NESTLED in the quintessential Devon village of Dunsford, the 130-acre Farrant's Farm is home to Brimblecombe's Devon Farmhouse Cider.

The drink is produced in a traditional cider barn using methods which are over 450 years old. Run by Ron and Beverley Barter, Brimblecombe's Devon Farmhouse Cider produces over 7,000 litres of organic cider a year, sold through the onsite shop and in outlets all over the county.

The couple, who have two children Hannah, 19, and Daniel, 14, moved here from London 22 years ago and took over the cider business 15 years ago.

Ron, who is 63, was an electrical engineer, working in both the capital and on offshore oil rigs.

The couple shocked some of their friends in 1988 by announcing their move to the Westcountry to set up a beef farm.

"It was an interesting time," said Ron. "We fancied a change and, although some people thought we were mad, it was the best decision we have ever made.

"We had no experience in farming, but gradually picked it up through trial and error.

"It was hard work, but much better than sitting in an office. You feel healthier for working outside."

Ron still keeps a herd of 60 Aberdeen Angus cows and sells the meat in the onsite shop.

The couple did not like to use any fertiliser on crops and soon decided to undergo the two-year transition to get organic certification.

"It was still quite unusual when we decided to go organic," said Ron. "We were one of the first in Devon. We believe in farming the natural way and being sustainable."

Business in the beef industry was up and down. Ron said: "It had its highs and lows, but there were some tough times, including the BSE scare."

The couple were keen to add another string to their bow, and found it in the form of cider.

"We lived close to a chap called Cliff Brimblecombe who had his own cider barn," said Ron. "We think that the 16th-century barn was originally a Saxon dwelling," said Ron. "I used to pop over and chat to Mr Brimblecombe about his cider-making business.

"I loved the old-fashioned methods he used, which are so rare to see these days. When he told me he was retiring and selling it, I just had to keep it going. "It would've been such as shame for the traditional cider barn to have been lost.

"Mr Brimblecombe led me through a lengthy hand-over process, teaching me how the cider was made.

"Cider pressing is not an easy skill to learn."

Brimblecombe's cider is still made in the traditional way by pressing milled apples through straw.

It ferments in oak barrels for six months with wild yeast.

"Unlike commercial cider we use 100 per cent apple juice from our organic orchards," explained Ron. "Dunsford is historically a good place to grow cider apples. They seem to flourish because of the clay soil.

"Cider apples are different from eating apples and very few are edible

"There needs to be a high amount of acidity and tannin for a good cider."

Among the different apples grown and used in Brimblecombe's cider are the classic Devon varieties Hand-me-downs, Slack-me-girdle, Sweet Alfords and Tremletts.

"We sell a range of different ciders," said Ron. "Including traditional cider, vintage cider — which goes back to 2000 — and conditioned cider from rum and brandy barrels. These are slightly stronger in alcohol and have an enhanced taste."

Ciders are bottled by hand and are sold through the shop and also in selected local pubs and restaurants, including The Nobody Inn, Doddiscombsleigh, and The First and Last Inn, St Thomas, Exeter.

The couple have a strong presence at local farmers' markets and food festivals, including The Exeter Food and Drink Festival, the Widdecombe, Moretonhampstead and Tavistock farmers' markets and Okehampton, Totnes and Yelverton agricultural festivals.

"I enjoy the shows as they are a great way to meet the customers," said Ron. "I love seeing people's reactions to tasting natural cider for the first time. They are always pleasantly surprised by the full flavour."

Apart from setting up a business website, Ron hopes that more people will be attracted to the farm for its history.

"We are hoping to set up a cider museum," said Ron. "We are trying to secure a grant to help.

"People and passers-by are welcome just to pop in and experience the time-warp we have here."

For more information about Brimblecombe's Devon Farmhouse Cider, call 01647 252783, or email brimblecomes@aol.com.