Homes restoration firm fails

The once-dilapidated farm was transformed

The business started by a woman who transformed her rundown home into luxury houses has gone into administration, owing more than £4m.

Helen Bailey-Scudamore's family owned Bromley Farm in Downend, Bristol, for almost 60 years.

She and her husband Ian restored and converted the run-down property, but have now been declared bankrupt.

The transformation took more than two and a half years, with property prices starting at £550,000 and rising to £700,000.

'Ongoing commitments'

Two farmhouses, dating back to the 11th and 19th centuries, and a range of 18th and 19th century barns were transformed into six individual properties.

The company had been facing financial difficulties for some time.

Following a dispute with a sub-contractor, the administrators were called in.

A spokesman for Bristol-based Cowlin Construction told the Bristol Evening Post: "We expect to have clams of up to one million pounds.

Helen Bailey-Scudamore grew up in the farmhouse

"Of that, £370,000 has already been awarded through adjudication, a significant amount of which has not been paid."

Simon Michaels, of BDO Stoy Hayward Business Recovery Services, said: "We have been bought in to work with the directors to put the business back on track.

"We are also ensuring that ongoing commitments to creditors are met.

"Bromley Farm Development Limited has been hit by financial difficulties and the administration process will protect company assets and ensure the interests of creditors are maintained.

"The company has three months in which to review the future of the business. We are confident that we can turn the business around."