Shaftesbury Estates farms 1,400 hectares of the estate through its subsidiary, St. Giles Farms Ltd. The principal enterprises are the production of combinable crops (wheat, barley, oats rape and peas) and a dairy herd of about 400 cows.
Shaftesbury Estates is situated in Wimborne St Giles in Dorset, close to the Wiltshire and Hampshire borders. It is the home of the Earls of Shaftesbury. It covers approximately 2,225 hectares (5,500 acres). About 50 residential dwellings and a number of commercial properties are let. In addition to the letting of property, the estate enterprises include a commercial shoot, fly fishing on the River Allen, a trout farm, forestry and agriculture. The surrounding countryside is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has many important ecological and archaeological sites, which the estate places great importance on preserving.
RIDING HOUSE
Within the grounds of St Giles House sits our new 8 bedroom accommodation in the 17th Century Riding House.
The experience gained from restoring St.Giles House has been put to good use in making sure the building’s charm and character is preserved. We have used a sensitive approach in dealing with the historic fabric to allow the building’s roots as a horse stables to be celebrated throughout. This creates a completely unique living experience.
FISHING ON THE ESTATE
Fishing is available along the River Allen. This intimate little river is an excellent example of the southern chalk stream: unspoilt with great charm and purity, holding a fine head of native brown trout.