Wiston Wine Estate

ECE Architecture

Transforming a historic farmstead into an exemplary enterprise site, blending conservation with contemporary design to create an exceptional visitor destination in the South Downs National Park.

Our approach prioritised the sensitive restoration of two redundant flint barns, carefully preserving their character while adapting them for new uses. We adopted a RetroFirst philosophy, reducing embodied carbon and celebrating the site’s agricultural heritage through meticulous conservation of original features and thoughtful integration of contemporary elements.

The masterplan reimagined the entire North Farm site, breathing new life into the historic estate. By strategically demolishing dilapidated storage buildings, we recreated the original courtyard at the heart of the development, establishing a natural gathering space that celebrates the restored flint barns.

The careful arrangement of new oak-clad structures alongside the historic elements creates a harmonious dialogue between old and new, with each building playing a specific role in the visitor journey.

The conservation of the historic buildings presented significant technical challenges. The existing flint walls had minimal foundations and lacked damp-proofing, requiring careful detailing to bring them up to modern standards without compromising their character.

We implemented a comprehensive strategy including perimeter drainage, cavity drain systems, and insulated linings to protect against moisture, while maintaining exposed sections of flintwork to celebrate the original construction. Specialist restoration experts meticulously repaired the flint, pointing, and timber elements using traditional methods.

The transformation has created a compelling visitor destination that showcases the estate’s award-winning wines. The journey takes guests through production facilities, a viewing gallery, and a seminar room, culminating in a remarkable tasting experience within a third restored historic barn.

The fine dining restaurant and private dining room provide exceptional hospitality spaces, while the new shop offers direct sales opportunities. The enhanced connection to existing public rights of way invites walkers to discover the winery, increasing accessibility to the South Downs National Park.

Sustainability underpins every aspect of the design, from the locally sourced materials to the comprehensive energy strategy. The oak cladding for new elements was harvested from the estate itself, while the gabion walls incorporate local flint.

Air source heat pumps provide renewable energy, and the fabric-first approach maximises thermal efficiency. The landscape-led design responds sensitively to the South Downs context, with infiltration basins and acoustic bunding that create new habitats while addressing practical site challenges.

This exemplary project demonstrates how architectural vision can revitalise heritage assets, creating a thriving enterprise that benefits the local economy, celebrates craftsmanship, and welcomes visitors to experience the best of the South Downs landscape. Wiston Estate Winery now stands as a beacon of sustainable conservation, blending commerce with culture in perfect harmony.