A Week on the Estate: Big Plans, Projects Galore & Valentine’s Artisans

HEDGEROWS & FENCING

We’ve planted around 7km of new hedgerow since 2019, including 1km so far this season. If you regularly walk our trails, you’ll see our new hedgerows grow over time and hopefully notice the increase in biodiversity across the Estate.

Some of the Estate’s essential fencing hasn’t been updated for generations. We’re upgrading it with traditional post-and-wire fencing around arable cover crops and post-and-rail around grassland. Alongside the hedgerows, this will help organise our rotational grazing system and keep our Lincoln Reds secure.

We’ve been stripping out old barbed wire for recycling and it won’t be coming back.

LINCOLN RED LOOKOUT

During 2022, Johnson & Smith of Lincoln turned a semi-derelict 18th-century farm building at the heart of the Estate into a highly desirable holiday let. The Lookout’s character and heritage have been preserved and it benefits from 21^st century amenities and efficiency measures including breathable wool insulation.

Estate tenant Sally has an eye for colour and some knowledge of antiques, so she’s in charge of finishing touches and soft furnishing. The Lincoln Red Lookout should be welcoming guests by Easter.

Lookout guests will be able to use a hide on Limetree Avenue to get acquainted with our wildlife.

FUTURE-PROOFING THE HALL

Throughout 2023, we’ll be slowly moving out of South Ormsby Hall. Staff will relocate to Manor Farm Stables and temporary homes will be sought for artworks and books. The Hall is showing its venerable age and needs improvements to see it through the next generation or two.

With safety, posterity and sustainability in mind, we’ll be comprehensively updating the electrics and making the heating and hot water as efficient as possible. You may be aware of the substantial work done in 2021 to reinforce one floor, but there are two more to go! We’ll also be returning the roof to its original, intended shape.

The first South Ormsby Hall was commissioned by Sir Drayner Massingberd in the 17^th century, but the whole structure was substantially rebuilt in the 18^th century. The most familiar aspect of the Hall, its east-facing frontage, dates to the 1750s and was designed in the Palladian style by influential architect James Paine.

This will be a long, involved and complex job, and we look forward to showing you some skilled artisans at work.

IMPROVING THE LAKE

We’ll be systematically improving the Lake’s appearance, using 18^th and 19^th century paintings and drawings as a guide. Fencing and tree-crowding will be reduced, there’ll be new and sympathetic planting, and the edging will be improved with no use of concrete.

The lake-head is leaking so this will be resolved and a fish-path added. The boathouse will be recreated and there’s a possibility of hydro-electricity generation. Dredging will also be required as the original depth of 2m has reduced to 10cm.

AND FINALLY…

If you’re thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day, then look no further. Two Massingberd-Mundy artisans have come together to bring your loved one something very special.

Marie Jeanne Pink Gin is inspired by Marie Jeanne Rapigeon, a bold and glamorous lady who brought the elegance of 18th-century Versailles to the Lincolnshire Wolds. Multi-award-winning Master Distiller Tristan Jørgensen has created a vibrant and fruity gin with a depth of sophistication befitting its namesake.

Massingberd-Mundy Luxury Leather Goods celebrate the fifth quarter of our grass-fed, rare-breed Lincoln Red cattle. Finn Bracey has mastered the art of turning home-grown hides into fine, decorative leatherware.

Together, Finn and Tristan have created a Gin Gift Set just in time for Valentine’s Day. Your 70cl bottle of Marie Jeanne Pink Gin will be wrapped in pink, set off with rose gold confetti and presented with an exclusive hand-made leather rose. We’ll also include a special branded glass and two heart-shaped candles with our compliments. Perfection!

This is a strictly limited edition of 25 Gin Gift Sets so don’t shilly-shally. Click HERE to find out more.

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