A New Chapter at Leigh Hall Estate: From Dairy to Self Storage in Shropshire

Self Storage in Shropshire

At the heart of the Shropshire countryside lies Leigh Hall, a historic estate that has been in the Stacey family for seven generations.

With deep roots in traditional farming and land stewardship, the estate has evolved over time—but always with a keen eye on sustainability, heritage, and innovation. The latest chapter in its long story is the transformation of the old dairy and cowsheds into a modern self-storage facility, a project spearheaded by David and Annabel Stacey, along with their son Jack.

This is no ordinary conversion. It represents a thoughtful blend of tradition and progress, designed not only to meet the practical needs of the local community but also to secure the long-term future of the estate. As farming economics shift and rural estates face increasing pressure to diversify, self-storage offers a reliable and relatively low-impact solution—repurposing existing buildings while generating essential income.

A Family Legacy

Leigh Hall Estate in Shropshire has been a working farm for centuries. David and Annabel, the sixth generation to steward the land, and Jack, the seventh, have taken seriously their responsibility to protect and enhance the estate for the future. Their latest venture into self-storage is just one example of their creative thinking and commitment to sustainable land use.

The conversion was sensitively carried out, preserving the original agricultural character of the buildings while equipping them with the security, access, and infrastructure needed for modern self-storage in Shropshire. With growing demand for local storage solutions—from small businesses, tradespeople, and families—the facility offers a valuable service to the community.

Farming with Purpose

While parts of the old dairy buildings have been adapted for self-storage, the agricultural story continues with renewed vigor at Lady House Farm, the heart of the family’s organic dairy operation. Spread across 700 acres, the farm is home to around 300 dairy cows, all raised under high-welfare, organic standards.

The cows now benefit from newly built, purpose-designed housing that enhances animal welfare while also improving environmental outcomes. Modern barns offer better ventilation, space, and comfort, especially during the colder months, aligning with the family’s commitment to responsible farming.

Investing in Nature

What makes Leigh Hall particularly special is its dedication to environmental regeneration. Income from the self-storage operation helps support a wide range of conservation projects that are already making a significant impact. Since 2020, the estate has created ten new wetland habitats, or “scrapes,” which have become havens for wildlife. In spring, more than 40 curlews, a declining wader species in the UK, were counted on one such site—a remarkable and encouraging sign of biodiversity returning.

In addition, nearly 10,000 oak trees have been planted over the last two years, laying the groundwork for future woodlands that will capture carbon, provide shelter, and support countless species. The estate is also proud to have taken part in the successful reintroduction of the endangered water vole, once nearly extinct in many parts of the country.

Looking Forward

For the Stacey family, these projects are just the beginning. The goal is to continue balancing the needs of a working estate with a vision for a thriving, biodiverse future. The new self-storage business plays a vital role in that vision—providing a reliable income stream that allows continued investment in both farming and conservation.

“We believe that by adapting and diversifying, we can ensure that Leigh Hall remains a vibrant, sustainable place for generations to come,” says Jack. “Our hope is that everything we do—whether it’s farming, storage, or conservation—helps keep the estate a special place for people and wildlife alike.”

As rural communities across the UK face uncertain futures, the story of Leigh Hall offers a hopeful model of how heritage, innovation, and environmental care can work hand in hand.

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