Living in a house located in the middle of a busy motorway can be quite an extraordinary experience. The farmhouse in question is nestled in the lanes of the well-known M62, seemingly defying the flow of traffic as it forces the motorway apart before rejoining further away. Passersby often find themselves pondering what it must be like to reside in such an unconventional setting.
Jill Falkingham, along with her husband Paul Thorp and their son John-William, embarked on an extraordinary journey when they made Stott Hall Farm their home. The property had previously belonged to Ken Wild, who adamantly refused to vacate the premises during the construction of the M62. Ultimately, the farmhouse was saved from demolition as the land proved too steep for the motorway.
In 2008, Paul took up residence in the farmhouse, and a year later, Jill joined him. Together, they embraced a life as sheep farmers, tending to hundreds of ewes and a few cows on the hills surrounding the bustling motorway. Upon their arrival, Jill acknowledged that the farmhouse had a dated charm, but over time, they transformed it into a cozy family abode that happened to be located amidst the ceaseless flow of traffic.
While one might expect living in such a unique spot to be a nightmare, Jill insists that life at Stott Hall Farm isn’t all that different from residing near any other road. They took measures to minimize the disruption caused by the constant stream of cars, vans, and lorries. Jill explains, “We have treble glazing, and it’s no different from living anywhere that has a road.”
Although her husband seems unfazed by the traffic noise, Jill, being noise-sensitive, admits that it does affect her. She acknowledges that on particularly challenging days, the noise can be the last straw. Nevertheless, she has come to terms with the constant hum of traffic, realizing that it’s a part of their unique reality.
Surprisingly, the M62 is just a minor hurdle in their lives compared to the challenges presented by the farm’s terrain. Due to the high elevation and cold climate, the grass struggles to grow. However, Jill finds beauty in their surroundings, dismissing the notion that it is bleak like something out of “Wuthering Heights.” To her, it is simply a beautiful place to call home.
Living in a house amid the M62 motorway may seem unconventional and daunting, but for Jill and her family, it has become a way of life. They have embraced the extraordinary and found contentment amidst the constant stream of traffic. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find beauty in unexpected places.
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