Buyers’ choice of quality farms and types from Cheshire to Kent

A well-equipped, “ready-to-go” dairy farm comes to the market in Cheshire with 460 acres in a ring-fence.

Tilstone Bank Farm sits alongside the Shropshire Union Canal near Tilstone Fearnall, Tarporley, and is a rare launch, says James Wood, selling agent and head of rural agency at Bidwells.

“There have been very few high-quality dairy farms of this nature that have come to the market in this locality,” he says.

See also: Strong commercial farms launch in the South West

“Given the size and nature of this farm, it is an excellent opportunity for a commercial dairy farmer to develop their business, while also providing an attractive rural lifestyle in a desirable part of the country.”

The holding has been professionally farmed and managed with exemplary care and attention to detail, says James.

The Grade 3 land is a combination of pasture and arable that sits in an area designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone until 2028.

It has historically been cropped under a forage-based rotation of maize, temporary grass leys and wholecrop cereals.

Winter wheat and winter barley are also grown.

Fishing lakes, woodlands and an equestrian cross-country course add additional interest and income.

A large range of modern and traditional farm buildings includes an 18:18 direct line parlour with a 7,200-litre milk bulk tank.

As well as a six-bedroom farmhouse, Tilstone Bank Farm has two three-bedroom, semi-detached cottages, which are currently vacant.

Bidwells has set a guide price of £5.83m for the whole and is also offering the property in three lots.

Grade 1 farm in Kent

Newhouse and Gosmere Farms © Ceres Rural

A Kent holding due for launch next week is also a rare offering.

With a guide price of £4m for the whole, Newhouse and Gosmere Farms have almost 300 acres of Grade 1 land and form part of the historic Lees Court Estate, near Faversham.

The farms are for sale as a whole or in up to five lots and include 280 acres of arable land, an orchard of almost 12 acres and a redundant farm building with development potential.

The Gosmere Farm buildings offer 2,300t of grain storage, which selling agent Ceres Rural says has development or alternative use potential.

Lancashire opportunity

Ellel Grange © GSC Grays

In Lancashire, GSC Grays is launching Ellel Grange at Bay Horse, near Lancaster, at a guide price of £2.89m.

The firm’s head of farm agency, John Coleman, anticipates strong interest from local farmers as the land is well known for producing excellent cut grass and also has significant sporting and natural capital potential.

The 140-acre holding has been in the ownership of the same family for several generations and comes to the market as a result of relocation.

Much of the land is subject to a farm business tenancy, which expires on 31 October 2025.

There are two houses – the first is Grade II listed and has five bedrooms, well-maintained grounds and a walled garden. 

This has adjoining outbuildings and a disused cottage with potential for conversion or to extend the main house.

There are also Grade II listed stone buildings with residential development possibilities.

A farmhouse with three bedrooms is let on an assured shorthold tenancy.

“This is a really interesting package of productive farmland, houses and development opportunity in a very picturesque and accessible location,” says John.

“It is bounded on two sides by the canal network, has attractive blocks of amenity woodland and areas offering a huge amount of biodiversity.”

Ellel Grange is being marketed as a whole or is available in six lots.

Northamptonshire bare land

Herne Farm © Strutt & Parker

For buyers in the market for bare land, Strutt & Parker is selling a 137-acre block of good-quality arable land and permanent pasture at Herne Farm, near Oundle in Northamptonshire.

It is a combination of 100 acres of Grade 2 arable land and 35 acres of permanent pasture and is marketed at a guide price of £1.12m.

Divided into good-sized fields, the land is fenced and bordered by established hedgerows and the River Nene, on which it has fishing rights.