There is no such thing as an average day here at Combermere. Luckily I have always been an early bird and get up around 6.30am even on weekends.
Depending on the weather I either walk the dog before or after 20 minutes meditation. After a quick breakfast, I take care of emails, admin and phone calls at my office, which is conveniently a few steps across the cobbles in a restored 1815 clock tower built to celebrate the Battle of Waterloo.
After that it is anyone’s guess – I could be at meetings promoting rural tourism or visitor economy, overseeing the restoration project or in London representing historic properties and estates with the CLA and Historic Houses Association.
I grew up here from the age of seven and inherited it in 1992 after living and working in the USA for 15 years in project management and PR & Marketing, which gave me a real appetite for enterprise.
History of the abbey
The abbey, established in 1133, was gifted to the Cotton (later Combermere) family and bought by my great grandfather in 1919. It has long associations with the county, in particular Chester, where Lord Combermere’s statue stands outside Chester Castle, and Nantwich, home to Hugh de Malbank, the Abbey founder.
The abbey was in need of major regeneration with seven semi-derelict listed buildings to restore so I have spent 23 years establishing a variety of enterprises, reducing the dependency on agriculture.
I still farm organically – but also have holiday cottages, a wedding and event business and public open days. We are currently putting a lot of time and energy into restoring the derelict north wing of the abbey, and in 12 months or so it will be resplendent.
So my life here is a bit like a patchwork quilt, making sure that each piece works sympathetically with the whole – a bit of a juggling act supported heroically by my PA Heather Linney. As the owner and managing director I have overall responsibility for its success but have a great team supporting me.
Regular estate meetings range from drainage issues to sofa fabrics for accommodation upgrades. It might be working on contracts or agreements for the farming business, writing copy for newsletters, sorting drainage problems, discussing marketing and PR for the tourism side and looking at new baths or paint colours. A degree in multi-tasking would be a help.
Lunches are either on the run, around the kitchen table exchanging news or networking. There is no set time to leave the office or finish the day, but I try and drop in on my mother for a short time when I’m here to fill her in.
My husband manages the Parkview Business Centre but has a particular interest in garden design and architecture which is very useful.
Dress: Practical and appropriate for each day’s requirements. I gave up my city suits and high heels long ago as it’s not conducive to trekking through the fields with the dogs.
What is the favourite part of your job? Variety and being able to create something unique and special for others to enjoy.
What is the least favourite part of your job? Unwanted emails and not enough time in each day.
What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now? I love what I do now, but when I was young I wanted to be a ballet dancer.
How do you relax when you are not working? Having friends to stay, going to films with friends, participating in car boot sales and checking out antique auctions for bargains, eating and taking short breaks away to discover new places.
What is your favourite film? I don’t like horror or sci-fi.
What is your favourite book? The Leopard by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa.
What is your favourite song? Sarah by Fleetwood Mac.
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? Barbara Streisand.
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet? I have appeared in Tatler and the Spanish version of Vanity Fair, not sure if that counts?
Factfile
- Name: Sarah Callander Beckett
- Job: Owner & managing director of Combermere Abbey Estate
- Born: London
- Lives: Combermere Abbey
- Education: Cobham Hall, Kent; Florence University (History of Art)secretarial course in three languages – English, Italian and French.
- Family: Married to Peter Beckett with 18-year old son, Peregrine.
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