RAVENSEAT, NORTH YORKSHIRE — Fans of Our Yorkshire Farm were in for a shock this weekend as Reuben Owen, the eldest son of TV star Amanda Owen, gave an unfiltered reaction to his mum’s ambitious renovation of the late Anty John’s beloved stone cottage.
The 20-year-old farmer and machinery expert, known for his stoic calm and dry wit, arrived on site to inspect the work Amanda had begun — and viewers were left chuckling as he muttered, “It’s a bit of a mess,” in a now-viral clip from Channel 5’s Life on the Farm: Owen Family Rebuild.
From Beloved Ruin to Bold Vision
Anty John’s cottage, a crumbling but cherished piece of family history nestled in a remote part of the Yorkshire Dales, had long stood untouched. But Amanda, 50, decided it was time for transformation — taking on the job herself with what she described as “grit, lime mortar, and a lot of guesswork.”
“I just looked at it one day and thought, ‘Right, this place needs love,’” Amanda said during the episode. “It’s got soul. It’s part of our family. But I admit, I may have been a tad… bold.”
Reuben’s Honest Moment
Reuben, who now runs his own machinery repair business in Kirkby Stephen, was invited to consult on reinforcing the old roof beams. As he stepped into the clutter of half-torn floors, exposed pipes, and scaffolding, his deadpan six-word reaction caught everyone — including Amanda — off guard.
“I wasn’t being rude,” Reuben later clarified in a post-show interview. “I just meant… Mum’s got a vision, but there’s a lot to do. It’s chaos now, but she’ll pull it off.”
Fans React with Love and Laughter
Social media lit up with reactions from viewers who appreciated Reuben’s honesty and Amanda’s gutsy spirit.
“Typical Reuben 😂 Always straight to the point!”
— @DalesDreamer
“Amanda is fearless. That cottage will be magic when she’s done. Reuben’s just keeping it real.”
— @CountryMama2020
Some fans even began using the phrase “It’s a bit of a mess” as a new meme for any home DIY project gone sideways.
A Cottage Reborn?
While the renovation is far from complete, Amanda remains optimistic. “It’s not about perfect — it’s about preserving what matters,” she said, her voice echoing through the empty stone shell of the cottage.
With Reuben now pitching in to help stabilize the structure, the project is turning into a true family affair.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
➡️ “The Owen Family: Where Are They Now?” — p.6
➡️ How to Restore a Yorkshire Cottage on a Budget — p.12
➡️ Best Amanda Owen Quotes of All Time — p.19
