At Hi-Fi Racks, we take great pride in handcrafting every piece of our solid hardwood hi-fi furniture from start to finish in the UK. Our workshop is nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Burrough-on-the-Hill in Leicestershire, within the exceptional Burrough Court. Let's take a journey through time and explore the captivating history of this remarkable place.
The enchanting story of Burrough Court begins at the turn of the 20th century, when Captain Alffrey commissioned the construction of a magnificent country house in 1905. Designed by the renowned architect Walter Brierley, a master of the Arts and Crafts movement, Burrough Court House came to life in a distinctive architectural style that embodied the era.
In 1919, the estate was acquired by Marmaduke Furness, a man of immense wealth and influence. Furness transformed Burrough Court into his cherished country retreat, dedicated to entertaining and socialising with esteemed guests. Fuelled by his fondness for the African continent, Furness even introduced zebras and giraffes to the estate, which later became the inspiration behind the iconic Burrough Court logo and branding. Notably, one of the office buildings within Burrough Court is aptly named the Giraffe House!
Among the esteemed guests who graced the halls of Burrough Court, Prince Edward, later known as Edward VIII, frequently visited. It was during these visits that Edward crossed paths with Wallis Simpson, a close friend of Lady Furness and an iconic American socialite. Little did they know that their acquaintance would forever alter the course of British history, as Wallis Simpson captured the heart of King Edward VIII, leading to one of the most infamous love stories in the annals of the British royal family. The profound impact of their relationship ultimately resulted in Edward's abdication from the throne in 1936.
Tragically, the 1940s cast a shadow over Burrough Court when the historic Burrough Court House fell victim to a devastating fire in the aftermath of World War II. Reports suggest that the blaze was caused by the 10th Battalion, Parachute Regiment's use of explosives to access a sealed wine cellar. However, in 1952, the estate found a new guardian in Wilfred Keene, who acquired it through an auction.
Fast forward to the new millennium, and Burrough Court embarked on an extraordinary transformation. The careful restoration and conversion of the courtyard and buildings breathed new life into the estate, transforming it into a thriving business hub while retaining its rich historic ambiance.
Today, Burrough Court stands as a haven for companies from diverse industries, offering state-of-the-art business facilities, contemporary office spaces, and a perfect blend of history and modernity. Amidst the picturesque gardens and unparallelled surroundings, you'll also find exceptional amenities - from Paws in the Park, a secure 2-acre dog park with grassland and woodland, to a well-appointed gym, inviting co-working spaces and yoga & Pilates studio!
At Hi-Fi Racks, we are immensely proud to craft our hi-fi furniture amidst the beauty of this extraordinary setting. Dedicated to exclusively only ever using solid hardwood to create our products, being surrounded by nature serves as a constant source of inspiration. And we must say, the coffee and cake at the estate’s boutique coffee shop, The Larder, is fantastic too!
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We hope you've enjoyed this journey through the history of Burrough Court. If you're considering a bespoke hi-fi rack, TV stand, speaker stand, or AV storage unit, why not come and visit? Our team at Hi Fi Racks would be delighted to discuss your requirements, and while you're here, take the opportunity to explore the stunning Burrough Court grounds and soak in the ambiance of this historic estate!