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La Mare itself is a farm of greater antiquity than meets the eye, for in two parts of the property prehistoric flints are frequently discovered, indicating that the hand of man has been active here for thousands of years. In more recent history the earliest buildings date from the 1600's and the fine central farmhouse, built of the lovely pink granite for which the island is famous, is dated 1797. The farm at various times followed the farming fashions of the island and for much of the last century its land was devoted to apple trees beneath which grazed the farm's herd of Jersey cows.
In this century the apple trees gradually gave way to the twin crops of potatoes and cauliflowers. The family that had build the property in the 1700's remained in possession until 1968 by which time the farm had become very dilapidated and the family sold it to the Blayneys' who restored the house to Grade I status and reversed the fortunes of the property.
Robert and Ann Blayney planted Jersey's first commercial vineyard at La Mare in 1972, and developed La Mare to include not just vineyards but also the Jersey Distillery and the Jersey Farmhouse Provision range. On retiring to a less hectic life in 1997, Robert and Ann sold La Mare to the current owner. The new team have further developed and expanded La Mare yet still preserved the peaceful, friendly ambience that keeps visitors returning every year. |
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