The Hoo Estate
In 2015, the Ellisdon family moved to a new home for Osprey London, set within one hundred and twenty-five acres of countryside. The family have spent years restoring and enhancing the historic buildings and their surrounding estate in a way that represents the kind of positive impact they seek to have on the world, from the small, detailed and the local to the wider, embedded and systemic. Facing the back of the house at the Hoo with hand-knapped flint, and meticulously recreation of the original cupola on its roof are details which are emblematic of their approach to design and craftsmanship. They have since looked upwards and outwards to restore the gardens and to rewild the grounds.
Our Home
The Hoo serves as a true extension of the brand, our timeless aesthetic, and our commitment to sustainable initiatives. Over the past decade, we’ve worked tirelessly to restore and enhance the historic buildings and the surrounding grounds, in a way that represents the kind of positive impact we seek in the world. From the small, detailed, and local, to the wider, embedded and systemic.
We have re-loved, refurbished, and repurposed the Grade II Listed historical building using locally handmade bricks and introducing modern design elements to restore Hoo House to its original form but with 21st-century additions.
Celebrating Centuries-Old Craft
The Hoo is a heritage parkland estate designed by Capability Brown, lovingly restored, and reimagined by the Ellisdon family. Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, this landmark estate has been given new life and purpose. After years of separation, the family recently reunited the original estate, expanding it back to 175 acres with the purchase of the missing 50 acres.
While leather remains a cornerstone of Osprey London, we also embrace modern materials—and continue to explore innovative technologies that enhance our collections.
Restoration of The Hoo Estate involves studying its history and conducting structural, ecological, and historical research to determine what will best preserve it for the future.
Eco-Restoration at The Hoo
The restoration of The Hoo focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, incorporating solar panels, sustainable energy solutions, and natural resources. Future initiatives include installing beehives, planting trees annually, creating wildflower meadows, and developing community projects that focus on self-healing and working with nature.
The land at The Hoo is home to a thriving ecosystem, with species like bats, newts, butterflies, and owls. The project is committed to preserving these natural habitats while continuing innovative developments to protect and enhance the environment.