We are delighted to invite our Devon Branch members to this year’s Devon AGM at Thorne Farm, by kind permission of The Hawke Family.

Thorne Farm is a family-owned estate set within its own peaceful valley in the heart of the Devon countryside, where centuries of farming heritage meet thoughtful modern diversification. The farm was purchased by Nigel and Katherine Hawke at public auction in the spring of 2012. At the time, Thorne Farm had remained largely untouched for four generations under the stewardship of the Luxton family, retaining a wealth of original features and historic character.

Once part of Oxford University’s Balliol College estate, Thorne Farm has records dating back to the 16th century. The historic farmstead comprises a collection of traditional buildings set within 250 acres of prime Devonshire farmland, ancient woodland and wildlife-rich meadows. Katherine, both a chartered surveyor and a farmer, leads an ongoing programme of sensitive renovation, carefully balancing modern comfort with the preservation of the farm’s historic charm.

Alongside restoration, the land underwent extensive soil testing and mapping before transitioning to organic and regenerative farming. Today, tree planting, sustainable land management and a flock of locally reared organic “Teddy Bear” Ryeland sheep support a thriving, environmentally sound farming system. The estate is rich in wildlife, from barn owls and birds of prey to red deer, hares and wildflowers, offering a rare sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.

Thorne Farm has evolved into a diverse and carefully curated rural enterprise. At its heart is Hawke Barn, a beautifully restored 16th-century threshing barn offering an exclusive and versatile venue. Hawke Barn hosts weddings and special celebrations, family gatherings, corporate events, wellbeing retreats and more reflective occasions such as wakes and celebrations of life. Alongside this, former farm buildings have been converted into luxury holiday cottages, creating a peaceful and characterful setting for guests to gather and stay.

Alongside its hospitality offering sits Thorne Farm Racing, a family-run National Hunt training yard located within the same valley. Home to around 50 thoroughbred racehorses, the yard benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and the experience of Nigel Hawke, a Grand National-winning jockey who rode Seagram to victory in 1991 and later found and produced Tiger Roll. Together, heritage, sport and hospitality define Thorne Farm’s distinctive identity.

Programme
11.00am – Registration, tea and coffee
11.30am – AGM
11.50am – Update from CLA Officer
12.45pm – Welcome to Thorne Farm
1.00pm – Two-course lunch
2.15pm –  Racing Stable Tour
3.20pm – Refreshments
3.45pm – Depart

Please dress accordingly to the weather with sensible footwear.