TEN years ago they were a group of dilapidated farm buildings on the slopes of Bredon Hill in South Worcestershire hardly fit for man nor beast. Today, they are the winners of a top conversion award for owners Mark and Caron Steele and recognised as an example of rural entrepreneurial vision.
The Steele family has lived in the area for more than 100 years and farmed at Woollas Hall, Eckington, for 40, but this is something altogether different from sheep or beef cattle.
Because their emergent Deer Park Business Centre - the name of the office and conference complex created out of the redundant buildings - has won the best conversion category in the Rural Buildings Award Scheme run by the Country Land and Business Association.
Although no money came with the win, plenty of kudos did and the Steeles now have a plaque to display in recognition of their success.
"We are delighted," said Caron. "It's been a very exciting time for us."
The story goes back to 1999 when Mark, who had taken over running the 1,300-acre farm from his father William several years before, was pondering the future of the set of old buildings on the hill.
"They were falling apart and costing us a lot to maintain," he explained. "You couldn't really use them for stock or storing machinery because of their condition. So we had this idea of converting them into offices and if we could add a conference centre too that would give people something different. The location, for anyone wanting to work in a beautiful rural setting with stunning views, is superb."
So plans were drawn up and passed by Wychavon District Council in 2001. By 2003, 14 offices of varying sizes had been created from the old buildings giving potential working space for 50 people, although, as Mark pointed out, different clients utilise the rooms differently.
"Eighteen months ago we added the conference centre," he said. "And I think that has pulled the scheme together and added the extra dimension."
The complex was named after the deer that were first introduced on to Woollas Hall farm by the Steeles in 1987.
"The history of wild deer in the area can be traced back to mediaeval times," Mark added.
"But we have had a venison herd here since the late 1980s. Currently there are around 300 head and the deer park literally runs right up to the business centre."
According to CLA West Midlands regional director Caroline Bedell: "It was the vision and attention to detail that Mark and Caron Steele had shown when converting the range of buildings, previously used to house deer and cattle, into state-of-the-art offices and conference facilities that helped secure the award. The workmanship was to a high standard and, where possible, there had been reuse of materials from on site or in the locality.
"The judges were very impressed by Mark and Caron's efforts in striving to create a community for the companies who operate out of Deer Park.
"In particular they were impressed by the start-up units, aimed at developing small businesses by encouraging them to take the step of renting office space. The success of the enterprise was highlighted by the fact that existing businesses were keen to expand on-site rather than relocate when the opportunity arose. This really shows that there is a place for vibrant rural businesses in the countryside."
Caron added: "The last few years developing Deer Park Hall and Business Centre have been a very exciting time for us and it's a relief to see the offices have been a great success. The on-site conference centre no doubt contributes to their popularity and has been a pleasure to run, bringing customers out into our beautiful part of the world and wowing them with the service and facilities we have to offer.
"The wedding side of the business continues to grow and the corporate activities business is evolving and moving into new areas with exciting plans in the pipeline.
"The diversification seemed like a bit of a gamble at the time, but good planning and hard work have paid off and have provided us with a steady business that supports our farming without detracting from it."
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