ABOUT

The Cholderton Estate was founded in 1885 by ‘Inky’ Stephens, inventor of the famous blue-black ‘Stephens’ ink, and remains in the family to this day. Our 1,000 hectare farm on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border near the UNESCO world heritage site of Stonehenge, is farmed regeneratively and has been certified organic for nearly 50 years. The result is an estate that is both commercial and sustainable, supporting an exceptional wealth and diversity of wildlife. View our ‘Species Lists’ here.

Aside from arable and re-wilded areas, the farm runs around 500 head of sheep and 600 cattle that graze extensively managed herbal Ley pastures across our ancient chalk downland landscape. We are caretakers of an award-winning flock of Hampshire Down Sheep and the oldest Cleveland Bay Stud in the World; both rare and endangered native breeds. Today Cholderton Cleveland Bays can be seen on duty in the Royal Mews and competing successfully globally (pictured below).

The Estate also supports a diverse range of micro-businesses including self-catered holiday cabins and cottages, a wedding venue, commercial and residential property rentals, a woodland burial ground and a farm shop.