Wide choice for estate seekers
Wide choice for estate seekers
BUYERS in the running for a country estate currently have a number of interesting options open to them.
For those with deep pockets, FPDSavills and BCM are offering a traditional home counties property, near Corhampton, Hampshire, for a hefty £7.5m
St Clairs belongs to a Swedish shooting aficionado who, since he took on the 964-acre holding, has lavished a substantial amount of time and money turning 300 acres of poorly maintained woodland into an exciting 16-drive private shoot.
The house has also not escaped his attention – an entire new wing has been added – and the ingenious owner, who claims to be the largest paper recycler in the UK, even managed to divert a public road to facilitate the scheme.
As well as the five-bedroomed principal dwelling a large shooting lodge with further accommodation is also included.
An added benefit of St Clairs is a potential income of £100,000 from the 580 acres of IACS-registered land, which is currently let to two neighbouring producers, and the rental value of the estates buildings and dwellings.
Although selling agent Justin Marking believes farmers with rollover money might be interested, the price tag could be off-putting to all but the most well-heeled. However, Knight Frank is offering a less costly DIY alternative.
The Mickle Hill Manor Estate, Keyston, near Wellingborough, Northants, comes with a guide price of £1.8m, and with the planning process for a new 7800sq/ft dwelling at an advanced stage, agent Michael Lamyman reckons it could make an excellent gentlemans small estate.
"Consent should be granted anytime now, so the owner will have the opportunity to build a house with attractive views that fits their requirements 100%."
Mr Lamyman also expects the property to attract interest from farmers as it includes 480 acres of grade 2 soils. "With the existing dwelling it would make a good commercial farm."
Going north of the border, the first large Scottish estate to come on the market this season could appeal to somebody who wants splendid isolation in a fantastic setting.
The 15,000-acre Glencarron Estate, Wester Ross, available from CKD Finlayson Hughes, comes with an 11-bedroomed lodge and three other dwellings.
Valued at in excess of £1.7m, Glencarron is famed for its red deer stalking but rough grouse and ptarmigan shooting and some fishing are also available. *