Harriet Cowen, a breakout star of the Amazon Prime series "Clarkson's Farm," has purchased her own 100-acre farm in rural Derbyshire for approximately $1.7 million. The 25-year-old farmer and influencer plans to move to the property, named Flatts Farm in Darley Bridge, with her boyfriend, James Booth, this autumn.
Cowen, who is from a farming family, has long expressed a childhood dream of owning her own land. Her newfound success and media presence, particularly through her appearances on "Clarkson's Farm" and her extensive social media following, have afforded her the means to achieve this goal just seven years after leaving school. She was initially brought onto the show as a temporary replacement for another cast member.
The property, which was previously owned by the same family for 80 years, is described as a dairy and livestock farm situated on the edge of the Peak District. Estate agent particulars highlight its excellent pasture land and flexible accommodation, including a three-bedroom farmhouse and a two-bedroom barn conversion. The farm comprises approximately 75 acres, with an additional 32 acres purchased under a separate negotiation.
Cowen intends to run Flatts Farm as a cattle-fattening business, similar to her father's operation. She also plans to establish an on-site butcher's shop. Despite the financial challenges in the agricultural sector, she stated that farming is what she knows and is passionate about.
Her rise to prominence has also involved a significant online presence, where she aims to challenge perceptions of the typical farmer. With nearly 1.5 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, Cowen has used her platform to advocate for the farming industry and inspire young people, particularly girls and women, to consider farming careers. She also discusses mental health challenges within the farming community, emphasizing the importance of social media in connecting farmers and reducing feelings of isolation.
Cowen holds a nursing degree, a fallback option insisted upon by her stepmother, but found herself drawn to farming. She previously worked as a community nurse before committing to farming full-time. Her involvement in "Clarkson's Farm" has brought her significant attention, with her work ethic earning praise from Jeremy Clarkson, who described her as a "pocket-sized powerhouse."
She met her partner, James Booth, a third-generation farmer, as teenagers. Booth also runs his own farm, and Cowen expressed a desire to operate her own business independently, without the constant oversight she experienced on her father's farm.
Cowen's new farm is located about 20 minutes from her family's farm in Belper, Derbyshire, and is situated in a rural area known for its scenic beauty. The acquisition has been met with a desire for continued operation as a working farm by local residents, who also hope to maintain the area's peace and quiet.