The estate, which belongs to Richard Henry Dawnay 12th Viscount Downe, has become a leader in its field of rural business transformation transforming redundant farm buildings and quarries into a haven for the countryside economy. Traditional stone-built cart sheds, cattle sheds and stables were taken down and rebuilt as sustainably and sympathetically as possible, said retired estates director, Robert Sword.
Lord Downe said: “Tenants have include solicitors, accountants and graphic designers as well as a hearing clinic, residential care providers, and a music academy. “I feel that the business centres have helped revitalise the village and importantly local businesses such as the pub. “Today, Wykeham’s primary school and local children’s nursery are thriving, and providing passengers for the local bus route and attracts tenants for the estate’s residential lettings.