An exciting next stage for Elmley

We have recently received planning permission for some very exciting projects at Kingshill Farm. This includes the development of a small all-weather events space, the conversion of the front of the farm workshop to a welcoming guest reception and the creation of beautiful gardens in the gravel area in front of the Kingshill Farm barns.

This is a really exciting next stage for Elmley and will create a welcoming and peaceful guest area, along with enabling us to host groups year-round in a warm space and to further expand our community nature programme.

We are very excited to be developing a stunning all weather events building within the courtyard of Kingshill Farm.

Positioned in the site of the Old Stables, this is a modern barn designed with an earthy,raw feel to sit timelessly within Kingshill Farm’s heritage setting and the wild of the Reserve.

This sustainably built space will have a fully glazed end to the pitched roof, and an energy efficient design, to allow guests to enjoy the huge skies and views over the Reserve from a warm, and comfortable space throughout the year. Designed by Tom Dunn Architects, a practice with the strongest ecological focus, and who designed and project managed the restoration of Kingshill Farmhouse 2018/9

The space will be situated at the far end of the grass courtyard facing Kingshill Barn, this area has arguably the best views over the Reserve, but is currently rather underutilised with the fire pit and old loo block here!

Outside the walls are blackened larch and the roof is zinc both of which will weather beautifully and quickly and complement the beautiful surrounding heritage brick, stone and timber.

The internals are soft, warm and rustic but simple and clean to allow the views to speak for themselves. The walls are textured clay plaster, the pitched ceiling will be clad in whitewashed timbers and the floor is a calming and eco friendly resin.

The gravel ‘Farmyard’ sits between Kingshill Barn, the green farm barn, and the pizza shack. We will be developing this area into gorgeous ecological gardens with plants and paths to create a calming and welcoming area with seating and gathering spaces, for a peaceful and beautiful guest relaxation and gathering area.

Linking with the existing gravel and farm heritage the gardens with be planted with drought resistant and wildlife friendly grasses, plants and herbs inspired by Beth Chatto and Elmley’s wider saltmarsh landscape, with thoughtful lighting, to create an inspiring and calm space which will look beautiful throughout the day and evening and through each season.

The gardens will flow into the new building area and we will focus our mature planting around the new Building so it feels settled for Spring and Summer 2026.

Our front of house guests reception area will move from Kingshill Barn to the front of the Green Farm Barn, facing the courtyard. The existing agricultural front will remain with the green double doors open and glazing behind, creating a calm and welcoming place for guests to arrive into that sits seamlessly with Elmley's farming roots.