Description
BEAUTIFULLY SITUATED COMMERCIAL ARABLE FARM WITH EXCELLENT RANGE OF MODERN FARM BUILDINGS.
Description
Situation
Witton Hall Farm lies to the south of the A691 Durham to Consett road, only 4 miles north-west of the city of Durham, and 7 miles south of Chester-Le-Street. The A1 lies 6.5 miles to the east and the main east coast rail line can be joined in Durham. The farm is well situated to gain access to the facilities, schools and leisure opportunities in the historic city of Durham, as well as to Weardale and the North Pennines.
Introduction
The sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire a large commercial farming opportunity lying within a ring-fence within very attractive natural countryside, yet only 4 miles from the city of Durham. There is good access directly from the roundabout on the A691.
The land which is predominantly under arable production is supported by an excellent and extensive range of modern farm buildings designed to support a larger farming enterprise including approximately 6,000 tonnes of grain storage, but suitable for a variety of storage purposes.
The River Browney which meanders through the farm, provides a beautiful, natural setting for the farm which is enhanced by the well-established woodlands and shelterbelts which enhance the conservation, amenity and sporting value of the farm. Whilst the arable land is mainly in good-sized fields, the farm naturally lends itself to inclusion within environmental stewardship schemes, and includes a site with potential for BNG.
Farms of this scale and diversity, together with a first class range of buildings are extremely rare in such a private and accessible location. Additional land may be available to rent by negotiation.
Farm Buildings
Following the re-location of the farm steading out of the village, a new set of buildings were constructed offering over 2,500 m sq of first class mainly general purpose clear span storage buildings including approximately 6,000 tonnes of grain storage. A 22 tonne per hour Alvan Blanch grain dryer was installed in 2017 together with associated conveyors and reception intake pit.
Land
The land which extends to approximately 454 acres lies largely within a ring-fence, divided only by the River Browney which forms an attractive natural feature through the farm. The 381 acres of arable land is mainly level or gently sloping with the farm lying largely between 80 and 100 metres above sea level. The soils are classified as grade 3 including a mixture of brick field 3 and alun soil types which consist of predominately loamy and clay surface water soils and coarse loamy alluvial soils. The arable rotation is based on wheat, spring barley and oats, although the farm is currently entered into an SFI scheme as well as a mid-tier stewardship scheme due to expire this year. As a result the current cropping includes approximately 150 acres of legume fallow which is due to come out this autumn, but which will have given the soils a valuable break crop.
The 39 acres of grassland mainly comprises a single valley and adjoining fields towards the western end of the farm which is grazed by cattle. On the western edge of the farm there is a former compound site of 2.7 acres owned by Northumbrian Water which the vendors rent on an annual basis, and which may be available to the purchaser.
Woodland & Conservation
A particular feature of the farm is the high natural landscape value as a result of the natural contour, the woodlands, shelterbelts, and double bank fishing on the River Browney which meanders through the centre of the farm. The woodland not only enhances the landscape, but adds to the sense of privacy and acts as a wildlife corridor. Whilst currently farmed commercially, the farm does lend itself to continued inclusion in stewardship and other environmental land management schemes as they become available.
A survey identified potential for up to 70 BNG units on the farm, and this is something which could be followed up by the purchaser.
Acreage: 454.21 Acres