Custodians of the SOIL

The Baring family share how they are futureproofing their estate to make it financially and ecologically sustainable

- Elizabeth Kirby

Punctuating the landscape at Northington, The Grange is a splendid example of Greek Revival architecture. Many will be familiar with the venue as the home of Michael Chance’s operatic Grange Festival; however, the owners of The Grange, and indeed the entire Northington estate are a family with a focus not just on this iconic building, but on the future of the estate as a whole.

The Barings are far more than their banking heritage. Custodians of Hampshire soil, for which both grape and grain are farmed, the Barings take their responsibilities as landowners seriously. Gone are the days where British aristocracy can be just that, this generation of Barings are entrepreneurial, spirited and ambitious.

Lord Ashburton’s son and heir, Mark and his wife Sophie along with Mark’s son Fred have a firm stance when it comes to what is best for the estate and all it encompasses. With a restorative approach, the family, including brother Zam and sisters Rose and Lucy, are ensuring the actions of today are futureproofing the estate for generations to come.

We meet in the grounds of Abbotstone Farm, formally Mark and Sophie’s family home, it is now becoming a beautiful self-catered retreat for families and businesses to gather and enjoy. With renowned chef at the Grange Festival, Becka Cooper onsite, as well as stunning grounds and a lake, swimming pool and workspace in a converted barn, the venue can provide the perfect getaway for a special family occasion or corporate team building event.

‘The family will welcome visitors from far and wide to experience their unique slice of Hampshire’