Bedforshire farms hit the market

Local agent Warmingtons is testing the market for land on the Hertforshire/Bedfordshire border with the launch of two farms near Hitchen.

They are being sold by Andrew Hunter and his sister Elizabeth who are downsizing their farming operations.

Holwellbury Farm at Stondon was purchased by their father John in 1954 and was originally a fruit farm.

The trees were progressively removed in the 1950s and the 208 acres of Grade 2 soil now cropped with cereals. Potatoes were grown in the past and irrigation is still available.

Formal tender

Agent Christopher Perks is offering the land by formal tender with a guide price of £675,000, which is about £3350/acre.

The purchaser could also take out a farm business tenancy on 90 acres of adjoining land for £90/acre inclusive of single farm payment entitlements.

Wilbury Farm at Ickleford is about three miles away and comes with 212 acres and a range of modern and traditional buildings.

Opportunity to expand

The buildings are priced at £100,000 with 11 acres while the balance of the land is guided at £3400/acre in three lots.

Mr Perks said the land would appeal to local farmers looking for more land, especially with the recent rise in grain values.

“There are very few opportunities to expand in this area.

“I didn’t want to put a silly price on the sale, but given the increases in land values this year it’s going to very interesting to see what level the market will support,” he added.