The Old Dairy at Pierrepont Farm will soon open its door to more artisan businesses with five new units being created within the Grade II-listed building.

The £1.2 million sustainable refurbishment will retain the barn’s historic features while using both traditional and cutting-edge techniques to make the building environmentally sustainable.

The work has been made possible thanks to a legacy donation of £900,000 from Stephen Freeman of Yorkshire.

Terry Freeman, the nephew of Stephen Freeman, said: “My uncle lived a quiet, private life. He appreciated the countryside. I think he would be highly delighted that his legacy will be supporting the work of the charity and small independent businesses.”

The Countryside Regeneration Trust, which owns the farm in Frensham, is hoping to finish the restoration of the barn in summer of 2025. Once completed, the grain barn will host five new units for artisan businesses.

In addition there are 12 businesses which already operate on the farm including a brewery, cheesemonger and fudge shop.

Natural building materials will be used, including hemp blocks for insulating the walls, traditional lime render and timber fibre insulation in the roof. The barn’s natural brickwork will be retained and a new screed floor will be laid.

Kerriann McLackland, head of estates at CRT, said: “It is an exciting project. Reinstating the grain barn to its former glory as the gateway to the Old Dairy and a facility that local businesses can benefit from will be another important milestone in the CRT’s development of Pierrepont Farm.

“We hope the building will be ready for tenants to move in by late summer 2025. We encourage interested businesses to get in touch and ask for our marketing brochure.

“We could not have done this renovation without the incredibly generous donation of Mr Freeman.”