Devon acres sought
Devon acres sought
STRONG interest from farmers has led to competitive interest on good Devon farms, leading to sales in excess of guide prices.
Prospects are therefore encouraging for the launch by Stags of Northcombe Farm at Germansweek, Beaworthy. A retirement sale, the 447-acre ring-fenced holding offers a range of options for potential buyers.
"It is superbly equipped with good modern buildings, including a dirty water system, totalling around 30,000sq ft," says Alex Rew of Stags, Exeter. "It was a dairy farm, although it has not been milking cows for 10 years, and it lacks only a parlour for anyone wanting to return it to its former use."
The sale includes a five-bedroom farmhouse, large bungalow, stone letting cottage and planning permission for another three holiday cottages. A couple of fishing lakes and sporting potential add to its attractions.
"The farm is already attracting strong interest, driven by its size and quality," said Mr Rew. Guide price is £1-1.2m, by private treaty now or auction later, aiming for a June completion.
Similar attributes are leading, albeit on different farms in different areas, to some notable sales. With 389 acres, Home Farm at Farringdon, outside Exeter, is under offer following competitive farmer bidding on a guide price of £1.75m.
North Lee Farm, a former dairy with five holiday cottages and 335 acres at South Molton, was marketed last year with a guide price of £1.175m and is also now under offer. *
"We agreed sales on around 4000 acres between August and December last year, and that interest is being followed through into this year," said Mr Rew.