In reply to Selma Montford (Letters, August 27), we have lived at Saddlescombe Farm for almost 25 years.

My husband came when it was a working farm. It is a wonderful place to live and we realise how lucky we are. Stanmer would have been our second choice.

When the National Trust bought the farm about 12 years ago we thought it would be great, but within two years the farm was made redundant and the men and animals with it. A great shame for all.

We do get a lot of official tours round the farm plus two open days a year. The next one is on Sunday.

If you come on that day, you will see our pet sheep and pigs.

Plumpton use most of the land. As you say, Selma, an opportunity missed. We don’t know the long-term plans for Saddlescombe but the more public that come in we say, as at Stanmer, enjoy.

But please respect our privacy.

Mrs Bennett
Saddlescombe Farm, Poynings