New Stable Yard store open at Hatfield House

A NEW retail village at one of Times Territory’s stately homes is now complete, writes Gianna Traversi.

A NEW retail village at one of Times Territory’s stately homes is now complete, writes Gianna Traversi.

Hatfield House’s Stable Yard has been totally refurbished, featuring a range of small, independent family-run businesses, as well as the old gift shop and Leith’s restaurant.

Unlike before, the courtyard will now be open from February to December, even when Hatfield House itself is closed, allowing customers to shop for gifts at Christmas for the first time.

Janis Keach, retail manager at Gascoyne Cecil Estates, which manages Hatfield House, said: “We did a lot of research to see what shops would work in an environment like this.

“We wanted to attract niche retailers, something you can’t get on the high street, that would give you a feel of the Hatfield House experience.”

Shops on the site now include garden centre Burstons, high-end antique dealers Bushwood, a vintage home store called The Oak Room, old-fashioned London toy shop Pollocks, Ma Battley’s sweet shop and Fiona Rae’s top-of-the- range jewellery.

From October, visitors will able to access the Stable Yard via the A1000, instead of the house’s main gates. Work to build a “rustic” children’s adventure playground at the Stable Yard is also expected to get under way later in the year.

The Stable Yard is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5.30pm.