Jamie's Farm Pro Bono Project

Nestled in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just five miles from Bath, Lower Shockerwick Farm is the latest addition to Jamie’s Farm - a UK charity dedicated to transforming young lives through farming experiences. The estate provided a truly inspiring backdrop for a project that sought to honour its historic character while creating a rich agricultural environment and a welcoming, functional space for young people.

As a long-standing charity partner, we were honoured to support Jamie’s Farm with over 100 hours of pro bono design and procurement work, in addition to volunteering days where our team helped install the project on site. Beyond the design itself, we connected the team at Jamie’s Farm with our trusted suppliers, many of whom generously donated or provided products at reduced cost. Working hand in hand with Jamie’s Farm, we sourced cost-effective solutions that honoured the design vision while ensuring durability and comfort.

Our brief was twofold: to create a homely environment for vulnerable children and their teachers during the week, and a welcoming retreat for Airbnb guests at weekends. The farmhouse needed to host groups of up to 17 children, provide safe and private spaces for one-to-one support sessions as well as group activities, and offer comfortable accommodation for teachers and staff. At the same time, the property had to appeal to families and groups seeking a peaceful countryside escape. The design needed to be nurturing yet practical, to create spaces that were capable of serving many purposes.

At the heart of the farmhouse is a large kitchen-diner - a multi-use space where children can gather to eat, talk, and take part in creative activities. An open-plan kitchen in a sunny palette offers ample opportunity for group cooking, while a generous refectory table provides plenty of room for dining. Soft seating by a picture window overlooking the estate creates a relaxed corner to unwind, and beyond, doors open onto a stone patio with seating and BBQ facilities, extending the sense of community into the landscape.

Throughout the interiors, robust, enduring materials were chosen to ensure longevity, with warmth added through inviting palettes, thoughtful detailing, and carefully selected furniture and textiles.

Bedrooms are designed with flexibility in mind, offering a mix of bunk beds, singles and doubles so that the house can comfortably welcome groups of up to 15 guests. Cosy sitting rooms, complete with a wood-burning stove and generous sofas, offer a homely retreat, while practical touches - from cloakrooms to outdoor wash stations - ensure the property functions smoothly for both young people and weekend visitors.

The farmhouse was officially opened by Queen Camilla earlier this summer and now plays a central role in Jamie’s Farm’s nationally recognised programme. During the week, it becomes a place of growth and transformation, as young people gain confidence, resilience and life skills through meaningful work and compassionate support. On weekends, it welcomes guests for holidays, family gatherings and rural escapes, with 100% of proceeds going directly back into the charity’s mission.

Find out more about: Jamie's Farm.