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From Cork to Downton Abbey: Clodagh McKenna’s Country Life at Broadspear Farm
Despite a geographical distance of approximately 640km separating Blarney,County Cork,from Broadspear Farm in Hampshire,the contrast between chef Clodagh McKenna’s Irish roots and her current life feels even more profound. McKenna describes her home,Broadspear,as “a farm in the countryside,” but this understated description belies a remarkable transformation and a life deeply rooted in passion and dedication.
For the past eight years, Broadspear has been mckenna’s primary residence, shared with her husband, Harry Herbert, whose family owns the estate – a lineage that includes the seventh Earl of Carnarvon, known as “porchey” Porchester, who served as queen Elizabeth II’s racing manager. While McKenna’s social media presence offers glimpses into her idyllic life, it scarcely captures the full extent of the estate’s evolution.broadspear now encompasses a 40-hectare lasting farm, teeming with animals, beehives, and flourishing gardens – a true embodiment of the country lifestyle.
“The thing that I love most about it is that we’ve created it all,” McKenna explains. She recalls arriving at a neglected corner of the Highclere Park grounds, a space devoid of even a single rose, untouched for over a century. “It’s kind of hard to believe when you look at it now, but we put in so much energy and time every single weekend, every evening. Really, it was just the two of us working on the whole place and teaching ourselves how to look after animals. But there’s nothing in the world that gives me more pleasure.It takes real commitment, but it’s fantastic if that’s what you want from your life.”
McKenna and Herbert’s story began in 2017 at a lunch hosted by Fortnum and Mason in London, culminating in a wedding on the grounds of the Highclere Estate in 2021. While she cherishes her life at Broadspear, McKenna maintains a strong connection to her Irish heritage, returning to Cork monthly to visit family and reconnect with the culinary training she received at the esteemed Ballymaloe Cookery School.
Despite achieving prominence on both British and Irish television, with appearances on shows like This Morning and Clodagh’s Food Trails, and also US programs such as The Rachael Ray Show, McKenna views television as a complement to her core identity as a chef. She has consistently declined opportunities to participate in reality television, such as Strictly come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity…, preferring to remain focused on her culinary pursuits. “I think I’m good at not courting any extra attention in my life,” she confesses. “I’m quite private in my personal life; I’m quite protective of my family and my friends.”
McKenna has cultivated a network of notable friends in England,including singer Imelda may,actor Richard E Grant,and Downton Abbey‘s hugh Bonneville. She revels in entertaining at Broadspear, famously hosting her 50th birthday celebration with Irish oysters and Guinness served from an on-site pub, the Cork Arms, constructed from reclaimed timber during the COVID-19 pandemic. While she enjoys hosting, mckenna firmly believes in the personal touch. “I don’t think there’s anything worse than going to a dinner party where you feel like you’re just one of many. I like to make sure everyone feels special.” she pauses, smiling warmly. “My mum always preached that we should dream big and do whatever we wanted. And she never judged me; she always supported me in everything. Even when I was doing the farmer’s markets and I had my little stall, she’d come down and help me with it.” She sighs happily, nodding again. “So I’m glad that I listened to my mother and I dreamed big.”
Happy Cooking is available now; the Honey by Clodagh range is available online at honeybyclodagh.com.
