Conran adds another 120 acres to his habitat

Most octogenarians think of downsizing, however designer sir terence Conran is expanding his private estate at 85.

‘I’ve just bought all the agricultural land around my home at Kintbury and hired an estate manager,’ he tells me from the 17th-century mansion Barton Court he bought 46 years ago by the River Kennet.

‘I’ve added another 120 acres to the 25 acres I have already which include a marvellous area of water meadows for fishing. I’ve also bought about six cottages which I plan to refurbish and rent out to my employees.’

Conran shares his 32-room Berkshire bolthole, which is down the road from the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon’s roost Highclere Castle, with his fourth wife Vicki.

‘My family think I should be downsizing — but I like a project. It’s what makes me happy.’