Welcome
to Bolesworth Estate
The Bolesworth Estate near Tattenhall, Cheshire, is a family business run by the descendants of Robert Barbour who first purchased the estate, and its central feature Bolesworth Castle, in 1856.
Robert Barbour extended the estate and built several model farms and for more than 100 years it was run as a traditional agricultural estate specialising in dairy farming for which Cheshire is famous.
By the end of the 20th century dairy farming had begun to face a more uncertain future and it became clear that the estate would have to adapt and diversify to keep pace with the changing economy.
The late Anthony Barbour recognised the demand for high quality office accommodation and under his stewardship a number of redundant farm buildings on the estate were converted for commercial use. Additional planning permission for newly-built commercial premises meant that Bolesworth could offer an even wider range of facilities to the growing number of businesses wishing to relocate to this desirable, and very accessible, part of Cheshire.
Today, while Bolesworth remains keen to maintain a viable dairy farm operation, it is also thriving as a business community in the heart of the countryside, playing a leading role in regenerating the economy of this rural area and developing a strong working partnership with Chester City Council and other authorities.
The Barbours were, and remain to this day, dedicated to developing and maintaining the estate and their beautiful family home.
When Robert Barbour’s grandson, Major Robert Barbour inherited the estate in 1919 he decided to modernise Bolesworth Castle and chose as his architect Clough Williams-Ellis, famous for his creation of the Italianate village of Portmerion in Wales.
Commanding stunning views from its terraces of the park and lake, the Cheshire plain, and, in the distance, the Welsh mountains, Bolesworth Castle is now widely regarded as one of the most attractive country houses in Cheshire
Anthony Barbour continued the restoration work of the house and development of the estate and in 1998 his achievements were recognised when he was awarded the Bledisloe Gold Medal for landowners by the Royal Agricultural Society of England. Following his death in 2007, his wife Diana Barbour and his daughter, Nina Barbour head up the management team of the Bolesworth Estate Company.
The Bolesworth Estate is now one of Britain's most respected names in the development of thriving rural business communities, not only looking back on its successful past but also looking forward to an even more successful future. |
