Kelvin Fletcher may have traded the drama of Emmerdale’s rolling countryside for the quieter rhythms of real-life rural living, but make no mistake —

the former soap star is still quietly building an impressive fortune. And surprisingly, it’s not his popular farming television shows that are bringing in one of his most lucrative income streams.

The 42-year-old actor, who famously played Andy Sugden on Emmerdale for two decades, has revealed that he is earning a staggering £78,000 a year from

a side hustle that has nothing to do with acting, dancing, or even farming on television. Instead, the secret lies in a beautifully renovated holiday cottage nestled on his family’s sprawling farm in the Peak District.

A Decade After Emmerdale — Still Thriving

Kelvin left Emmerdale in 2016, a decision that shocked fans who had watched him grow up on-screen since his debut as a child actor in 1996. For many, it marked the end of an era. But for Kelvin, it was the beginning of a bold reinvention.

Since stepping away from the soap spotlight, Kelvin has embraced a very different lifestyle alongside his wife, Liz Fletcher. Together, the couple now run Fletchers’ Family Farm, a working rural enterprise in Sutton, Cheshire, which has also become the focus of their successful ITV series Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure and its follow-up, Fletchers’ Family Farm.

Yet behind the cameras and beyond the fields, another business venture has been quietly flourishing — one that’s proving just as profitable as any primetime TV deal.

The Cottage That Changed Everything

When the Fletchers purchased their expansive property, it included an old house sitting on the land. Rather than letting it fall into disuse, Kelvin and Liz poured time, effort, and investment into transforming it into a luxury countryside retreat now known as Stag Cottage.

That decision has paid off handsomely.

The cottage is rented out for an impressive £1,500 per week, and demand has been so overwhelming that the property is now fully booked for the rest of the year. Even more remarkably, Kelvin recently revealed on Instagram that bookings are already being taken for 2027 — a clear sign of just how popular the retreat has become.

With consistent bookings throughout the year, the numbers speak for themselves: Stag Cottage alone is set to bring in around £78,000 annually, making it one of Kelvin’s most reliable income streams.

Actor-turned-farmer Kelvin Fletcher is raking in the cash from a lucrative side Hussle

Kelvin quit Emmerdale a decade ago but is still raking in the cash

Inside the Luxury Retreat Guests Can’t Get Enough Of

So what’s driving the frenzy? According to glowing reviews, Stag Cottage offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury.

The property sleeps up to six guests and features a warm, inviting sitting room complete with a wood-burning log fire and a large, cosy sofa designed for long evenings of relaxation. The stylish kitchen boasts a central island and is fully equipped, making it ideal for family feasts or romantic countryside getaways.

There are three beautifully decorated bedrooms, including a master suite with its own en-suite bathroom. Outside, guests can soak in a private hot tub while taking in sweeping views of the Peak District — a feature that has become a major selling point for visitors seeking a peaceful escape from city life.

Adding an unexpected touch of elegance, the cottage also houses a grand piano, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in a unique and luxurious countryside experience.

Guests Sing the Fletchers’ Praises

Reviews for Stag Cottage have been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising both the property itself and the attention to detail provided by its hosts.

One guest wrote recently:
“The property was beautiful with lots of little touches for home comforts and attention to detail that made it so easy to relax. There was nothing I could think to improve our stay.”

Another review hinted at Kelvin’s personal involvement, noting:
“We had check-ins from the host who supported us in a timely manner with a query!”

For fans of the actor, the idea that Kelvin Fletcher himself might pop by to ensure guests are comfortable only adds to the cottage’s charm.

From Soap Star to Strictly Champion

Kelvin’s success away from Emmerdale isn’t limited to bricks and mortar. In 2019, he stunned viewers by winning Strictly Come Dancing, showcasing a completely different side of himself and winning over a whole new audience.

That victory cemented his reputation as more than just a former soap star — it proved he had the versatility, work ethic, and charisma to succeed in entirely new arenas.

A New Kind of Stardom

Today, Kelvin’s life looks very different from his days in the Dales. His focus is firmly on his family, his farm, and building something lasting away from the relentless pressures of traditional celebrity culture.

Through his ITV shows, fans continue to follow the highs and lows of rural life on Fletchers’ Family Farm, watching Kelvin and Liz juggle animals, crops, and family responsibilities with honesty and humour.

Yet it’s clear that behind the scenes, the couple are also savvy entrepreneurs — blending authenticity with smart business decisions.

A Blueprint for Life After Fame

Kelvin Fletcher’s journey offers a powerful reminder that leaving the spotlight doesn’t mean stepping away from success. Instead, he has quietly crafted a new chapter — one built on hard work, family values, and a deep connection to the land.

With Stag Cottage booked years in advance and his farming ventures continuing to grow, Kelvin has proven that reinvention doesn’t just keep you relevant — it can make you more fulfilled than ever.

And while he may no longer roam the fictional fields of Emmerdale, one thing is certain: Kelvin Fletcher is still very much thriving — just on his own terms.