Being made redundant because of the Covid pandemic led to one Kent couple starting a new life in France.

But rather than open a B&B or investing in a vineyard, Will and Sophie Hargreaves decided to go for something a little different - running an alpaca farm.

The husband and wife team moved from Cuxton near Rochester to Argentonnay, a village in northern Deux-Sèvres in western France, in December 2020.

Will had lost his job selling wine to pubs and restaurants because of Covid. Sophie had a good job in housing management but they had both always wanted more of an outdoor lifestyle and to run their own business.

With the Brexit deadline looming, the couple decided to take the plunge.

Just over a year later and their farm is thriving. They offer a variety of alpaca experiences as well as overnight stays in a glamping tent.

The couple have just featured on the Channel 4 programme A New Life in the Sun and are about to expand by renovating an outbuilding into a small holiday cottage with views of the 13th century Chateau de Sanzay which they live opposite.

But their journey hasn't been without its challenges. At first they had to live in a caravan along with their two cats and a dog and when they moved into the farm, a lot of work was needed to get the land ready for the alpacas, who arrived in February last year.

Sophie said: "The property has been empty for years and was completely overgrown and needed fencing the whole way around.

"We did all of this work ourselves along with some help from our friends."

The business opened in May last year, offering farm visits, walking the alpacas, picnics with the animals, yoga and well-being sessions.

They also offers visitors the chance to help with the morning feed and to be an alpaca keeper for the day.

The luxury bell tent, which sleeps up to six people and has a hot tub and outdoor kitchen, was booked up for most of the summer and into early autumn last year.

Sophie said: "It’s been a steep learning curve managing the alpacas and the general public, but we have loved every minute.

"We have been lucky to have been supported by the local community - having all sorts of groups visit us, from schools to disability groups, as well as people just on their holidays or looking for something to do at the weekend."

Sophie and Will fell in love with alpacas after visiting the alpaca farm near their home in Cuxton. They are gentle, curious and sociable animals, which has led to a growth in alpaca walking experiences.

Sophie said: "They are incredible animals, so versatile for business with agritourism, animal therapy, their precious wool and fertiliser.

"The positive feelings we had when we were around alpacas was hard to describe and clearly very good for our well-being."

The couple trained with the British Alpaca Society before heading to France and also did some hands-on training with the team at Lower Bush Alpacas in Cuxton.

Find out more about the farm and how to book click here. You can also follow the farm on Facebook and Instgram @lapetitefermedalpagas