About West Lexham

Supporting connection to personal purpose, collective potential and the natural world.

“This is a pioneering example of the sort of local, entrepreneurial community project which can drive a Rural Renaissance in the heart of Mid Norfolk. West Lexham is completely in tune with Norfolk’s spirit of self-help, community and sustainability. At the heart of The Norfolk Way’s vision is a move towards a sustainable model of development based on jobs back in villages, smaller more dispersed ‘organic’ housing developments, and vibrant communities. Edmund Colville and his team at the project are helping that vision come to life.” George Freeman MP

“This is a man who is trying to protect a country house by diversifying. I think as a rural enterprise in a rural area it’s an amazing thing to see someone doing.” Elizabeth Gould, Planning Comitte Chair, Brecklands Council.

West Lexham is a creative social enterprise nestled in 21 acres of rolling Norfolk breckland, combining education and relaxation with community building and an enterprise hub. As the project is still in its infancy, there are plenty of unique opportunities to learn, explore and get involved with a growing community.

Our vision is to make West Lexham a living, breathing showcase for exemplary living in the 21st Century. Somewhere that investigates and puts into practice leading philosophies and technologies for the future, uses renewable energy, grows local food, grows the local economy through micro enterprise and jobs, enhances the land and biodiversity, and creates a vital centre for sustainable and creative living, imbibed with technicolour and a whole host of active ingredients.

Come to West Lexham to holiday and reconnect with friends and family, to use the space for your own special event or project, to attend courses and learn something new whilst making friends, or to work alongside us and help us bring a vision into being. We guarantee that you will leave feeling refreshed, invigorated and inspired!

A work in progress...

The challenge for West Lexham: how to turn a redundant, beautiful old Norfolk farm into a buzzing events destination. One that once again becomes a thriving community centre, that supports employment and enterprise, and that guarantees this heritage site a future.

We wanted to do the place justice. The real excitement (and yes, hard work), comes from trying something different: an ecosystem of different activities that all feed into and support each other. West Lexham is being developed to hold a whole range of things - guests who stay with us for a course might find a farmer's market taking place, while an artisan brewing cooperative plans to harness one of the buildings as a dynamic events base.

We are very much a work-in-progress. Do not expect to come this year and find a polished, completed destination. Buildings continue to be converted, and accommodation options will open up as we take steps forward. What you will find is a place in continual evolution. No visit will be the same, and those who come to West Lexham are part of making it happen. It's the energy of people, their ideas and their skills that is helping us to make this real.

Take a look around and find where you fit in, we are always happy to meet new friends and discuss possibilities, so contact lucy@westlexham.org or edmund@westlexham.org to connect and share ideas.

Relax

Come and stay in our beautiful grounds, with options for Bell Tent Camping, indoor camping or self-catered cottages. Take a look at the options here.

Connect

Attend a course, workshop or retreat. We have a varied and stimulating programme, from in-depth courses on permaculture, to yoga, charm-school, and local food safaris. Those who come on a course can either stay at West Lexham, or comedown every day. See the full programme here.

Volunteer

Our ethos is about enterprise and community, and enabling people to come and stay in exchange for helping us realise the space. It's all about sharing a sense of ownership of what we are building, so that you can bring your friends back to admire your handiwork!

Make it your own

Hire the space. If you are looking for a zesty alternative to a staid corporate venue, a magical place for a wedding, or somewhere to host a get-together, West Lexham has a growing collection of inspiring buildings and spaces to hire in a beautiful rural Norfolk setting. Both daytime and residential events are welcome, and venue hire includes access to all facilities such as the swimming pool, boating lake and grounds.

Contact Edmund Colville for information, availability and prices on private hire: edmund@westlexham.org or call us on: 0176 075 5434/07961 821099

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"My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there" Charles F. Kettering