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Mannings Heath owner plans to create new West Sussex vineyard

Published:  13 July, 2017

The owner of Mannings Heath Golf Course & Wine Estate, Penny Streeter OBE, has expanded her West Sussex footprint with the acquisition of Leonardslee estate at Lower Beeding, near Horsham, for an undisclosed sum.

The South African based entrepreneur has acquired the 200 acre estate with plans in the pipeline to restore and upgrade the site, which was closed to public access in 2010 and subsequently put up for sale in April this year, and re-open it to the public, and create a new vineyard and “wine experience”.

The landscaped gardens, which attracted 50,000 visitors a year in its heyday, includes seven lakes, renowned ornamental rock gardens, parkland and woodland - along with collections of wallaby, deer and carp.

Streeter, who owns the Benguela Collection vineyards and hospitality group, said Leonardslee complemented the business’ golf and entertainment facilities at the 400 acre Mannings Heath estate, where it is developing a wine destination, bringing in wines from South Africa and cultivating a new 35 acre vineyard for English sparkling wine on site.

“We will restore Leonardslee to its former glory and create new facilities on site, including tea rooms and dining facilities, as a major local attraction for families, wedding groups and others,” said Streeter.

In addition to Mannings Heath, the Benguela Collection includes Benguela Cove vineyard in South Africa, as well as four restaurants and a hotel on the Garden Route.

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