Shaping a sustainable community - The Knot gets the green light

A new chapter is unfolding at Courteenhall as West Northamptonshire Council has unanimously approved plans for our new farm shop and café — a landmark moment that brings The Knot one step closer to life.

About The Knot

This transformative project will breathe new purpose into a long-disused fertiliser store at West Lodge Farm, joining the estate’s thoughtfully restored offices and storage spaces to create a vibrant new destination shaped by heritage, sustainability, and community spirit.At the heart of this project is a simple but powerful vision: to create a destination that captures the true spirit of Courteenhall Estate — where sustainability, community, and innovation converge. The Knot will be a place where wholesome food, nature, and regenerative living form an immersive, zero-waste experience. Through a curated farm shop, restaurant, and lifestyle offering, we aim to reconnect people with the land, nourish the body, and inspire a future driven by environmental responsibility and meaningful social impact.

Every aspect of The Knot has been shaped by regenerative principles — from energy-efficient design and circular systems to AI-enabled, low-touch operations that keep people at the centre. With estate-grown ingredients and locally sourced artisan produce, the space will reflect our commitment to ethical sourcing, craft, and the highest environmental standards, guided by frameworks such as B Corp and the Green Michelin Star.

Naming The Knot

Inspired by the Wake family crest, The Knot honours the legacy of Hereward the Wake — the Anglo-Saxon rebel who defied Norman rule. Once a symbol of courage and resilience, the knot now represents the weaving together of past and present, reflecting centuries of stewardship while embracing a collaborative, sustainable future that connects people and place.

As Johnny Wake shared, this is far more than a new shop: it’s a welcoming space for everyone. A place where local growers can bring their produce directly to the community, where visitors can slow down and reconnect with nature, and where the heritage of Courteenhall is celebrated through quality, craft, and care for the land. With planning approval secured, The Knot moves confidently toward becoming a flagship destination — authentic, innovative, and deeply rooted in sustainability — inspiring all who visit to feel more connected, more nourished, and more hopeful for the future.

When will we open?

Building work is due to commence in February 2026, with an opening planned between the latter end of 2026 - early 2027.

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