Big unit a rare event on south west market
Big unit a rare event on south west market
By Andrew Shirley
BUYERS looking towards the south-west now have some extra options – including one of the largest properties to hit the regions market this year- following the retirement of two farmers.
In Devon, Luscombe Maye is selling Woodcombe Farm at Chivelstone, near Kingsbridge. Running to the best part of 600 acres, the holding is relatively large for the county and is also slightly unusual in that over 60% of the soil is IACS-registered.
"It is quite rare for a mixed farm of this size to come up for sale in the area, especially around the South Hams," confirms Stuart Hext who is handling the sale, which is due to farmer Chris Browning opting for early retirement to pursue other interests.
The agent is guiding the whole unit, which includes a four-bedroomed house, at £2.65m. However, to attract as many bidders as possible he has also split it into 13 lots. "I am sure there will be non-farming interest in the residential element, but there has already been an enquiry from a farmer looking to continue running the farm as it is," he adds.
As well as the main house there is a four-bedroomed bungalow that has fantastic views over the sea, according to Mr Hext. Also among the lots is a 366-acre ring-fenced chunk of arable and pastureland valued at almost £1700/acre, that he reckons could tempt local producers.
Bonus income from diversification is a strong possibility – one range of traditional buildings has planning consent for nine holiday units, while another has permission for a further four. "There are some good opportunities to earn extra money," says Mr Hext.
Further south, Kivells is offering a 300-acre, north Cornwall dairy and stock-rearing farm for £1m, that agent David Kivell thinks will attract attention from local producers looking to upgrade. "There has already been interest from dairy and stock farmers."
Sutton Farm, Boyton, Launceston, has been farmed by the Colwill family since 1917 and is coming to the market following the decision of Terry Colwill to hang up his boots. He currently milks 130 cows, although Mr Kivell says there is the scope to boost the herd size to around 200.
Accommodation is a comfortable five-bedroomed, 16th century farmhouse and 126 acres of the land is IACS-registered. *
Sutton Farm, Devon, on the market with Kivells for £1m