Richard took over the farm in the 1950s and became more involved in the farming operations. His wife Cecilia, a well known Cape Town actress and producer, was the co-founder of Maynardville Open Air Theatre, famous for its Shakespearian productions.

The farm's association with the arts started with the strains of opera singing drifting up from the cottages housing the Italian prisoners. The family tradition of being patrons and contributors to the arts has been followed by the present owners, David and Sue Sonnenberg and Sue, an artist and chorister, is involved with encouraging and sponsoring local artists, providing them with materials and a place to work.