A thought, Vic. If you're talking to local bee-keepers, why not see if one of them would like to put a hive or two in the grounds of this big house you're working at? That way you can see if the place is suitable, you can get experience in keeping them, you have someone to supervise, and if the place is okay, you'll have done a good turn for the bee-keeper.
Maybe Crabble Corn Mill might sell honey - and even make mead, to go with the cider
