Hunsbury Hill Farm
The Farm
At Northamptonshire ACRE, we are incredibly fortunate to be the custodians of the Hunsbury Hill Centre, a historic site that holds a Grade II listed farmhouse, outbuildings, and 13 acres of woodland and gardens. This significant location has long served as the base for our charity and the home of The Barns at Hunsbury Hill, our trading arm. However, like all heritage sites, it requires care and attention to preserve its charm and utility.
In addition to maintaining the property as a working space for our charity, we are embarking on an exciting journey to revitalize the site, including the buildings, woodland, and gardens. Our goal is to transform the Hunsbury Hill Centre into a thriving community wellbeing hub that will serve local residents and our wider membership in Northamptonshire.
Thanks to initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are taking the first steps toward bringing our vision to life. The Heritage Fund has awarded us £156,240 to develop a master plan and business strategy for the site, recruit skilled trustees, and engage the community through events such as forums, walks, and workshops. This funding will support the project’s progress and lay the foundation for future development, including applying for full National Lottery funding to realize the long-term vision.
Why Hunsbury Hill Farm Matters
Hunsbury Hill Farm has significant historical value. Developed in the mid-19th century by Edward Bouverie, a member of the prominent Northamptonshire family associated with Delapré Abbey, the farm was one of the era’s model farms. Bouverie used the farm to demonstrate modern agricultural techniques, reflecting the Victorian era’s focus on improving farming efficiency. As one of the last remaining model farms in the country, its preservation is crucial to safeguarding an important piece of Northamptonshire’s agricultural heritage.
Without this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the site could be lost to future generations, inaccessible to the public and unable to fulfil its potential as a community resource.
The Project’s Next Steps
Our first priority will be to complete a detailed review of the site, developing a master plan to guide its future growth and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. This will include the creation of a business plan, the recruitment of experienced trustees, and an ongoing commitment to community involvement. Through a series of public events and consultation activities, we will gather feedback and ideas from local residents, ensuring the project truly meets the needs of the community.
We are committed to maintaining a transparent and inclusive process, inviting the community to share their thoughts and participate in shaping the future of Hunsbury Hill Centre.
A Future for the Community
We are excited about the future of the Hunsbury Hill Centre and its potential to become a cornerstone of rural development in Northamptonshire. By restoring this historic site, we aim to offer a space where people can come together, learn, grow, and connect with the rich heritage of their community.
Nicola Toms, CEO of Northamptonshire ACRE, shared her excitement:
“We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we can now preserve this important community asset for generations to come.”
About Northamptonshire ACRE
Northamptonshire ACRE is a charity committed to supporting rural communities across Northamptonshire. We work to improve the quality of life for people in rural areas by offering services, advice, and resources. As the stewards of Hunsbury Hill Farm, we not only preserve an important piece of history but also use the site as a hub for community engagement, rural development, and educational events. We aim to celebrate Northamptonshire’s agricultural heritage and empower local communities to thrive.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder of heritage in the UK. As part of its mission to protect, transform, and share heritage, it invests in projects that benefit people, places, and the environment. The Heritage Fund’s work is driven by National Lottery players, whose contributions enable projects like the Hunsbury Hill Centre Restoration to come to life, creating lasting legacies for future generations.
For more information about the Hunsbury Hill Centre Restoration Project or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Hedges at Northamptonshire ACRE on 01604 765888 or jennifer.hedges@northantsacre.org.uk.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated on the project’s progress and the work of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.