Savills has been appointed to source a tenant to develop and operate a new business at the Elephant Barn in Beerfurlong, Gloucestershire.
Set within the Cotswolds National Landscape, the Elephant Barn benefits from a picturesque rural setting while remaining well connected to the nearby centres of Cirencester, Swindon, Cheltenham and Oxford, making it an attractive location for a new business venture.
Constructed in 1870 as part of a model farm, the Grade II listed building is of notable architectural and historical significance, representing a rare example of a Victorian model farmstead.
While the building has become redundant for modern agricultural use, it presents a unique opportunity for redevelopment and reuse. Its architectural quality and heritage value justify a thoughtful and sustainable approach to reuse.
Subject to the necessary consents, the Elephant Barn has potential for a variety of uses, including a wedding and events venue, hotel, farm shop and café, rural retail destination, wellness facility, brewery, or a mixed-use development.
The site comprises the main Elephant Barn complex, storage buildings, commercial space and a range of agricultural buildings.
The property has historical links to the Bazley cotton manufacturing family, Duleep Singh, the last Maharajah of the Punjab, and the wider Hatherop Estate in the Cotswolds. Locals claim the name the Elephant Barn originates from its design for keeping elephants to work on the estate.
Ernest Cook Trust (the Trust), who acquired the estate in 2002 from the Bazley family, have worked to preserve its unique character and agricultural heritage.
Simon Foster, Director in Savills Tourism, Leisure and Events consultancy team, commented: "The Elephant Barn presents a rare opportunity to breathe a new life into a heritage asset. The combination of historic character, architectural significance, within an outstanding location in the heart of the Cotswolds, provide the foundations for a standout business. We anticipate strong interest from operators seeking to unlock the full potential of this site.”
Interested operators should contact Savills for further details on the opportunity, process and timelines.