Sourdough and Artisan Bread Making

The Restoration Of The Two Manor Houses

Once Upon A Time…

An ancient site (1000AD), with a medieval manor (1300sAD), Tudor Manor house (1500sAD) and grounds were left neglected, unloved and derelict - ‘like a time warp’ - in a beautiful part of South West England. Until 2014, when this little sleeping beauty was stumbled upon (in a very peculiar way) by a family who were not strangers to renovation. Was it chance, or did the magical old place attract someone idealistic and romantic enough to spend the next years lovingly restoring it?

At the time Court House Farm was owned by the Spitalfields Trust, well known for buying buildings that needed saving. It was classed as Grade II* listed - officially a national treasure. The site was released into the safe keeping and tender care of the Reeds, who began to lovingly restore it. Today the ancient heart of the place, along with its important wells, tower and secret tunnel, have come alive again. The two main Manors are sensitively restored and beautiful once more, and although the outbuildings and grounds are still a work in progress - and a sustainable way forward has to be found - with support and interest this magical snap shot in ancient history can be preserved and delighted in by all, both now and into the future.

Even though just a modest gathering of buildings, the site celebrates a rare collection of historic moments; who knows what stories happened here, what secrets it holds… the authenticity, heart and spiritual energy of this site gives us a meaningful reminder of how life used to be, and what originally began as a journey of restoration has become a touching reminder of how we yearn for meaning and roots that only history over countless centuries can give us. This delightful enclave has a timeless magic all of its own.

Set within the conservation parish of Saint Peter's, and unusually within a short walk of the High Street, this was the earliest known settlement in the area with three important existing wells still on site. The site would once have had a much larger central Manor house supported by many smaller wooden buildings and workers on its perimeter; it would have been a hive of activity! Much of the very rare timber medieval Manor still exists, as its gentrified stone parts survived the many challenges over the last 600+ years, with the later Tudor Manor and Tower sitting more grandly next to it.

The site is steeped in history - much of which we’ll never know - but we’re gradually discovering more. There is much more to do; maintaining the renovation and restoration, the unique hexagonal tower still needs help, and many of the grander and smaller outbuildings need caring for.There is no formal national help for buildings and sites in danger, so this has completely been a labour of love for us; one which continues to use all the resources we can muster.
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