About us
A family farm in the heart of the Chiltern Hills
From a 1921 Ordnance Survey map to today's riding operation - a century of Cholsey Farm history.
Cholsey Farm (1921)
This 1921 Ordnance Survey shows Cholsey Farm as it was originally laid out. Many of the original buildings remain in place and both the farmhouse, old stables and farm barn are listed. The cartshed now contains our map room and picnic table. The Old Piggery is sited in a converted farm building which is part of the main farmyard but also has a nice view across the farm.
1921 Ordnance Survey Map The Howard-Jones Era Begins (1955)
Ted's father, John Howard-Jones, purchased the farm in 1955. Under his leadership, the farm became a true "mixed" operation with dairy cows, chickens, and pigs alongside traditional crops like oats, wheat, and barley.
Ted was born on the farm in 1962.
John Howard-Jones The Mixed Farm Years (1950s-1960s)
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Cholsey Grange Farm was a bustling mixed farm with pigs, chickens, and sheep. The chicken enterprise was particularly impressive, with 7 large sheds housing both egg-laying birds and birds for the table.
The chickens were fed wheat grown on the farm and mixed in our own processing mill.
Cholsey Grange Farm - 1969 Growing Up on the Farm
Ted has been riding since he was 5 years old. Here he is at age 9 with Ken Bird, the farm manager, already developing the deep connection with farming and the countryside. Growing up on the farm, Ted knows every field and bridleway like the back of his hand.
Ken Bird & Ted Howard-Jones (aged 9) Evolution and Change (1980s)
In the 1980s, like many small farms, Cholsey Grange evolved with the times. The farm transitioned to mostly crops and sheep, running around 200 Welsh ewes. When Ted's father retired, the farm was converted back to crops and horses.
This transition laid the groundwork for the riding operation we know today.
Cholsey Grange Farm - June 2009 Modern Farm Diversification (2000s)
By 2009, the farm had beautifully adapted to modern times. The old pigsties and workshops were converted to offices, while the old dairy became home to a skilled cabinet-maker. The listed oak-framed barn was re-roofed with local, hand-made tiles and now houses hay, logs and tractors.
Main Barn & The Old Piggery
Welcome to Our Family Farm
Today, Ted and Jackie welcome riders from around the world with their three boys - Harry, Fergus, and Bobby - plus Pip & Meg, their friendly collies. Our small family farm of approximately 200 acres continues the tradition of connecting people with horses and the beautiful Chiltern countryside.
Like most small farms, many of our original outbuildings have been converted to accommodate small businesses that appreciate this lovely location and family atmosphere. We continue to farm with crops, conservation areas, and our Soay sheep alongside welcoming horse riders.