Land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie has advised on the lease of a 270 acre farm in Leicestershire’s Charnwood Forest.
The firm, which is based in Loughborough, has helped rent out Home Farm, which is located just outside the town in Nanpantan, and which forms part of the historic Paget Estate.
It has been let by estate owner Joanna Herbert-Stepney to Marie and Chris Bond, who grew up in the area. Ms Bond, the lead tenant, has spent most of her life working on farms.
Their new property is an organic mixed farm which rears Longhorn cattle, Polled Forest and Lleyn Sheep. Mr Bond also runs a local agricultural service, covering things such as fencing, hedge laying and paddock maintenance.
Ms Bond said: “Home Farm is such a special place and I feel extremely lucky to have been given such a great opportunity.
“We feel so very grateful to have a landlord that cares so much and encourages and champions organic farming.”
Estate owner Joanna Herbert-Stepney said: “Home Farm is in beautiful countryside, but it’s not an easy terrain to run.
“Maire’s doing a great job – it’s organic and full of animals and life. I’m proud to have her as a tenant.”
Mather Jamie director Amy Biddell, who manages the Paget Estate, said: “Chris and Marie have great ideas for the future of Home Farm so it’s great to welcome such forward thinking young organic tenants to the Paget Estate.
“We wish them well in their new farming venture.”
The Bond’s plans include selling natural crafts such as a new organic soap line, which will be CPD certified and sold on the Home Farm website, in local businesses and at the pop-up farm shop during open days.
In addition, an outbuilding is in the process of being renovated into a function space for hire for activities ranging from crafting to corporate meetings and events.
There are also plans for beekeeping courses as well as taster sessions for people wanting to give it a try. Ms Bond is also looking into the possibility of rearing goats for meat and milk.
