Springs Farm is a private equestrian farm and sculpture park located on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills in Purley on Thames, West Berkshire.
Springs Equestrian was inspired and founded by Mr Hussam Otaibi, and designed by high-end architects Studio 51 North. The centre features custom-built stables, a luxury tack room, grooming showers, lounge area, functional living quarters for staff and a breakout area. The development also comprises Grade-II listed farm buildings, cottages, entertaining spaces and leisure facilities. Every detail has been carefully considered — down to the bespoke saddlery featuring the Springs leathermark.
The sculpture park hosts a number of major outdoor art works selected by private curatorial platform Modern Forms. Highlights include a modern reimagining of the mythical figure of the sphinx by French artist Marguerite Humeau, an army of African warrior statues by British-Trinidadian artist Zak Ové and a collection of modern minimalist works by US artist Charles Harlan, Russian artist Nika Neelova and British artist Nathaniel Rackowe. The sculpture park is open to invited guests and gallery partners only.
Development Timeline
- Erection of new entrance gates and fencing along Westbury Lane
- Construction of new storage building completed
- Change of use of part of the site from agricultural to equestrian use with associated paddocks, horse shelters, lunge ring, and horse walking tracks with an associated bridge
- Construction of manege, with associated lighting, vehicular track, alterations and extensions to existing stables with retention of four staff flats, and installation of water feature and associated works including hard and soft landscaping
- Erection of fencing and gates along the public footpath
- Zak Ové’s major outdoor installation The Invisible Men installed after being previously exhibited at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and at Somerset House, London
- Marguerite Humeau’s major outdoor sculpture, Otto Sphinx, installed after its debut exhibition at Château de Versailles in 2017
- Established custom-designed equestrian centre including 11 stables, grooming showers, luxury tack room, lounge and seating area, functional living quarters for staff, an office and a breakout area
- Installation of art water feature, which doubles as a drinking trough for horses
- 11 new paddocks constructed
- Creation of a newly planted tree line along the country road
- Pergolas installed outside the pool house, old barn, entertainment wing and guest house
- Demolition of existing storage buildings with planning permission obtained for a new storage building
- Construction of agricultural road begins
- Planting of 1,500 native trees and 4,500 shrubs
- Completion of perimeter fencing
- Re-structuring works to secure the Grade-II listed old barn
- Guest house, dovecote and entertainment wing refurbished
- Charles Harlan’s sculpture Concrete was commissioned and installed
- Development of perimeter fencing
- New bridges across water courses, opening out the land and making the grounds more accessible
- Feasibility study of site redevelopment
- Brightening and cleaning of roofs and façades
- Re-landscaping of grounds including re-turfing and expansion of the lakes
- Clearing of rubble and overgrowth across the landscape and waterways
- Construction of flood lit outdoor riding arena
- Clearing of the site
- Removal of large Leyllandi hedges and incongruous hedgerows across the estate
- Removal of courtyard patio
