Hello, and welcome to Studforth.
I’m James, son of Peter Cowton and Caron Hardy, and Studforth has been my home for as long as I can remember. My parents moved here over 35 years ago when I was just four years old, with my baby sister Helen. Surrounded by beautiful Yorkshire countryside, they saw the potential to create something special.
In 1999, they lovingly transformed the traditional farm buildings surrounding our farmhouse into warm, comfortable boarding kennels. What began as a small family venture has grown into the trusted boarding kennels establishment we are so proud to run today.
Dogs have always been at the heart of our family. I grew up spending every opportunity walking the boarding dogs we had staying with us, watching Dad train working dogs, rear puppies and care for every dog as though they were his own. It wasn’t long before I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
After leaving school, I joined the family business full time and have never looked back.
As Studforth became increasingly popular, Dad and I continued to develop the kennels, carefully converting more of the farm buildings while preserving the peaceful surroundings that make Studforth so special. We also built a separate kennel block for dogs who enjoy spending more time outdoors.Theses kennels look out across our gardens, fields and woodland, with not a road in sight, and features its own insulated wooden cabin, giving every dog a warm, cosy place to rest after a day of walks and play.
Every year, before our busiest season begins, we all get together to repaint, refurbish and maintain the kennels so they’re looking their very best. We believe the little details matter.
My mum, Caron, manages the kennels and takes enormous pride in keeping every area spotless, both inside and out. Her attention to detail is second to none! I’ve learnt it’s best to leave the cleaning to her, while I focus on walking the dogs and running the office.
My partner Hannah and I now live at Studforth along with my three wonderful children , who you’ll often see helping out during weekends and school holidays. It’s lovely to watch them learning the same values of care, kindness and hard work that my parents passed on to me. Seeing the next generation become part of Studforth is something that makes us incredibly proud.
Although our kennels have grown over the years, one thing has never changed: we remain a genuinely family-run business where every dog is treated with the same love, patience and care we would give our own.
We know that leaving your dog can be a difficult decision, which is why we take the time to get to know every guest as an individual. Whether they love long walks, plenty of fuss, or simply a quiet place to relax, we do everything we can to make them feel safe, happy and completely at home.
Many of our guests have been coming back to Studforth for years, and nothing means more to us than seeing a dog arrive with a wagging tail, excited for another stay.
We would love to welcome you to Studforth, show you around our kennels and answer any questions you may have. We hope that, once you’ve visited, you’ll see why so many owners trust us with their much-loved companions, year after year.
“It is great to have a ‘home from home’ for Bailey when we go away. He gets five star treatment. Studforth offers a friendly and reliable service.”
