Family & Farm
About Us
Michael was born and raised on the farm so has developed both a deep love and understanding of just how special it is and he’s determined to preserve it for his own family, including his young son, Wilfie. Michael studied Land Management at Cirencester and also travelled and worked in New Zealand, gaining valuable experience along the way.
Sophie enjoyed a successful career in marketing, working with many leading hospitality and corporate names during her time in London, before returning to Norfolk. She thoroughly enjoys being part of the family business as it diversifies to reflect changing economic times.
They are keen to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere at the farm, offering a really personal service for their guests. Nothing will be too much trouble, whether it’s organising a shop beforehand, booking excursions or recommending where to have supper. Sophie or Michael will meet you as you arrive, ensuring you are equipped with all the knowledge you need for a stress free stay.
The Farm
The 350-acre Westgate Farm is part of the historic Walsingham Estate, situated around six miles from the North Norfolk coast which boasts both glorious sandy beaches and mysterious creeks that flow through the salt marshes and out to sea.
Currently farmed in collaboration with Pilgrim Farming by Michael, a second generation tenant farmer, the main crops are winter and spring barley which are grown, under contract, for Crisp Malt. Wheat is also grown for the animal feed market, and oil seed rape is produced for cooking oil. A new addition is the introduction of PYO Sunflowers, grown over 20 acres, which are harvested in mid to late October, with the seeds then sold to the bird feed market.
Of great interest to Michael is an environmental stewardship scheme which runs in parallel to his arable farming. This includes the management of ancient hedgerows, winter bird food plots and flower rich margins which provide a vital habitat for bees and insects. By creating areas that are rich in wildlife, the overall carbon footprint of the farm is dramatically reduced - something that is highly important to both Michael and Sophie. The farm also includes water meadows which provide summer grazing for a neighbour’s cattle.