The Steel Family

Kirkwood - Real Farms has been the Steel family home since 1865 and now is looked after by father and son Anthony and Charlie. It’s the same size as it was in 1865 and beef and sheep are still farmed, although methods have changed somewhat. We now offer guests from across the World real farm accommodation, experiences and meat, which is enjoyed everywhere from home to Michelin Star restaurants.

Our History in Tourism

Whilst it was always a popular holiday destination with the Steel’s guests (records show they caught some big salmon back in the 1880s!) it was in 1973 that commercial tourism started at Kirkwood - Real Farms and in 1986 Anthony decided to concentrate on tourism rather than maximising food production. Now the farming is run in an “extensive” (almost traditional) way with minimal use of chemicals, fertilisers etc. but if you talk to Anthony about organic farming... he’s off for an hour.

Our Team

Our work at Kirkwood - Real Farms is supported by a committed and talented team, each determined to provide the best possible service to everyone that stays with us, visits us or eats our delicious lamb or beef.

Anthony Steel

Manager and 5th Generation owner

Charlie Steel

6th Generation owner

Anne Smart

Anthony's better half who actually runs the place

Sam Copland

Long time (but part-time) in the office

Maddie Dickson

Mainstay in the office

Luke Hutchinson

Manages the farm and butchers the meat

Lesley Whittock

Housekeeper who keeps everything clean

Mary Handleigh

Housekeeper who keeps everything clean

Lyndon Whittock

Maintenance, repairs and renewals