Black Barn Farm was opened in Salhouse in August by Marcus Pearcey, 49, and partner Elly, 44, who also own Blofield Farm Shop & Cafe.
It proved an instant hit, with customers from all over Norfolk travelling to visit the barn’s cafe, farm shop and shops on the site, with the car park often at capacity at weekends.
Johanna Forster, 50, who owns Black Barn Farm‘s art shop, Quirky Art by Jo Forster, said that she “couldn’t believe how successful it has been”.
Jo, from Taverham, opened her shop at the site in September after hosting a pop-up that proved so popular that she never left.
“I can’t believe where I am today,” she said.
“The footfall at Black Barn Farm is huge and I have been so overwhelmed.
“I love creating my art but it has never been as successful as it has been here.”
Jo worked in education before starting her artwork during the Covid pandemic, which is distinguished by the Norfolk longhorn wool that she uses as part of her illustrations.
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She was left amazed when one day, out of the blue, an author walked into the shop and asked her to illustrate a new children’s book.
Little Spiders, Big Adventures by Karen Allen was launched on Friday with Jo hosting a celebratory event in her shop.
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“It has already had such a good response,” said Karen, who lives in Norwich.
“I met with my friend Gail D’Almaine, the book’s designer, to talk about releasing a book in the cafe at Black Barn Farm, and approached Jo shortly after.
“The book is dedicated to my grandson Luca, who is obsessed with spiders and has a pet jumping spider, who the character in the book is inspired by.”
