Smallholding offer
Smallholding offer
EAST-SUSSEX agent Charles Clark & Co seems to have a habit of selling unusual agricultural properties and the firms first offering of 2002 is no exception.
Fairfields Farm, at Rotherfield, near Crowborough, is a 23-acre smallholding and soft fruit enterprise with detailed planning consent for a traditional, three-bedroomed Sussex dwelling. Agricultural conditions, however, are attached so prospective purchasers will need to be keen on a farming lifestyle.
The property is on the market due to an imminent move by owner Roger Vogels to the sunnier climes of Spain. Mr Vogels has built up the business from a greenfield site to a viable strawberry business that selling agent Guy Streeter says has made money for the past three years.
"Everything you need to get cracking is there," reckons the agent. "Two reservoirs with a capacity of 11m gallons are almost complete and the previous purchaser of the strawberries is apparently willing to arrange a contract with the new owner."
Guide price is £275,000, which he believes presents an opportunity to somebody who wants to get into agriculture but cannot afford an expensive farm.
However, another similar property launched by the firm last year is still up for grabs. Blakes Farm, Chiddingly, also has permission for an agriculturally-tied dwelling but in this case the business concerned is a free-range poultry unit sitting on 12.5 acres of organically registered pastureland.
Mr Streeter feels the asking price could be the stumbling block and has reduced it by £20,000 to £240,000 to stimulate interest. But he is hoping to close a deal on another chicken business soon. Daniel Farm, Pluckley, Kent, valued at £475,000, features 26 acres, a 44,000-bird broiler unit and an agriculturally tied bungalow. *