“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.”

Shakespeare’s famous words from Twelfth Night seem an appropriate place to begin a story from Hall Barn – an estate where Shakespeare has quite literally taken centre stage each summer for many years.

Seven years ago, I sat in the library at Hall Barn with the Honourable Jenefer Farncombe for an interview for Beaconsfield Local. We talked about her remarkable family history, life on the estate and, eventually, who might take the reins when the time was right.

Her answer was her son, Freddie.

Seven years later, I found myself back in that same room – this time talking to Freddie Farncombe about life at Hall Barn and the responsibility of caring for one of Beaconsfield’s most historic estates.

For Freddie, Hall Barn has always been home. He grew up surrounded by its parkland, lake, ancient trees and extraordinary history, but taking responsibility for an estate approaching 1,000 acres brings a very different perspective.

Alongside his work as an advocate in the legal profession, Freddie is now closely involved in the running and future of the estate. Hall Barn remains very much a working family home, where he lives with his wife Emilia, their three young children – the youngest born earlier this year – and their two dogs, who are rarely far from his side.

Walking through the grounds together, what struck me was Freddie’s affection for the place rather than simply a sense of ownership. He pointed out an enormous redwood which, as a child, he called the “mammoth tree”. Around 150 years old, it has lost some branches over time, but Freddie spoke warmly of his hope that it will continue to thrive throughout his own tenure.

There is a strong desire to preserve what previous generations have protected while allowing Hall Barn to remain relevant and sustainable. The estate includes residential and commercial property, woodland and farmland, while filming, weddings and events also play their part.

Community remains important too. Part of the vegetable garden is used by local people to grow vegetables and flowers, while Hall Barn continues its long association with the Chiltern Shakespeare Company, supports charitable events including Action Medical Research and helps preserve another piece of Beaconsfield history through the management of the town’s Tuesday market, held on Hall Barn land.

Freddie’s mother Jenefer now lives nearby and remains a familiar visitor – so the handing over of the reins feels more like an evolution than an ending.

Hall Barn may carry centuries of history, but in Freddie’s hands its next chapter is very much about family, stewardship and ensuring this remarkable part of Beaconsfield continues to thrive for generations to come.

 * Therese Cooklin