Diversification is certainly proving a boon for those of us who want some time out and beauty treatments. Jenny Needham takes a trip to a farm which boasts an impressive day spa.

IT'S had a violent history but High Hill House Farm is now a haven for those in search of peace and relaxation. The farm, just outside Ferryhill, was the scene of some infamous murders back in the 17th century - three children were despatched by a crazed family servant as their parents had a night out in town, earning it the nickname Cutty Throat Farm - but now it's the home of a superb day spa.

First impressions may not be perfect - the area looks a bit down-at-heel and the exterior of the farm needs a bit of tidying up - but inside, the old farm buildings have been transformed. The reception area is bright and airy, with views over the open countryside, and there are glass and metal tables set out for meals and morning coffee.

I am welcomed by Jill Cheesmond, daughter of the farm's owner, and the moving force behind the operation. A coffee is offered, but barely have I settled in than I am introduced to mother Val and Jill's sister Dawn, who gave up teaching to retrain as a beauty therapist and to run the business end of the enterprise - her husband Mark is also in on the business. Father Ned also pops his head round the door to say hello. It's fair to say this is a family affair and it was family concerns that led to it being set up.

Broom Mill Day Spa was developed around the pool, which was built next to the farmhouse 23 years ago. "Mam had cancer and underwent a mastectomy - we nearly lost her," says Jill. "As farmers we couldn't get away for holiday, so this was one way of putting some quality back into our lives."

The farm is a 169-acre organic dairy farm but because of the way farming has gone, it was not big enough to provide a living for the next generation so Jill's brother Paul decided to emigrate to Canada. After they left, the remaining family members decided to look for other sources of income and the idea of the spa was born, backed up with the promise of grant aid from Defra's rural enterprise scheme.

"We wanted to make sure we could keep the farm going and this seemed like a good idea," says Jill, who has six years' experience as a skincare, spa and holistic therapist and who had lectured at Stockton College.

Broom Mill Day Spa opened in the summer and it's a huge success. After reception, the building opens up Tardis-like to take in three pine rooms - an infra red room to help with muscle strains, blood disorders and cellulitis; a specially designed aromatherapy room - "eucalyptus is very popular this time of year because of colds," says Jill; and a traditional sauna.

Past the pool, which is kept plenty warm enough for wimps and is shallow all the way round the outside, is the chill-out room. It's huge, comfortable, and is designed specifically to appeal to men as well as women. After all, how many spas do you know with a darts board, slate bed antique snooker table and radios tuned in to the football scores? "The only thing we're missing is dominoes," laughs Jill.

In the corner is a white light room, much used at this time of year by those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. "It also helps with depression and jetlag," says Jill. "Mam uses it when she comes back from seeing our brother in Canada.

This being a family affair, the Cheesmonds did a lot of the basic work on the spa themselves. "We are very handy as a family," says Jill. "We even laid underfloor heating ourselves."

Those who have been through the door of Broom Mill Day Spa are obviously happy with the results. "Around 90 per cent of clients have been back for more treatments," says Jill, though she's not entirely sure whether they are returning because of the quality of the treatments or for another bite of her mother's famous pecan pie. "Her lunches are legendary," says Jill. Clients have been known to go away with a doggy bag.

Jill says the chill-out room looked like a throwback to a 1970s sauna until they revamped it. "We reopened in the summer. To get some feedback, the family invited in the local doctor, bank manager and friends to try it out," she says.

There's a consultation room and two well-appointed treatment rooms with infra red heating panels in the ceiling and dimmer switches to make them warm and cosy, and two huge changing rooms with showers, all suitable for the disabled.

The spa uses the Dermalogica and Skyndor ranges and they're available to buy. The range of treatments is extensive and very good value. "My massages are legendary," Jill said, matter-of-factly, and half an hour later I could see why. The tight and knotted neck muscles that had been causing me pain and headaches have been pummelled and kneaded into submission. Not wanting to leave the rest of the body feeling unloved, she also includes the legs, feet and head in her treatment. It's blissful.

Jill, who is trained in a range of holistic therapies, has an almost evangelical tone when she talks about the treatments and firmly believes that people should make more time for themselves.

"We don't call what we do pampering," says Jill. "It's not a luxury. We see it as a health necessity."

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Broom Mill Day Spa, High Hill House Farm, Dean Bank, Ferryhill (01740) 654 225; www.broommilldayspa.co.uk

If you want a works do with a difference, for the month of December the Signature Day Spa will be £75, to include a four-course Christmas lunch, crackers and a gift.

Treatments include a 60-minute intensive moisture treatment, £28; microdermabrasion, £32; ear piercing, £7.95; nail extensions, £30; hair removal, £8 for 15 minutes; solar bronzing treatment, £25 and Bioenergy D-Tox, £25.