The Hampton Estate Phil Kemp visits a family-owned and run traditional agricultural estate – and unravels one of Surrey’s bestkept secrets. IF YOU have ever taken the road between Puttenham and Seale you will have undoubtedly seen an impressive hop garden nestling on the southern slopes of The Hog’s Back, an imposing 500ft chalk ridge linking the towns of Guildford and Farnham. You may also have had glimpses of historic parklands and woodlands and perhaps, like me, wondered who they belong to. My visit to the Hampton Estate was, certainly for me, the unravelling of one of Surrey’s ‘best-kept secrets’. Bridget and Bill Biddell not only reside at the very handsome Hampton Lodge, they have also taken on the responsibility from Bridget’s family for managing 2,500 acres, providing a kaleidoscope of different uses that bring direct benefit, not just to the estate, but also to the local community. My tour with Bill started in front of some wall-mounted maps in the estate office, which he used to provide a fascinating overview of the full range of activities the family manage on a day-to-day basis. “This is Puttenham Common, owned by the estate but providing 500 acres of open access to the public. It is managed by Surrey County Council and attracts visitors who enjoy the walks and rides it has to offer.”
One of Surrey’s ‘best-kept secrets’ Bill taps a finger on a large dark green area of the map. “We have a lot of forestry activity on the estate, and are well known for the range of woodland we manage. We produce commercial softwoods, and amenity hardwoods with some of this also for commercial use. We are very sandy here, in common with much of Surrey, and being poor
12 VANTAGEPOINT
Top: Bill Biddell at Hampton's monthly Beef Friday. Above: Myrtle's Courtyard, the former milking parlour, is now available to rent.
To advertise, please call 01483 420173
vantagepointmag.co.uk