About a decade ago, several high-tech entrepreneurs Michael and Xochi’s Birch purchased the building in Woolfardis Worthy (Wind for short), a small village of Devon, two and a half hours from London. Michael had a happy childhood summer there, dreaming of revitalizing the area. They acquired old Manor House, Post Office, Pub and Fish and Chip Shop. The final piece of the puzzle? Birch Farm, 150 acres of worn-out pasture. But the magical material is definitely Josh Spark. Your resume is a head gardener and grower with a stint in Sisinhurst and more importantly staying in the US and Japan to learn about the recycled food system. He uses perhaps the most unusual growth technique in the UK, employing the land to fertility within the agroforestry system supported by mystical soil preparations from Japan and Korea. The produce goes straight to the restaurant, along with livestock of rare varieties. Taking visitors and gardeners (for a one-day course) from afar is a very hot ticket.
Time, Gloucestershire
Time is a typical Cotswold hamlet, a 150-acre property in Southrop and located in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Carefully overhauled from the beginning of this century by Carryn Hibbert and Jerry Hibbert and engineer Michael Bertiori, Carryn’s father, The Time is the building’s classic mansion collection, with the farm sitting on the cheek along with the main house. The interconnected gardens are made by Bunny Guinness, and topiaries are abundant.
Near the town of Recklade (two hours from London), the river reach passes through the lower part of the farm. The kitchen garden benefits from the rich alluvial soil. This is protected by low impact growth practices. Garden produce inspires thyme’s four restaurants, as well as culinary schools and spas.
