Large dairy opportunity to let in Devon

Almost 1,500 acres of mainly dairy land is about to be offered to let in Devon.

Most of the land has been farmed in-hand by the Castle Hill Estate and will be offered in up to 12 lots, mainly on 10-year Farm Business Tenancies beginning on 29 September this year.

The two large dairies currently each run 350 spring calving cows but have capacity to milk about 400 head through each unit. There are also extensive additional buildings and land for youngstock, with some further land suitable for arable cropping.

The two dairies have a three-bedroom house each, with further staff accommodation available on assured shorthold tenancies.

Castle Hill is a traditional but diversified estate running a full calendar of public, private and corporate events as well as an open garden. The land is all Grade 3 pasture and includes the core of the estate’s Grade I listed parkland surrounding the house and grounds.

Aside from the two main units, there are four ancillary holdings and further land, with the operation likely to be let to an established dairy producer in three or four lots, said letting agent Savills.

The estate has recently invested to establish the dairies on an extended grazing system.

“Housing, tracks and milking parlours have all been modernised, with each dairy benefiting from a 40:80 Delaval swing-over herringbone parlour, fixed cattle handling facilities and well laid-out housing,” said Miles Webber of Savills. “Field sizes are reasonable and the infrastructure is all there.”

Cattle and youngstock from each unit will be available to incoming tenants or will be sold at a dispersal sale. Viewing days are on 7 and 19 March, with tenders to be submitted by 12 noon on 12 April. (Savills 01598 760 336)