A brief history of Kigbeare……
Kigbeare Manor Farm may well occupy the site of a much older manorial settlement, documented in the Domesday Book (1086AD). The present farm buildings are marked on the mid-19thC parish Tithe Map and are thought to be at least 18thC or 19thC in origin. An archaeological assessment carried out on the wider area identified a number of significant sites in the vicinity of the farmstead including a deserted medieval settlement, which has been dated by excavation to the 13th/14thC. It is possible that Kigbeare was formerly a more extensive settlement in medieval times, which has since shrunk to the size of a single farmstead. The focus of historic interest on this farmstead is therefore not only the traditional farm buildings, but also the high potential for below ground archaeological remains in the vicinity of the farmhouse which may reflect medieval or earlier settlement.
It is thought that the name comes from the French, ‘Cache Bergere’, translated as ‘place of the shepherds’ and came to be pronounced as Kigbeare.

And now…….
When the Domesday Book included Kigbeare, the idea of craft studios and a gallery was many centuries away. Much of the original farmland was sold off to create a number of excellent golf courses that surround Kigbeare. The farmhouse, cottages and outbuildings have been restored to provide a complex of 10 studio workshops, a beautiful gallery, and a pretty holiday cottage, set around a landscaped courtyard and have, to date, have won the following architectural awards:

DBCP Bulding Excellence Awards 2011: Winner, Best Vernacular Project;     South West LABC Building Excellence Awards, 2011:  Winner, Best Conversion to Create Dwellings;  Commended, Best Vernacular Building;  Finalist, Best Small Commercial Development,  National LABC Building Excellence Awards 2011:  Finalist, Best Conversion to Create Dwellings.

The occupiers of the studios offer a range of master classes and part time courses, from ceramics to woodworking. Click on the ‘makers’ link to find out more about each course, or check out ‘Studios’ if you are interested in becoming part of the community, on a permanent or visiting basis.

Set in 25 acres of ancient woodland and fields, with views across to Dartmoor, Kigbeare provides a unique and stimulating environment in which to work alsonside other professional makers, learn a new skill, or simply relax.