Welcome to Silchester Farm, A Rural Retreat
Welcome to Silchester Farm, our dream that became a reality… offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and the warmest of welcomes. We are secretly stowed in the historic village of Roman Silchester, amongst the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
As soon as my husband Al and I set foot through the gates from the tree-lined drive of Silchester Farm, back in 2018, our eyes widened, our hearts raced and our smiles were undeniable, we had fallen in love. Not only with what immediately stood in front of us, but with the dreams and life that we envisaged experiencing in our future here.
Silchester Farm has been loved and cherished by each family that has lived here, and now, having opened the gates to the wider world, it continues to be loved by many more that stay, celebrate, meet, embrace, smile, and shed a tear here. That is a huge joy for us.
Carla, Al and family.
Our Heartfelt Vision
As soon as we found Silchester Farm we knew we had to share it by creating a place where people could get together, enjoy, relax, and leave the wider world behind, for all kinds of events and occasions. So, with our shared passion for creative restoration, we set about breathing new life into the beautiful architecture, interiors, and landscape with our individual style, with the aim of creating a destination like no other.
Restoring, upcycling, and hunting for antiques to make the whole farmstead a home from home is central to our vision. We love natural finishes, and many of the unique features throughout the property are materials from around the farm. Take, for example, the Threshing barn's handrail that has been expertly crafted from a fallen branch from one of our own oak trees, much to the delight of our skilled local artisans. Every detail we incorporate tells a unique story and lends an unmistakable charm to your experience.
Before and after pictures of the Dutch Barn (top), The Cowshed (middle), and the bar in The Old Hen House (bottom).
Integral to Silchester Farm (and something we will always strive for), is our aim to be sustainable. Hospitality in general creates a mountain of waste, and it is our mission to keep our contribution to that as small as possible. We forage from our own land to use in the kitchens, and source produce from local suppliers as much as possible. We also offset with the planting of trees and have ‘re-greened’ areas that were previously concrete. Recycling, reusing, replanting, or responsibly disposing of waste are a must as we aim to preserve and enhance the natural environment.
Most importantly, we want to be the centre of the local community. From using local suppliers and employing from the surrounding area, to organising events and fundraisers and supporting local charities and associations, it’s one of the most vital parts of the life blood of Silchester Farm.
Our Farm, Your Haven
We have fallen in love with our haven and invite you to do so too. At Silchester Farm, we're here to bring your dreams to life, and the more unique, the better! Our estate's extraordinary versatility is your canvas to craft anything your heart desires.
Bespoke Events and Celebrations – We believe we’ve created the perfect setting for events and celebrations. Whether you're planning your dream wedding, a corporate retreat or a family reunion, our tailored events, unique spaces and friendly, experienced team are here to make your occasion unforgettable.
Stay Over - ‘The Retreat’ at Silchester Farm is designed to provide you with a home away from home. Whether you're looking for a cosy cottage, a rustic barn conversion, or a luxurious farmhouse, we offer a variety of options to suit your stay. Each space is beautifully decorated and equipped with everything you need to ensure you unwind and relax during your stay. We also offer a beautifully curated breakfast delivered fresh to your door, and the option of a private chef for evening meals, or perhaps a long lavish lunch.
A Celebration of British Countryside Dining and Our Unique Bar Collection - One of the highlights of staying with us is the opportunity to indulge in our refined rustic food. We take pride in serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are harvested right here on our farm. Our skilled chefs prepare dishes that bring to life the essence of the English seasons.
Our food is perfectly complemented by our carefully considered bars, that not only catch the eye as stand out features of our Cow Shed and Threshing Barn, but also house some of the finest locally produced beers, spirits and wines that have been lovingly chosen to represent the local, sustainable, and individual ethos of Silchester Farm.
Nurturing Our Silchester Family
Farm life fosters a strong sense of community and family. Together with our team, we differentiate ourselves from other venues coordinating events; our intention is to support, teach and ultimately embrace our colleagues to become part of the Silchester family. Working in a beautiful space most definitely helps us with our everyday jobs, but we also want to ensure a positive working environment for our like-minded people who embrace our ethos.
Successful events and keeping our farm running takes hard work and dedication. We are committed to our team, and working together, we continually break the mould, further embedding our passion in this fast paced and ever-changing industry.
We continue to learn and adapt our business, facing every challenge openly and improving at every opportunity. With plans to further pursue training and with more opportunities arising at the farm all the time, no two days are the same, and that keeps our team focused and motivated.
Honouring Our Farm's Heritage
We hold deep reverence for the farm's rich history, and our logo pays homage to its origins as a pig farm, a vital thread in the tapestry of what it represents today.
But perhaps nothing encapsulates our commitment to preserving the past and embracing the future more than the Millennium Oak Tree, planted by the previous owners at the turn of the millennium. Rooted at the very heart of the farm, this majestic oak stands as a symbol of our dedication to our heritage. Purposefully, we've designed our surroundings to revolve around this centrepiece, allowing it to guide us through the changing seasons of Silchester Farm. We've meticulously created pathways leading directly to this magnificent feature, inviting all to partake in its enduring beauty.
Our Millennium Oak Tree looking beautiful in Autumn.
Building Lifelong Friendships
What we cherish most about our journey is the connections we foster. Those who step through our doors not only become guests but treasured friends. Your initial visit, perhaps for a wedding, often evolves into an annual anniversary tradition. Friends and family gather in our farmhouses, savouring feasts crafted by our talented chefs.
You might start with a business offsite meeting or a company kick-off, only to return for your own nuptials or become a regular attendee at our diverse events. The paths may differ, but the destination is always the same—a lasting relationship and membership in a community that's bound for life through moments and memories.
Discover Silchester Farm
From the moment you arrive at Silchester Farm, we hope you'll be as captivated by the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, as Al and I were when we first visited. We invite you to explore this rural idyll and experience the charm and tranquillity for yourself.
To book a viewing or find out more, please contact us, we await you with open arms... as our saying goes, we are friends and family, serving friends and family. You may even meet our beloved family pet pigs, Melvin, and Charlotte, who have been with us since babies from day one on the farm.
Melvin, one of our beloved family pet pigs.