Reasons why you will love staying here

Customer Service with a Difference

The farmer hand-feeds his hens with grain. Natural organic farming concept.jpg

The Benefits of Animals

Llancayo House is in the fortunate position of having lovely animals on-site for guests to enjoy. Whether you enjoy the company of horses or feeding the chickens - there will be plenty of animal time here. And well-behaved pets are more than welcome!

What are the health benefits of animal therapy?

Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.

The Benefits of Animals for Therapy, Comfort, and Responsibility

The human-animal bond has been recognized for centuries, and the role of animals in providing therapy, comfort, and a sense of responsibility is truly remarkable. Whether it's through therapy animals, emotional support animals, or caring for a pet, the presence of animals can have numerous positive impacts on our wellbeing. Let's explore the benefits of animals in these contexts:

Therapeutic Benefits:

Emotional Support: Animals, such as therapy dogs or cats, provide unconditional love and companionship. They offer a comforting presence and can help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Interacting with therapy animals has been shown to increase the release of endorphins and oxytocin, promoting relaxation and improving overall emotional well-being.
Mental Health Support: Animals have the power to improve mental health by providing a sense of purpose, reducing symptoms of depression, and boosting self-esteem. They offer a non-judgmental and safe space for individuals to express their emotions and build trust. Animals in therapy settings have been known to facilitate better communication, encourage social interaction, and enhance overall psychological resilience.
Physical Health Benefits: Animals can positively impact physical health as well. Petting or stroking an animal has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and decreased levels of stress hormones. Furthermore, therapy animals can motivate individuals to engage in physical activities, such as walking or playing, leading to improved cardiovascular health and increased mobility.

Comfort and Support:

Emotional Well-being: The presence of a pet or emotional support animal can provide comfort during challenging times, such as coping with grief or recovering from trauma. Animals offer a source of emotional stability, companionship, and an outlet for affection, helping individuals feel understood and supported.
Stress Reduction: Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Their playful and affectionate nature can distract from daily worries and bring joy to our lives. Whether it's cuddling with a cat or playing fetch with a dog, the presence of animals can bring a sense of calm and happiness.

Responsibility and Life Lessons:

Nurturing and Empathy: Caring for an animal instils a sense of responsibility and teaches important life skills, such as empathy, compassion, and patience. Children and adults alike can develop a greater understanding of the needs of another living being and learn how to meet those needs effectively.
Routine and Structure: Animals require regular care, including feeding, exercise, and grooming. Taking care of a pet or therapy animal promotes structure and routine in our lives, which can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with organization or need a sense of purpose.
Social Connections: Animals can be a catalyst for social interactions and help individuals develop new relationships. Walking a dog in the neighborhood or participating in pet-related activities and events can provide opportunities for socializing and building connections with others who share a love for animals.

Incorporating animals into therapy, seeking their comfort, or taking on the responsibility of caring for a pet can have far-reaching positive effects on our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. They offer us companionship, love, and teach us valuable life lessons. The unique bond we form with animals can enrich our lives in ways that are truly transformative.

Free Range, Home Grown, Organic and Local!

If you are lucky enough to stay with us, you will be enjoying our very own home produce, in addition to free range and locally sourced food. Nutrition is very important to us, we also like to know we are serving food where animals have been treated in accordance with the highest welfare standards. Did you know that free range eggs contain the most vitamin D ? Studies have also shown that vitamin D, in addition to being critical for healthy bones, can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation.

The Health Benefits of Eating Organic, Free-Range, and Local:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in organic, free-range, and locally sourced foods, driven by a desire for healthier, more sustainable eating choices. Choosing organic, free-range, and local options can have significant health benefits, both for individuals and the environment. Let's explore the advantages of incorporating these practices into your diet:

Nutrient-Rich and Chemical-Free: Organic foods are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As a result, they are often richer in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown produce. Choosing organic options ensures that you're consuming food that is free from harmful chemical residues, promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of potential health issues related to pesticide exposure.
Reduced Antibiotic and Hormone Consumption: Free-range and organically raised animals are not subjected to routine antibiotic treatments or growth hormones commonly used in conventional animal farming. By opting for free-range poultry, grass-fed beef, or organically raised meats, you minimize your exposure to these additives. This choice promotes healthier consumption patterns and helps combat the growing concern of antibiotic resistance.
Enhanced Taste and Flavor: Locally sourced produce, often harvested when ripe and at its peak freshness, tends to have superior flavor and taste compared to fruits and vegetables that are transported long distances. Additionally, organic farming practices that focus on soil health and biodiversity contribute to the development of robust flavors in crops. By choosing local and organic foods, you can savor the true essence and delightful flavors of seasonal produce.
Environmental Sustainability: Organic farming methods prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. They avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and harmful chemicals, minimizing water pollution, soil degradation, and damage to local ecosystems. Choosing organic, free-range, and local products supports environmentally friendly agricultural practices, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.
Support for Local Economy and Community: Purchasing locally sourced food fosters connections between consumers and local farmers, supporting the local economy and helping to maintain vibrant agricultural communities. By choosing local options, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and support small-scale farmers who often employ sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Greater Food Transparency: Organic, free-range, and locally sourced foods often come with stringent certification standards and labeling requirements. These regulations provide consumers with greater transparency, enabling them to make informed decisions about the food they consume. By opting for these choices, you gain confidence in the origin, production methods, and quality of the food you eat.

Incorporating organic, free-range, and local options into your diet can lead to a healthier lifestyle while promoting sustainability and community well-being. Whether you choose organic produce, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats, or local farmers' market finds, these choices support your health, the environment, and the local economy, ensuring a nourishing and sustainable food culture for all.

Serene Gardens

As Llancayo is surrounded by nature it is a proven fact on the benefits of gardening and green space. We are happy to provided a garden that guests can use for growing their own flowers, fruit and vegetables.

From: 'Care Home Life':

Engaging in any kind of creative behaviour is known to improve our brain function, and in some cases our overall health. These sorts of absorbing activities that we enjoy doing give us a nice big hit of feel-good hormones, so doing things like listening to music, writing, painting, knitting or gardening, can help us to feel uplifted and free our minds of internal chatter for a while.

Spending time in a green space seems to have so many benefits for us health-wise. Being outdoors – whether its exercising, growing flowers and food, or being with animals – is proven to enhance our psychological and physical condition.

Recently, many people were pulled away from their hectic lifestyles due to the Covid Pandemic, finding life slowing down to a pace undemanding enough to find time to devote to their own gardens. Some even growing their own veggies and herbs. Provenance of food has never been so important to us as it is now. As communities, we’re embracing more naturally farmed produce and the feeling of satisfaction we get from feeding our loved ones with home-grown or locally produced food is satisfying our need for security and safety.

There could well be other forces in play, steering us to find joy in the outdoors. Regularly experiencing the wonders of nature has a soothing effect on us, benefiting individuals cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Through positive distractions like gardening, we’re able to focus on the now, taking a mental break from our ‘monkey-mind’, which jumps from one thought to another like a monkey swinging through the trees from branch to branch. Not only that, but gardening needs us to be physical, using our muscles and moving around in natural light and fresh air.

The Benefits of a Serene Garden: A Sanctuary for Mind and Body

A serene garden is not merely an arrangement of plants and flowers; it is a sanctuary that offers solace, tranquility, and a respite from the demands of daily life. Whether it's a small backyard oasis or a sprawling botanical retreat, a serene garden provides a multitude of benefits that nurture our well-being. Let's explore the remarkable advantages of cultivating a serene garden:

Stress Relief: Spending time in a serene garden has a profound calming effect on the mind and body. The peaceful ambiance, soothing colours, and gentle sounds of nature help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. It provides a sanctuary away from the fast-paced, technology-driven world, allowing us to unwind and find inner peace.
Connection with Nature: A serene garden allows us to reconnect with the natural world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonders of our environment. It provides an opportunity to observe the cycles of life, from the blooming of flowers to the chirping of birds, grounding us in the present moment and reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Mental Clarity and Focus: Spending time in a serene garden can enhance mental clarity, focus, and creativity. The serene and uncluttered environment helps to declutter our minds and improve cognitive function. It offers a space for introspection and self-reflection, allowing ideas to flow and fostering a sense of inspiration.
Emotional Wellbeing: Gardens have a profound impact on our emotional well-being. They evoke feelings of joy, beauty, and contentment. Whether it's the sight of vibrant blossoms, the fragrance of blooming flowers, or the gentle rustling of leaves, a serene garden can uplift our spirits, alleviate anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of happiness and serenity.
Physical Health Benefits: A serene garden can contribute to improved physical health as well. Engaging in gardening activities, such as planting, pruning, and weeding, provides moderate exercise and helps to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, exposure to natural sunlight in the garden can boost vitamin D levels, supporting bone health and overall immune function.
Sanctuary for Meditation and Mindfulness: A serene garden offers an ideal setting for practicing meditation and mindfulness. The quiet and tranquil surroundings provide a conducive environment for deepening one's mindfulness practice, allowing us to cultivate a sense of awareness, gratitude, and inner peace.
Habitat for Wildlife: A serene garden can serve as a haven for wildlife, attracting birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Creating a diverse ecosystem with native plants, water features, and bird feeders not only adds to the beauty of the garden but also contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity.
Personal Retreat and Social Connection: A serene garden can be a personal retreat, providing a space for solitude, contemplation, and self-care. It also serves as a gathering place for social connections, whether it's hosting intimate gatherings, sharing gardening tips with neighbors, or enjoying quality time with loved ones amidst the beauty of nature.

In cultivating a serene garden, we create an oasis that nurtures our mind, body, and soul. It offers respite from the pressures of modern life, promotes well-being, and allows us to find harmony and balance in the embrace of nature's beauty. Whether we seek relaxation, inspiration, or a deeper connection with the natural world, a serene garden holds the power to rejuvenate and uplift us in ways that are truly transformative.