COMMUNITY INFORMATION

The Estate lays approx. 3 miles south of Stratford upon Avon, between Stratford upon Avon and Shipston on Stour, and encompasses the villages of Preston on Stour, Atherstone on Stour and Alderminster. It is imperative to owner, Emma Holman-West, that she, her family and the Estate's advisors continue to consider and balance commercial reality with sympathy to the surrounding countryside and the local community. 

PRESTON ON STOUR

Picturesque and traditional Preston-on-Stour is an Estate village, linked to and supported by the Alscot Estate, with a thriving community spirit. Naturally there is a close association between the Holman-West family and the inhabitants of the village and the wider parish. The vast majority of the land and housing is owned by the Estate and there are just fourteen privately-owned houses within the village. Perhaps by virtue of its small size, Preston’s community is close-knit. Most of its inhabitants know each other well and there is a great deal of social cohesion.

The Estate is happy to work closely with Preston-on-Stour Environmental Group (PEG); Established in 2013 by a dedicated group of Preston residents for the purpose of observing, monitoring and educating on wildlife and environmental issues. In 2020 PEG launched the ‘Village for Nature’ project with the aim of expanding the beautiful village environment as a haven for our fast dwindling floral, insect and animal life. Click HERE to read the latest Newsletter.

The Church of St Mary, Preston, is grouped with another five churches and parishes. They work together to promote a faithful Christian community within Preston parish. It serves the communities of Preston on Stour and Atherstone on Stour and provides services each Sunday and more regularly during religious holidays. James West (1703-1772) was instrumental in the rebuild of the church which started back in 1753.

The Village Shop & Cafe supported by the Estate, it sits in the heart of the village along with war memorial on the green. The popular shop & cafe, run by Ben and Hana, offers locally sourced quality fresh produce including; meats, eggs and organic milk in reusable bottles, fresh baked bread, veg boxes to order and vegan and vegetarian dishes. The aim is to cut down on plastics and so Ben and Hana weigh out some staples such as rice, nuts seeds and legumes. The cafe serves freshly ground coffee from local artisan coffee roasters & supplier, Monsoon Estates, Pukka teas, a hot meal of the day and homemade cakes. Additional choices can be pre-ordered as takeaways.

Three Parishes Millennium Hall, re-built by the Estate, the hall is well equipped and is host to community events and private functions. Its management committee is active in organising social events. The community hall is available to hire.

Old School Yoga occupies the old school, run by Ben Beswick, they offer yoga sessions for all levels. 

Stalls Lifestyle and Alscot Timber & Woodworking Supplies both sit on the edge of the village in the old cattle Stalls. These and other independent businesses such as The Hideaway, hair salon, are pivotal to the strong thriving community. 

ATHERSTONE ON STOUR

Atherstone on Stour is a small village with few residents. The 2011 census recorded just 59 inhabitants! Over the years the Estate has converted disused farm and agricultural buildings to suit commercial demand and several businesses are located across the rural area of Atherstone on Stour. A number of businesses operate from the close-by grounds of Alscot Park, notably a livery stables, a classic car restorer a manufacturer of traditional windows, hair and beauty salons and a multi award-winning artisan coffee roaster; Monsoon Estates Coffee Co. 

Warwick Cricket Club; From 2022 Alscot Park will become home to WCC’s Cotswold League Team.

The Estate works closely with Warwick Cricket Club to enable the team to play from such a prestigous location and to offer a sporting facility for the local community. Spectators to the home games at Alscot are warmly encouraged and welcome.

alderminster

The village of Alderminster is the gateway to the Cotswolds. In the 1870's the first 24 houses were built along with the school and schoolhouse. Since then the village has grown significantly with over 240 houses and boasts an award winning pub; The Bell and a church and village hall.

The Bell, Alderminster; Located just 2 miles away in the pretty village of Alderminster, the pub remains within the property portfolio of Alscot, however, it is run independently. The Bell offers food, drink and accommodation.

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