.5-acre field.

Determined to master cheese-making, Suzie and Jonty attended a specialist course, igniting their passion for artisan goat’s cheese. Their search for the perfect location eventually brought them to Abbey Farm Cottage in Rosedale Abbey—Jonty’s favourite spot in the North York Moors and a place deeply connected to Suzie’s Yorkshire roots.

In June 2019, they moved their growing herd—then 49 goats strong—along with ducks, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats, to their new 10-acre farm.

By 2020, they began commercial cheese production, achieving full approval in September 2023. Today, their handcrafted cheeses are available from the farm and select local delis .Their award-winning cheeses, The Rosedale and Bell End Blue, has featured on the menus of prestigious restaurants, including:

 

The Star Inn at Harome (Michelin-starred) and its sibling establishments in York

Homestead, Goathland (listed in the 2023 Michelin Guide)

The White Horse Farm Inn, their local village pub

Suzie and Jonty warmly invite you to experience their world—whether by staying on the farm, attending a cheese-making course, or indulging in their delicious cheeses. Who knows? You may even be inspired to follow a similar path!Book Now to experience the charm of Abbey Farm Cottage and the taste of our award-winning artisan cheeses.