Multi-millionaires in market

NORTHANTS HAS had few commercial farms for sale this year, but has dominated the market for large estates with agents Bidwells and Knight Frank heavily involved.

In a year when such trophy properties have been few and far between, the county has claimed at least three of them, including the 50m launch of the Easton Neston Estate, near Towcester, in May.

Home to the Hesketh family, the 3300-acre estate includes Towcester racecourse, Hulcote village and a stately home. The sale was initially marketed as a whole but no bidder came forward and it was re-launched in lots.

The house and 500 acres are now available for 22.5m, with the rest of the estate available separately. Clive Hopkins, of selling agent Knight Frank, said this had increased interest and he was close to agreeing a deal on the house. There was also strong demand for the other lots, he added.

Eydon Hall, near Banbury, was launched by Bidwells and Knight Frank the week before and the 615-acre estate, which included a Grade 1 Palladian mansion, sold quickly as a whole for over its 11m guide.

Bidwells is also selling the 1033-acre Rowler Manor Estate at Croughton for 25m. The firm’s Jim Bryant said sales had been agreed on some of the off-lying lots but the main house and 727-acres were still available for 20m.

It is also believed that Knight Frank closed a private deal on a 1750-acre farm near Oundle for a price that was “too good to refuse”.