A FARM in the North-East with a macabre past has become a haven for relaxation following the launch of a spa treatment centre.

High Hill House Farm, near Ferryhill, in County Durham, was the scene of a gruesome triple murder in 1683.

John Brass, 17, and his sisters, Jane, 20, and Elizabeth, ten, were murdered by their father's servant while their parents, John and Margaret, enjoyed an evening out.

The servant, Andrew Mills, who claimed to have acted under the influence of the Devil, was later tortured, executed and hanged from a gibbet where his body was left to the mercy of the elements.

Now, more than 320 years later, Jill Cheesmond has teamed up with her parents, Ned and Val, and sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Mark Larn to create Broom Mill Day Spa.

Thanks to a grant from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES), the family has been able to extend and convert a building on the farm to house the spa.

The spa boasts three treatment rooms, a consultation area, kitchen and dining area, changing rooms, an aromatherapy room, sauna, infrared and white light room and a pool.

Ms Cheesmond said: "My brother used to help run the farm with my parents but when he and his family emigrated we decided to look at other ways to boost the business.

"We wanted to be able to make sure we could keep the farm going and this seemed like a great idea, but it would never have been possible without support from RES.

"We offer a whole range of treatments and as it's fairly small, it can be hired out exclusively to small groups or individuals, business groups and friends, to spend either a half or full day with us.

"Alternatively, they can just come along for a single treatment session.

"We are also particularly keen to welcome male clients, as many of the treatments we offer have great health benefits."

Ken Haynes, a Defra Rural Development Service advisor, said: "This new venture should provide a fantastic new facility for this rural area."

Ms Cheesmond said she was aware of the farm's past and had researched its history.

She said: "We get quite a few people coming here to ask if they can take photographs because of its past and they keep asking if I've seen many ghosts."

* Broom Mill Day Spa is holding open days on Friday and Saturday.

For more details, call (01740) 654225.