The National Trust for Jersey has received a fiscal stimulus grant for the renovation and refurbishment of Morel Farm, St Lawrence.
The trust’s marketing and events manager, Donna Le Marrec, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted and enormously grateful to receive this grant. As well as securing the future of this 17th Century historic farmstead, this project will also deliver much needed – and truly authentic -tourism accommodation with a farm bed and breakfast and glamping within the beautiful rural surroundings of St Lawrence.’
Morel Farm was given to The National Trust for Jersey in 1939 by Mr A J Morel with the agricultural land being gifted by his daughter in 2004. The property comprises a dwelling-house, pressoir (cider barn), boulangerie (bake house), pig sties, and several outbuildings. The farm is iconic in its beautiful rural setting with its perfectly proportioned double roadside arch bearing the date 1666 – the same year as the Great Fire of London.
Whilst the initial phases of the project will benefit the construction industry, it is the trust’s intention to utilise smaller contractors with a high traditional skill base as well as specialists within the renewable energy sector and ecological consultants. They say they are also determined to ensure that there is a long-term tangible legacy, including supporting Jersey’s visitor economy, delivering a diversified income stream to sustain the conservation work of the Trust and show-casing Jersey’s rural heritage, as well as providing permanent employment opportunities.
As the project develops it will be the trust’s intention to have a number of public open days so that everyone has the opportunity to learn about the project, see conservation work at first hand and discover more about the trust’s future vision for Morel Farm.
This project will secure the much needed refurbishment of a Grade 2 listed historic farmstead, which is an integral part of Jersey’s cultural estate. In so doing, the trust hopes create a unique hospitality asset and destination, which can be enjoyed by all.
