Individuals representing a historic North Hampton farm will soon seek guidance from town officials about the process of erecting an indoor riding arena on the property.
Runnymede Farm, located at 72 Atlantic Ave., has been a celebrated pasture for award-winning and pleasure horses for decades. It currently has a riding ring and other areas for the horses, although it lacks a formal facility to fully showcase horses' abilities during all seasons.
That could soon change thanks to a 100-foot-by-250-foot riding arena proposal that will go before the North Hampton Planning Board.
North Hampton Planning and Zoning Administrator Wendy Chase said a discussion will be held during the planning board's Dec. 3 meeting as part of a preliminary consultation about the arena's construction and whether Runnymede needs a permit to build the structure.
The meeting isn't binding in any way and a formal application for the arena hasn't been presented, though, according to Chase. Chase said Runnymede is just "pretty much coming to talk to the board."
The farm is owned by Al and Donna Perkins. The couple purchased it from Lori and Bret Davenport in 2011 a little over a decade after the Davenports purchased it from the renowned Peter Fuller, according to a blog entry written by Runnymede General Manager Carole-Terese Naser.
Fuller, a North Hampton resident known for his affability and storytelling ability as much as was lauded in his role in raising award-winning horses Dancer's Image and Mom's Command, passed away in May 2012.
A separate proposal from a different applicant related to Fuller's legacy will also come before the planning board during the 6:30 p.m. meeting on Dec. 3, according to Chase.
Representatives of Fuller's estate will request permission to subdivide a 14 Maple Road property into two developable lots.
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