Pippa and James Matthews sell Bucklebury Farm after years of financial woes
Pippa and James Matthews have sold Bucklebury Farm for £1.3 million after years of financial struggles. The 72-acre property, purchased in 2021, had been intended as a family attraction but faced mounting debts and criticism from visitors. The couple bought the farm with ambitions to create a thriving business. However, the venture quickly ran into trouble, losing six figures annually. By 2025, debts had climbed to £807,543.
In an attempt to recover losses, the Matthews submitted plans for a 25-child nursery on the site. The local highways authority opposed the proposal, warning of potential traffic congestion. The council ultimately rejected the application. The farm’s zoo, a key attraction, also drew complaints. Visitors criticised high ticket prices, while one local dismissed the entire project as a 'snooty cash grab' and a place of 'snobbery and middle-class exclusivity'. The couple have now cut all ties with the property, ending their involvement entirely.
The sale marks the end of the Matthews’ ownership of Bucklebury Farm. The £1.3 million deal follows years of financial strain and failed attempts to turn the business around. The farm will now pass to new owners, though their plans for the site remain unclear.
