Well-equipped mixed unit offers range of options

A good-sized arable and stock farm on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border is likely to attract plenty of commercial farming interest over the next few weeks, including milk producers looking for a fresh challenge.

Bates Farm, at Maer near Newcastle-under-Lyme, extends to about 442 acres, all in a ring fence. The farm once supported a 200-cow dairy unit, which John Lewis of joint agent Wright Manley says could easily carry a milking herd again.

“The dairy enterprise was disbanded in 2002, and many of the fittings were removed. But there is quite a shortage of dairy farms and there’s good demand – the farm could quite easily be converted back.”

Bates Farm is also well kitted out for arable production – the extensive range of buildings, which runs to 45,000 sq ft, includes a year-old 1000t grain store plus machinery shed.

The land, mainly medium-bodied loam (chiefly Clifton series) with some areas of sandy soils, currently supports wheat and oilseed rape on 305 acres and stock on a further 100 acres of grass. Central concrete roads provide easy access to all fields.

The farm could also appeal to a residential buyer attracted by inheritance tax reliefs. The six-bedroom Edwardian farmhouse has been completely refurbished over the past three years and includes three good-sized main reception rooms and a covered courtyard leading to utility room and workshop.

“You could farm the land out on a contract basis and live in the house,” said Mr Lewis. “Bates Farm has good access for Manchester, Liverpool, the Potteries and the M6, and London is only two hours by train.”

There are also areas of woodland that could form the base of an attractive shoot.

Bates Farm is for sale as a whole, guided at £4m. (Wright Manley 01829 731 300; Savills 01952 239 500)