Our Vision
Frame Farm became our family home in 2015, purchased with the intention of creating an exceptional, eco-friendly venue within the redundant Grade II listed farm buildings that lie to the west of the Georgian farmhouse. Giving these barns a new life and the farm a viable future was of great importance to us so we embarked on a meticulous restoration programme that took three and a half years to complete.
We incorporated low-carbon technology into the design with a deliberate move away from fossil fuels and a focus on energy efficiency. During our first year we renovated Weaver's Cottages and installed a biomass boiler, to provide all the heating and hot water requirements for all the buildings on the farm. We introduced low energy lighting and appliances throughout the buildings and our solar panels now produce a surplus of energy which can be directed into the heating system.
Wherever we can we have recycled, upcycled and reused building materials in the renovation. The old stable posts now support the pontoon on the pond and horse troughs form the sinks in The Oak Barn. We felled a huge dead oak tree on the farm and have used the timber for both the restoration and for our bar, benches and tables.
In September 2017, our builders Astral Ltd, finally broke ground to begin restoration of The Oak Barn, rebuild of The Byre and redo the roadways. It was an enormous and exhausting task lasting 16 months but the results are spectacular thanks to their attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship.
Our work on the gardens and landscaping, dredging of the pond and creation of the waterfall was completed in 2018 and our grasses, ferns and perennials can now begin to mature. We have planted over 500 trees and plants and will continue to add to our collection in the years to come.
Aside from our green aspirations, we know that a warm welcome, personal service and relaxed setting will ensure our guests are easily captivated by the magic and beauty of Frame Farm. It is a very special place that we look forward to sharing with you.
Tim & Deana Maw
History
2020
October
National Finalist for The Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award by Rural Business Awards
March
The UK enters lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic
2019
October
Runner up for Best Rural Start Up Business, South East by Rural Business Awards
Spring
Planting of the ornamental grass garden as well as three new borders
2nd February
Our first wedding, Kate and Michael’s, is hosted on 2nd February and more than 20 events follow throughout the year.
19th January
Launch of The Oak Barn, Frame Farm
2018
November
Timber from our felled tree is used to make furniture for the venue, in the farm workshop.
October
Landscaping of the drives and around the farmyard commences
July
The pond’s pontoon is built and planting of 340 perennial plants commence around the pond
June
The farm’s 17th century well is found buried under a conifer and stones. The pond’s waterfall is completed
May
The kitchen and cloakroom annex under construction
2017
September
Work starts on the threshing barn (The Oak Barn) and animal shelter (The Byre) to convert the barns into the eco-friendly events venue.
The pond is dredged and excavations start on the car park
2016
September
Weaver’s Cottages renovation is completed and first long-term tenants move in
July
A dead oak tree is felled, planked in the field and moved to the workshop for drying
May-July
Farmhouse is re-roofed
May
Specimen trees planted in the fields
April
160 broadleaved trees planted and named ‘Woodpecker Wood’
January
Work starts on the biomass boiler installation and excavations for the heat main pipework
2015
16th July
Renovations begin on Weaver’s Cottages
15th July
Tim and Deana Maw purchase Frame Farm from Belinda Whaley
2007
25th September
The Lester’s sell to Belinda Whaley
1994
21st October
E. Hannaford sells to Paul and Mary Lester
1989
The weaving house is converted into ‘Weaver’s Cottages’ for holiday lets
1970
E. Hannaford farms the land and keeps race horses
1952
General Alfieri owns or occupies Frame Farm (unconfirmed)
1948
Alistair Ingram (1913-1975) and wife Daphne farm sheep and cattle
1924
Lord Rothermere sells Hemsted Forest to the Forestry Commission and the main house become Benenden School
1919
13th October
Harold Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere (1869-1940) sells Frame Farm to Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram (1880-1981)
1880 circa
The animal shelter is replaced with a new barn (later ‘The Byre’)
1780
A Georgian farmhouse is built on older foundation
1770
The threshing barn is built with recycled timbers (later ‘The Oak Barn”)
1857
Hemsted Estate is sold to Gathorn Hardy
1851
The census records 80% Benenden villagers to be farmers or farm workers
1800
Approximate date the oast kilns were added to the weaving house
1607
Construction of the weaving house at Frame Farm is completed (later ‘Weaver’s Cottages)
