Burrough Court

Burrough Court is part of a four-generation family business which today consists of a 22-acre business park in the heart of rural Leicestershire and a farming estate. Burrough Court serves as a professional hub for over 50 businesses and 370 individuals, offering a range of facilities to professionals including offices, business units, and meeting rooms, catering to businesses, and those seeking flexible working options, including the ability to hire a desk in its co-working area.

Woodland next to Burrough Court

It was once a former stately home in Burrough on the Hill near Melton Mowbray in the East Midlands, England. Burrough Court was once the site of a large country house of which today only the stable yard, chauffeur's and grooms' quarters remain. The remaining buildings have now been converted into offices, meeting rooms, virtual office, co-working area and a rural business park.

Burrough Court is

Aside from commercial property, Burrough Court has an on-site coffee shop, home to the Larder, Burrough Court, the garden to the Larder, Oakham, and Paws in the Park, Burrough Court. A two-acre secure dog park is available for exclusive use.

History

The house was built in 1905 by H. C. Allfey and it later belonged to Marmaduke Furness, 1st Viscount Furness, who used it as a hunting box. During this time, Burrough Court became a rendezvous for the hunting society of Melton. In the autumn of 1930, Burrough Court was the backdrop to the first meeting between, Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, and Mrs. Wallis Simpson. The main house burned down at the end of World War II, allegedly because of some Canadian soldiers using explosives to get to a sealed wine cellar. The romance between the Prince of Wales, and Mrs. Wallis Simpson was initiated when both were invited by Thelma, Viscountess Furness to a house-party at Burrough Court. According to Wallis' memoirs, in November 1930, Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were supposedly invited as last minute chaperones to Thelma and the Prince of Wales to hunt at her house in Melton Mowbray.

Since 1919, when Marmaduke Furness, one of the world’s wealthiest men, purchased Burrough Court, it has transformed from an aristocratic retreat, home to exotic wildlife like zebras and giraffes, into a modern business hub. This era introduced elements that define the contemporary branding. The 1930s strengthened Burrough Court’s royal ties, with frequent guests including Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, but tranquility was disrupted in 1944 when WWII led to the destruction of the original house by the 10th Battalion Parachute Regiment. Post-war, Wilfred Keene, followed by his son Tony, led a gradual restoration.

By the late 20th century, Burrough Court adapted to commercial demands, becoming a storage site for Walkers crisps in 1975, and by 2000 underwent renovations to convert buildings into offices and meeting spaces. This shift continued with the 2002 expansion offering new business facilities, and in 2003, the launch of the Giraffe House. The commitment to tenant well-being was further evidenced in 2004 with a new gym and in 2005 with the adoption of biomass heating. Environmental stewardship marked the 2010s, with significant woodland plantings and the introduction of beehives in 2013. Technological advances in 2017 included a 1GBps leased line and improved heating systems. In 2019, we added new warehouses and a yoga and pilates studio. The Friends of the Tenth memorial garden, established the same year, honouring historical sacrifices.

By 2021, the installation of 360 solar panels and an air source heat pump significantly boosted Burrough Court’s energy self-sufficiency, enhancing our commitment to sustainability. The recent additions of a co-working space, a dog park in 2023 which received Leicestershire Dog Field of the Year 2024 & also became a winner of the British Dog Fields of the Year 2024. Electric vehicle charging facilities have further diversified the professional and visitor amenities. Management of the Coffee Shop was transitioned to The Larder Oakham, maintaining high-quality local cuisine. The dedication of Burrough Court Estate to sustainability continued in 2024 with the planting of extensive hedgerows and carrying out soil carbon studies on the farm.

Burrough Court’s evolution over a century stands as a testament to community, history, and environmental stewardship, adapting innovatively to meet each new era’s challenges.

Commercial Property

The latest available office space can be viewed here suitable for those looking for their workspace to be set within an inspiring setting, be value for money and powered by green energy. Only 8 miles from Melton Mowbray, 15 miles from Leicester and Market Harborough 16 miles.

Business units range in size from small workshops up to 12,000 sq.ft. Full details on availability can be viewed here. Warehouses are powered by green energy, have 3 phase electricity, highly insulated walles and roofs, high eaves heights, large aprons and much more. Suitably located in the middle of the A1 and M1.

Bibliography

• Stephen Birmingham, Duchess, The story of Wallis Warfield Windsor,(1969), London: Futura Publications ISBN 978-0-7088-3073-4
• Ursula Bloom, The Duke of Windsor, (1972), London: Robert Hale ISBN 978-0-7091-3642-2