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The estate was owned by the Medley family, influential local landowners whose legacy can still be found throughout the area. Their family home, Winsford Tower, stood at the heart of the estate, surrounded by farmland, cottages, woodland and pasture. Lower Winsford Farm was one of the working farms that supported the estate, helping to sustain the local community through traditional Devon farming.

Life here would have revolved around the seasons. Dairy cattle grazed the fields, hay was cut in the summer months, and generations of farmers worked the land much as their ancestors had done before them. The ancient hedgerows, mature trees and field boundaries that surround the farm today are a reminder of this rich agricultural heritage.

The arrival of the railway transformed the area. In 1879 the railway reached Halwill, and by 1886 Halwill Junction had become an important railway hub connecting Devon and Cornwall with the rest of the country. The railway brought new opportunities to local farms, allowing produce and livestock to be transported further afield and helping the surrounding community to thrive.

The Medley family’s influence extended beyond farming. Following the death of her husband, George Medley, Maria Medley commissioned the beautiful Winsford Cottage Hospital in Halwill Junction in 1900. Designed by renowned Arts and Crafts architect C.F.A. Voysey, the hospital became a much-loved part of the community and remains one of the area’s most treasured historic buildings.

As the decades passed, the great estates of England gradually changed. The Winsford Estate was eventually divided, and the farms and cottages that once formed part of the wider estate took on lives of their own. Lower Winsford Farm continued as a working farm, evolving with each generation while retaining the character and charm that make it so special today.

Set amongst peaceful countryside, mature woodland and our beautiful private lake, the farm has provided a place of rest and relaxation for generations of visitors. More recently, under the care of John and Anne Russell, Lower Winsford Farm became a much-loved holiday destination where guests could escape the pace of modern life and reconnect with the tranquillity of the Devon countryside. Through their dedication and vision, the farm was lovingly restored, preserving its character and heritage whilst creating welcoming holiday cottages surrounded by nature.

In May 2026, Lower Winsford Farm began another exciting chapter when our family became its proud custodians.

Moving to Devon fulfilled a dream that had been shared for many years, inspired by Angela’s late mother, Kathleen, who always imagined a peaceful countryside life surrounded by nature, animals and happy holiday guests. Today, we are honoured to continue the farm’s story, building upon the wonderful legacy left by those who came before us whilst creating new memories for future generations of visitors.

Although much has changed since the days of the Winsford Estate, the essence of Lower Winsford Farm remains the same. It is still a place where people can slow down, enjoy the beauty of the countryside, and reconnect with nature.

Today, guests can stay in our cosy holiday cottages, explore the woodland and grounds, enjoy the private fishing lake, watch the resident wildlife, and experience the peaceful surroundings that have made this corner of Devon so special for generations.

As you wander the farm, stroll beside the lake, or watch the barn owls glide across the fields at dusk, you are becoming part of the continuing story of Lower Winsford Farm—a story that began over two centuries ago and continues to this day.