Our Farmer Has Had Enough

Welcome back to Life at the Manor !! In this vid we have got some rather SAD news... Our farmer is stepping away after 25 years leaving us with one of the biggest decisions we have ever faced at Chavenage. For decades, the same farming contractor has looked after the land, understood every field and helped manage the estate’s 2,000 acres. But with rising costs, tighter margins and growing pressure across British farming, he has decided that enough is enough. Now we must find the right person to take over. In this episode of Life at the Manor, I join our land manager Keiran from Savills our very own version of Cheerful Charlie from Clarkson’s Farm as we visit six different farms that have applied to farm the Chavenage Estate. But choosing a new farming partner is about far more than simply accepting the best financial offer. We need to understand how each applicant manages their land, looks after their machinery, approaches soil health, balances commercial farming with conservation and plans for the future. Most importantly, can we trust them with Chavenage? This decision could shape the estate for the next 10, 15 or even 20 years. Get it right, and we can build a strong relationship that protects the land and helps secure Chavenage’s future. Get it wrong, and the consequences could be incredibly difficult to undo. The challenges we are facing are part of a much bigger story across UK farming. Machinery, fuel, fertiliser, labour and insurance costs have all increased, while margins remain under enormous pressure. Many British farmers are now asking whether the risks and demands of farming are still sustainable. Six farms. 2,000 acres. One huge decision. Who would you choose: the biggest operator, the most local farmer, the safest pair of hands or the youngest and most ambitious? Let us know in the comments what you think we should be looking for in the next person to farm Chavenage. Subscribe to Life at the Manor and follow our journey as we work to protect the estate, restore Many thanks for watching James & Em Musicbed License : MB01FKVXYOSWSMK Thanks for watching Life at the Manor! We’re sharing the real story of what it’s like to live, work, and restore a historic family estate in the heart of the Cotswolds. From manor house renovations and family history to farming life and hidden gems—you’re invited along for the journey. 🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to follow our restoration and heritage story each week. 💬 Got a question or a story to share? Pop it in the comments—we love hearing from you! 🌿 Want to experience the estate for yourself? 🏡 Stay at Chavenage — book our woodland CABIN on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/109060... ☕ Or come and visit our on-site café: https://www.thebarnatchavenage.co.uk/ 📍 Filmed at Chavenage House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire 📸 Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok : @chavenagestate