The Story of West Down Farm
West Down Farm has a rich history rooted in the early 1900s, when the owner of the local Whitechapel estate decided to downsize and build a new home on one of his fields, known as West Down. Designed in the arts and crafts style popular at the time, the house embodied craftsmanship and attention to detail, with a focus on blending beauty and function. This decision gave our property its name and character.
Through The 1980's...
Tthe house was extended to include two additional bedrooms and an expanded kitchen, setting the stage for what it would eventually become. By the late 1980s, the farm transitioned into a horse racing yard, complete with the addition of a gallop. The property flourished during this time, before Roger and Brenda Savoury transformed it in the late 1990s into a thriving bed-and-breakfast. For several years, West Down Farm welcomed guests from far and wide, but after changing ownership twice in the early 2000s, the B&B side of the business began to fade.
In 2009, we became the proud owners of West Down Farm. With four children all mad about horses and ponies, the stables were quickly filled and well-loved! While we successfully revived the B&B, the house also became a happy, bustling family home. As our children grew up and eventually flew the nest, Andrew and I found ourselves living in a large, underused home that was just waiting for its next chapter.
Being country people at heart, we decided to reimagine West Down Farm as self-catering accommodation, with a vision to make it as eco-friendly as possible. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring this dream to life. We’ve added a biomass boiler, solar panels, a borehole, and more recently, four holiday lodges situated along the edge of the old gallop. This spot is perfect for spotting a variety of wildlife, including owls, bats, numerous birds, and the magnificent red deer.
Today at West Down...
Our journey toward sustainability is ongoing. We have plans to further expand our solar power capacity, install wind turbines, and introduce even more environmentally friendly lodges. Our ultimate goal is to become completely carbon neutral, while continuing to offer a tranquil, sustainable retreat where guests can reconnect with nature and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re here to relax in one of our hot tubs or baths enjoy the breathtaking wildlife, or simply soak up the peace and quiet of the countryside, West Down Farm is a place where history, family, and sustainability come together to offer a truly unique experience.
