Rare Northumbria mixed unit to let

A traditional Northumbrian mixed farm is to let on an Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) for seven years from 1 May 2011. Ryal West Side Farm is part of the Matfen Estate and is currently a pedigree cattle unit running 100 Limousins.

The tenant is moving south to another holding and the farm, which is three miles from Matfen village, is only the second complete unit of this size to come up for letting in the area this year.

About a third of the 280-acre unit is down to arable with the remainder permanent pasture. The land is 200-220m above sea level, in a ring fence and within easy reach of local livestock markets at Hexham, Carlisle and Longtown.

The holding is 25 miles from Newcastle and is a useful and versatile unit, with generally well maintained land, good stock-proof fences and dry stone walls, according to the agent.

“New lettings of whole, ring-fenced farms have been relatively few and far between in recent years, and Ryal West Side offers a rare opportunity for a new tenant to move up the farming ladder,” said Matthew Williamson, of Strutt & Parker, Morpeth. While all cattle, Ryal West Side should be able to carry 600 ewes and 50 suckler cows. It includes a three-bedroom brick farmhouse, a range of traditional buildings, yard areas and a large general-purpose shed.

Tenders must be in by noon on 8 October and the ingoing tenant must take on the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) entitlements at valuation from the outgoer.

(Strutt & Parker 01670 500870).