Site History

1864 barn origins
The two-storey barn dates from 1864, based on timber carving found during the renovation works. It began as a crescent-shaped grain store, with horse and cart entering from the rear to unload before passing out through the front.

World War I
It is thought the single-storey barns were built between 1910 and 1930 to house horses that were reared and prepared for service in France.

1937 farmyard use
By 1937 the barns were in agricultural use for fruit packing, storage and day-to-day farm operations, with orchards planted around the edge of the airfield.

World War II airfield
During the war, the fields to the south towards Colchester formed part of Boxted Airfield, used by the American Air Force. Park Lane Farm lies immediately to the right at the top of the northern runway.

Post-war landscape
After the war, the runways were reduced in width and some of the concrete was crushed for use in the development of the A12. A narrow strip of runway remains today, while the surrounding land returned to orchards and later field crops.

Modern day
In 2008, Guy Williamson acquired the site and led a three-year restoration and conversion, creating the business centre while preserving the character of the original barns.