One of Wales' top country house hotels, Palé Hall, has delved into the sheep farming arena, investing almost £100,000 in a fleet of rare Valais Blacknose sheep.

Owners of the hotel at Llandderfel, Bala, Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, purchased five top-tier sheep at the 'Blacknose Beauties' national show and sale in Carlisle on an undisclosed date.

The highlight of their purchase was female champion Ayrshire Ingrid, who set a new breed record selling for 30,000 guineas. This record was broken four times over within a mere 12 minutes.

The ewe, sold by Tom Blackwood of Stewarton, is notable for being the first Valais Blacknose to achieve maximum points in grading three times.

In addition, the couple procured Deepdale Luca, a ram lamb from Heather Adams in Buxton, for 22,000 guineas. This lamb held the reserve male and reserve supreme champion titles. His twin, Deepdale Lookout, was also acquired for 19,000 guineas.

Two more rams joined the new flock at Palé Hall; Lacock Karter, a shearling ram from Peter Self in Chippenham costing 20,000 guineas, and a three-month-old ram lamb named Palé Hall Anthony, in honour of Mr. Cooper-Barney, which sold for 1,000 guineas.

These rare breed sheep will make up the basis of Palé Hall's new venture, the Palé Valais Flock, which will potentially expand with the introduction of other top-quality livestock that reflect the North Wales estate's rich heritage. Farm manager Mark Tustain will oversee their care.

Palé Hall director, Calum Milne, said: "If we are going to be the best hotel in Wales and the UK, we need the best sheep here. I introduced this very rare breed to Tony and Donna and they instantly fell in love with them when they saw them for the first time.

"The sheep have now made their home in the paddock next to the hall and every day they have guests and local people watching them. They are cute, adorable and very docile.

"When the sheep are sheared, their fleece will be used by a local lady to make footstools, rugs and toys for the hall. In fact, we have told two toys already.”

"Our plan is to buy two Shetland ponies, two Welsh Cobs and other farm livestock to reflect the quality and Welsh and Scottish heritage of the property. We will only buy best in breed and best in class."