South Downs estate unveils new experiences for visitors
August 15, 2022
A huge refurbishment at one of the National Park’s largest wine-producing estates has been completed with the launch of new visitor facilities.
Wiston Estate, in West Sussex, is now open to the public with the launch of Chalk Restaurant and a new winery.
The renovation project was recently given a “Highly Commended” Award from the Sussex Heritage Trust for its design excellence in a National Park setting.
The refurbishments were given the go-ahead over three years ago by the National Park’s Planning Committee following the production of the Wiston Whole Estate Plan, which enabled members and the local community to see how this significant development related to the management of the estate and wider landscape.
Tori Eeles, from the estate, said: “Chalk Restaurant occupies a beautifully-renovated 18th Century threshing barn which has been expertly restored and transformed to create a warm and welcoming space.
“The aim is to create dishes that express the nature, heritage and changing seasons of the land we share.”
New tours have also been launched at the winery, as well as “landscape and nature tours”, exploring themes like ancient woodlands, butterflies, Downland farming and birds.
The estate comprises 14 farms, 2,000 acres of pasture, over 100 homes, 1,200 acres of woodland and is criss-crossed with 58km of footpaths and bridleways.
Tori added: “All this development is part of the estate’s long term plan to make Wiston a place where people, nature and enterprise can co-exist and flourish.”
Find out more at www.wistonestate.com
