Savills Portugal

First published in 1972, the classic novel, Watership Down, marks its 50th anniversary this year. Set within sweeping natural landscapes, Richard Adams’ story follows the epic adventures of a small group of rabbits as they set out to look for a new home. The tale remains as relevant today as it always has been, and thus continues to inspire young readers.

A lesser known fact is that Adams got his inspiration from his friend, naturalist Ronald Lockley, who wrote a natural history book called The Private Life of the Rabbit. Lockley’s account of the life history and social behaviour of rabbits is his most notable work, and the result of five years studying rabbits at Orielton, his Pembrokeshire estate, during the 1950s.

Located on the doorstep of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park which Lockley, incidentally, was instrumental in establishing, Orielton encompasses a vast 118 acres of mature woodland with scenic trails, grassland, meadows, streams and gardens, including a large walled garden.

Its use as a base for learning about the natural environment continued into the 1960s, with the Field Studies Council buying the property as a centre for exploration, fieldwork, enjoyment and research – the Grade II* listed 23-bedroom mansion house providing accommodation.

With Orielton now for sale, the next chapter in the estate's history is yet to be written. But with its substantial mansion, Grade II listed stable and coach complex, three detached cottages, along with its stunning natural assets, the opportunity for a variety of uses is considerable.