Dorset chalkland farm with earning potential

A mixed arable and pasture farm makes an attractive package on 400 acres of ring-fenced land at 
Frampton in Dorset.

Southover Farm is Symonds & Sampson’s first offering this season and is likely to generate huge interest from farmers looking to expand, as there is no house. The £3m-plus guide price values it at £7,500/acre.

This chalk land holding is being sold to allow its owner to develop other business interests. It lies just a few miles north-west of Dorchester and will come to the market next week. Income of more than £95,000 was generated in 2013 through ELS/HLS schemes, single farm payment, maize grown on contract, sheep keep and letting some of the buildings.

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The holding has productive arable land, valley and downland grazing with some woodland and adaptable buildings. Field sizes are good on the easy-working, mostly gently sloping land, which is split roughly equally between arable and pasture along with 32 acres of woodland.

Southover Farm is in year four of a 10-year scheme with an ELS payment of £4,860 and HLS income of £11,889 last year. The farm’s 146.07 single farm payment entitlements will be offered at market price to the buyer.

A Woodland Grant Scheme is also established and is in its ninth of 15 years.

The payment in 2013 was £1,020 and a further scheme has been approved but not activated. This is estimated to produce £53,472 over 10 years. (Symonds & Sampson 01258 472 244)