Guthrie – 20th and 21st centuries

The Guthries are a Yorkshire family based in Scarborough. John Guthrie, a chartered surveyor by training, chairs the private property group Broadland Properties founded in 1950. Broadlands have interests throughout Britain and Poland ranging from agricultural and sporting estates to commercial premises and developments. Broadland Properties purchased Hever Castle and its collection from the Astor family in 1983. 

Broadlands are committed to the future of the Castle and during their custodianship have invested greatly in the historical integrity of the estate. They have added to the existing art collection. In addition, Broadlands are dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience by carrying out improvements to the site. The newly renovated Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant saw the old 1970s building transformed into a modern venue in the classical style to complement the nearby Italian Gardens.

Broadlands are interested in making Hever Castle more environmentally friendly and have installed a biomass woodchip boiler which provides the estate with over 90% of its hot water and heating requirements. The 100 year old sewage system has been replaced by an ecologically sound solution. The old settling ponds have been transformed into a series of wetland habitats and lagoons that not only purify the sewage converting it to water, but also support a healthy and diverse range of wildlife.