Harbourne Farm
Hello Linda. My name is Linda too and I am the grandaughter of George Hamilton, who owned Harbourne Farm. Of course I remember Harbourne Hall well, as I do you. We played together often, and I have a photo to prove it. We are both playing in an old stone sink in the garden of the farm. The farm buildings as they are now are quite beautiful and I wish I could afford to buy it.!! My sister and I have very fond memories of our idyllic childhood on that farm. My grandmother did bed and breakfast and the house was always full of guests from all over the world. This meant that sometimes we had to sleep in the loft!! quite an adventure. Sadly my Mother died last year, but I know she would have loved to see the photos of the farm buildings as they are now. I remember the majestic Harbourne Hall. I remember one owner emigrating to Australia and another opening the Hall as a Country Club. My grandfather would visit often and I can remember being totally in awe of the magnificent building. I was very saddened when I learned that it had been demolished. I have since visited, but only to stand at the gate and stare. I would love to be cheeky enough to call on the owners and introduce myself. I am married with one daughter aged 26. I live in Ashford and now work as a GP receptionist for my sins. I hope you are well and will feel like getting in touch after all these years.
Love Linda.
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Comments
RE: RE: Harbourne Farm
Being brought up as a child on Harbourne Farm, i have very fond memories of the Hall, and the Lodge. To see the converted barn now and to find it for sale is very interesting to me and my family. My sister and I had an idyllic childhood, running free on the farm. It is in a beautiful location, and we had many happy days there. Sadly my grandfather did not live to see his dream of the barn being converted. It was always his dream to do this, but he was thwarted and refused planning permission. Something we, as a family, have always found to be strange. I have visited since but just stood at the gate. I attended the local school in High Halden for 6 months, and again have memories of Mr. Weir, and his cape and mortar board, swishing along the corridor. This I was not so enchanted by and can honestly say I disliked school with a passion. I would walk home from school, to the farm, through the woods with my grandmother who came to meet me. I remember driving sheep along the lanes to the sheep dip which was just down from the church. I also remember Reverend Gore Brown, vicar of the local church. I wonder how many young children of today will have such memories installed in them!
Comment from Linda Bliss on Sunday, 26th September 2010.
RE: RE: Harbourne Farm
Mike Beresford.
I am the grand daughter of George Hamilton. I have posted a comment re. Harbourne Hall. I remember you and your parents well. I remember your father being so ill. I remember visiting your Hall many times. I hope you are well and would love to get in touch to share our happy memories. Linda Bliss, nee Tutt.
Comment from Linda Bliss on Sunday, 10th October 2010.
RE: RE: Harbourne Farm
Hello, I am one of the family who owned Harbourne Hall and emigrated to Australia in 1963. We have wonderful memories of the whole area and I too was distressed to hear of the Hall being demolished. My father had wanted to move the building, brick by brick, to Australia with us. LOL My father and mother sold the property to the Beresfords and I'd like to say a 'hello' to the family. I also remember being told (I was 7) of Mr Beresford battling with his health, but as I was only young, it meant very little to me at the time. However, I am so glad there are others who have happy memories and share them on the net. I will tell my mother of this (without mentioning the fact that the Hall is no longer there) as she is still with us in Queensland at 93 and with any luck we will visit again for her birthday in April 2011 (I am in South Australia). I was in contact with a descendant of the original owner/builder of Harbourne Hall and we shared some pictures of the place. He too is interested in the area. This has made my day. Thank you, Caryl
Comment from Caryl Mayes-Coventry on Sunday, 14th November 2010.
RE: RE: Harbourne Farm
How wonderful that we are talking about our happy times in the High Halden area. My daughter has just returned from Australia. She was there for two years and loved every minute of it. I, however, have not strayed far from the nest! and still live with my husband in Ashford. My sister and I often talk about our childhood, and it has pleased me no end to receive your comment. LINDA BLISS
Comment from Linda Bliss on Wednesday, 17th November 2010.
RE: RE: Harbourne Farm
I remember some of the names, in particular the 'Beresford'. We would meet at Harbourne Hall to start a day's shooting having a drink before we started with Mr and Mrs Bereford, Michael would join us for the day. I can't remember his sister's name? The day would include Harbourne ground and also my Grandad's land, George Milton (Yew Tree farm). It was a glorious building as I remember and I was very shocked it had been demolished. The primary school also had a grand reputation when it came to sports. As I remember, it won the small schools' Weald of Kent Cup 13 years on the trot! I am now 50 but still see Mrs Wenbourne at the church when I visit my families' graves. Fantastic memories.
Comment from Richard Milton on Friday, 21st January 2011.