In the evolving world of British residential and leisure communities, few names resonate like Royston Cooper. For more than five decades, the Cooper family has been at the forefront of the residential park movement—designing, developing, and nurturing spaces where people don’t just live, but truly belong.
From the creation of Harewood Park and Ascot Park to mentoring a new generation of family leaders, Royston Cooper’s story is one of heritage, innovation, and heartfelt dedication to community life.
The Cooper family’s story begins in the 1970s, a period of transformation in Britain’s housing landscape. Amid growing demand for affordable, high-quality living, Royston Cooper’s parents saw an opportunity to create more than just residential developments—they envisioned vibrant communities where families and retirees could thrive.
Royston, along with his sisters Tina and Lisa, grew up immersed in this vision. “My parents didn’t just build parks,” Royston recalls. “They fostered communities.”
Every path, garden, and clubhouse carried a sense of purpose. The Coopers understood that the secret to success in residential park living wasn’t just the quality of the homes—it was the human connection that bound residents together.
The industrious atmosphere of the Cooper family home shaped Royston Cooper into a leader defined by empathy and excellence. From a young age, he absorbed lessons in planning, resident relations, and craftsmanship. But above all, he learned the value of listening—a trait that would later define his leadership style.
Tina Cooper reflects, “We often reminisce about those days—how much fun we had, yet how hard we worked. It was a unique blend of joy and determination.”
Those family values became the cornerstone of Royston’s approach: innovation grounded in care, and progress without losing sight of community spirit.
By the late 1980s, the UK residential park industry was changing. What had once been simple static caravan sites were evolving into permanent, year-round communities. Families sought greener lifestyles; retirees sought independence and peace.
Royston Cooper recognised this shift early. Under his guidance, the family business expanded and refined its offerings. The Coopers focused on design excellence, environmental beauty, and resident wellbeing—values that distinguished their parks from the rest.
Harewood Park and Ascot Park soon became benchmarks in the industry, representing not just quality housing but a philosophy of living.
Harewood Park, one of the Cooper family’s most renowned developments, exemplifies the essence of Royston Cooper’s vision. Set amidst rolling countryside, its tree-lined avenues, landscaped gardens, and communal hubs offer residents both tranquility and connection.
Every feature—from the layout of footpaths to the placement of park benches—reflects decades of family experience and a genuine love of community design.
Residents frequently describe Harewood Park as more than just a place to live. “You’re never lonely here,” says one resident. “Everyone looks out for each other.”
Such sentiments encapsulate Royston’s belief that well-planned spaces create well-connected people.
If Harewood Park is the family’s heritage heart, Ascot Park is its modern soul. Blending contemporary comforts with the timeless values the Coopers are known for, it demonstrates Royston Cooper’s ability to adapt without losing authenticity.
Ascot Park combines sustainability with style—energy-efficient homes, beautifully maintained grounds, and inclusive communal areas that encourage interaction. Events such as book clubs, coffee mornings, and seasonal fairs reflect the lively, welcoming culture that has become synonymous with the Cooper name.
Under Royston’s leadership, Ascot Park continues to evolve, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously.
At the centre of everything lies a simple yet profound philosophy: residential parks should feel like home from the moment you arrive.
Royston Cooper’s approach to leadership mirrors his parents’ dedication. He often walks the parks himself, speaking with residents, ensuring their voices shape the parks’ development. “Every time we complete a new project,” he says, “I think about how proud our parents would be. Their vision lives on in every park we develop.”
It’s this continuity—this sense of stewardship rather than ownership—that defines Royston Cooper’s enduring influence.
Today, as Royston’s children and their cousins step into the family business, the Cooper legacy moves confidently into the future. The next generation is learning not only the operational aspects of park management but also the emotional intelligence that has long set the family apart.
“I often think about my late father,” Royston shares. “I can almost feel him looking down on us, beaming with pride as we continue to build and innovate. He laid the groundwork, and now it’s our turn to carry the torch.”
For Royston Cooper, legacy isn’t about maintaining the past—it’s about evolving it, keeping community at the heart of every new idea.
The influence of Royston Cooper extends beyond the borders of his parks. The Coopers helped reshape how Britain perceives residential park living—not as a compromise, but as a choice rooted in quality, connection, and wellbeing.
Their developments anticipated national trends: sustainability, accessibility, and the desire for independent living within supportive communities. In doing so, they helped transform what was once a niche market into a respected housing model that appeals across generations.
At a time when Britain faces ongoing housing challenges, the Cooper story offers a hopeful reminder that thoughtful design and human values can go hand-in-hand.
Walk through the parks today, and you’ll see Royston Cooper’s legacy everywhere—in the gardens lovingly tended by residents, in the conversations that echo through community halls, in the quiet pride that defines each development.
Harewood Park and Ascot Park are not just successful enterprises; they are living archives of a family’s belief in doing things the right way.
As Royston often says,
“We’re just the custodians. The real story is the people who live here – the ones who make these parks what they are.”
That humility lies at the heart of his success. For the Coopers, every path laid, every garden planted, and every new resident welcomed is another chapter in a story that began with family and continues through community.
The story of Royston Cooper and the Cooper family is, ultimately, a story about more than property—it’s about purpose. Through decades of change, they have shown that progress and tradition can coexist, that compassion and commerce need not be at odds, and that the truest measure of success lies in the happiness of others.
In an era of rapid urbanisation and fleeting connections, the Coopers’ parks stand as rare sanctuaries—places built not just for living, but for belonging. And as a new generation carries the family’s vision forward, Royston Cooper’s name will continue to symbolise excellence, community, and the quiet pride of continuity.
Nestled in the picturesque Somerset countryside, Ashcombe Farm is poised to redefine the experience of attending the iconic Glastonbury Festival. Acquired by Royston Cooper.