A little Hemsford History
The Hamlet started life as a farm complex, rumoured to be part of an estate owned by the Singer sewing machine family. We have census records going back to 1860, when the location was listed as having around 20 residents in separate cottages. The main farmhouse, now known as Hemsford House, is in fact made up of at least four dwellings, with the rear of the building showing signs of extensive changes, possibly due to a fire or similar calamity. The interior has an odd layout to say the least, with staircases and rooms running off in all directions. The "west wing" has been split from the main building and is now known as "Caradoc House" Unfortunately that part now sports a white render, instead of the original beautiful stone finish.
The rest of the properties here are converted farm barns and buildings of one sort or another. The main house is massively constructed, using limestone and huge beams, and all the other properties exhibit typical Victorian solidity. All the properties have a classic Limestone finish, with a "Red Rubber" in brick around the doors of the old barns and some windows, very much a characteristic of the 1870's and shows how much building was done around that time. At least three other barns are to be found in the local fields with the same appearance.
There's no doubt that the whole area was a hive of activity in Victorian times, with the population being at least double if not triple the levels now found. The "quiet" countryside used to be anything but, with work going on from dawn to dusk.
The farm complex of 3 large barns was converted in the early 1980's to form a holiday village with cottages being let out to holidaymakers. It was very popular amongst those who wished a get away from city life. It boasted a nine hole golf course, an indoor swimming pool and clubhouse, small shop and riding stable, outdoor arena, with riding lessons and hacking available. There was also a trout lake in one of the fields.
The whole complex was subsequently sold to a property developer in around 1987, who was able eventually able to obtain planning permission for permanent occupancy of the cottages that were formerly holiday lets. The fields that once belonged to the farm were also divided and sold with some of the cottages who now have their own paddocks.
Over the past 20 years since we (The Jeffery family) have occupied the main farmhouse there have been many note worthy incidents at Hemsford, including 2 major fires in one of the cottages, births, deaths, marriages, and many social events, including a jubilee party to celebrate the Queen's jubilee, and anniversary parties along with general get togethers and meetings. We have been witness to storms, flooding and even snow on a very rare occasion!
I think it's fair to say we are very grateful to the emergency services here, certainly the poor Fire Brigade, who have so far carried out at least three Horse rescues as well. One particular Horse ended up on its back in the same ditch twice, and one other one fell in the river, and had to be bodily fished out.
Being a country location animals figure very much in day to day life, with a number of residents enjoying Equestrian pursuits in various forms, and making use of the communal arena. There are also a large number of smaller animals about, including various dogs and cats in amongst the inevitable chickens. I think it's fair to say we are all animal lovers in these parts, and the topic of conversation between neighbours is often about what they get up to. At the last count there were 17 pet cats living amongst the cottage owners. The communal tennis court is often the scene of roller skating, skate boarding and bike riding, but not a lot of tennis!!! The rest of the communal grassy areas are often used by the children living here and its wonderful to see the little ones having fun outside in the sunshine!
Although Hemsord appears to be the sort of place where nothing much happens, there is a slice of life as rich as any other small community.
The rest of the properties here are converted farm barns and buildings of one sort or another. The main house is massively constructed, using limestone and huge beams, and all the other properties exhibit typical Victorian solidity. All the properties have a classic Limestone finish, with a "Red Rubber" in brick around the doors of the old barns and some windows, very much a characteristic of the 1870's and shows how much building was done around that time. At least three other barns are to be found in the local fields with the same appearance.
There's no doubt that the whole area was a hive of activity in Victorian times, with the population being at least double if not triple the levels now found. The "quiet" countryside used to be anything but, with work going on from dawn to dusk.
The farm complex of 3 large barns was converted in the early 1980's to form a holiday village with cottages being let out to holidaymakers. It was very popular amongst those who wished a get away from city life. It boasted a nine hole golf course, an indoor swimming pool and clubhouse, small shop and riding stable, outdoor arena, with riding lessons and hacking available. There was also a trout lake in one of the fields.
The whole complex was subsequently sold to a property developer in around 1987, who was able eventually able to obtain planning permission for permanent occupancy of the cottages that were formerly holiday lets. The fields that once belonged to the farm were also divided and sold with some of the cottages who now have their own paddocks.
Over the past 20 years since we (The Jeffery family) have occupied the main farmhouse there have been many note worthy incidents at Hemsford, including 2 major fires in one of the cottages, births, deaths, marriages, and many social events, including a jubilee party to celebrate the Queen's jubilee, and anniversary parties along with general get togethers and meetings. We have been witness to storms, flooding and even snow on a very rare occasion!
I think it's fair to say we are very grateful to the emergency services here, certainly the poor Fire Brigade, who have so far carried out at least three Horse rescues as well. One particular Horse ended up on its back in the same ditch twice, and one other one fell in the river, and had to be bodily fished out.
Being a country location animals figure very much in day to day life, with a number of residents enjoying Equestrian pursuits in various forms, and making use of the communal arena. There are also a large number of smaller animals about, including various dogs and cats in amongst the inevitable chickens. I think it's fair to say we are all animal lovers in these parts, and the topic of conversation between neighbours is often about what they get up to. At the last count there were 17 pet cats living amongst the cottage owners. The communal tennis court is often the scene of roller skating, skate boarding and bike riding, but not a lot of tennis!!! The rest of the communal grassy areas are often used by the children living here and its wonderful to see the little ones having fun outside in the sunshine!
Although Hemsord appears to be the sort of place where nothing much happens, there is a slice of life as rich as any other small community.