OUR FAVOURITE SHOP

The Engine Yard buildings at Belvoir Castle are a handsome hub of boutique stores

the brick buildings that make up belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard once served as workshops to support the running of the estate. they have now been transformed into a vibrant, rural retail destination that aims to welcome visitors with a warm atmosphere and boutiques full of tempting buys. We caught up with Emma Manners, duchess of Rutland and the woman behind it all, to find out more…

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN THE ENGINE YARD AS A RETAIL SPACE?

there were these beautiful buildings from around 1812 that had been designed by the same architect who did the castle. they had been lying around looking rather sad and redundant for some 15 years or so, and I just felt they needed another reason and purpose for being.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHAT’S AVAILABLE?

there’s a whole collection to explore: a plant and garden centre, delectable chocolatiers, a top-quality butcher, a charcuterie, an indulgent day spa, an interiors boutique, a toy shop, and the duchess Gallery, which has a collection of clothes and gifts selected by me. our restaurant, the Fuel tank, serves soups, sandwiches and other wholesome treats. We’re also about to open balloon bar, which will offer a selection of great quality gins and wines.

WHAT MAKES YOUR COUNTRYSIDE LOCATION SO SPECIAL?

I think it is being in the heart of England. We’re a stone’s throw from Grantham and have Peterborough, nottingham and Leicester just down the road. We attract everyone in the Vale of belvoir. It’s been like building an old-fashioned village.

WHO DO YOU HOPE WILL VISIT?

I hope people of all ages, from every walk of life, will come and join in the festivities of this traditional village from a bygone time with a lively heartbeat of its own.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE ENGINE YARD BEING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?

I hope it doesn’t expand beyond all recognition and that it remains quaint and in tune with the belvoir landscape that it is a gateway to. THE ENGINE YARD, BELVOIR CASTLE, GRANTHAM, LEICESTERSHIRE NG32 1PA. 01476 871001, ENGINEYARDBELVOIR.COM.

After exploring all the stores, head to the Fuel Tank café for seasonal, locally sourced food. At the heart of the Engine Yard is a collection of charming old Belvoir estate buildings that have been lovingly restored.