Three farms and four FBTs on offer in north of England

Three farms and four farm business tenancies are coming to the open market in the north of England with land agent George F White.

Supply of good commercial farms on the open market in the region has been lacking over the past few years, particularly in the 400-acre-plus bracket, said partner Tim Michie.

“The farms that have been launched have seen competitive bidding from buyers across the country and we expect to see the same this summer when we have a number of large commercial stock farms coming to the market,” he said.

See also: Land in your area 2021: North-east England

There have been plenty of enquiries about land and farms coming to the market from interested parties with money to spend from several different angles, including rollover funds, investment, low interest rates, and environmental plans, said associate Jessica Clark.

“We also have a portfolio of farms to let on five-year farm business tenancies, where we expect interest from across the region, particularly from those existing farm businesses looking to increase their acres,” she said.

“I think the nearing date of the removal of all direct linked subsidy is a large factor in the farms coming to the open market this summer and we expect to see it continue throughout the next couple of years.”

North Tyne Valley

North Heugh Farm © George F White

North Heugh Farm in Barrasford, near Hexham, Northumberland, will be launched to the open market on Monday 30 May.

It has 461 acres of permanent grass, rough grazing and woodland, and is guided at £2.6m.

The upland stock unit comes with a four-bedroom house in need of updating, a one-bedroom farm cottage, traditional buildings with conversion potential, and modern buildings suitable for livestock and general agricultural use.

North Lake District National Park

Bassenthwaite © George F White

Near Keswick in Cumbria, beneath the fells of Skiddaw and Ullock Pike and with views over Bassenthwaite Lake, a 292-acre holding is for sale for £4m.

Bassenthwaite will be available from Monday 6 June, as a whole or in five lots.

The holding includes a Grade II listed house, traditional and modern agricultural buildings, and planning permission for a four-bedroom dwelling.

There is a successful holiday accommodation business currently operating, with three B&B guest rooms in the adjoining traditional stone outbuildings and three self-catering glamping pods.

There is also permission for a further five self-catering glamping pods. 

Private sale

George F White is privately marketing a 262-acre stock farm on the outskirts of Corbridge in the Tyne Valley, Northumberland.

It includes temporary grass and arable land, a four-bedroom house plus a modern farm steading.

Farm business tenancies available

Three farms are available to let on five-year farm business tenancies in four lots, starting in autumn 2022, due to retirement.

Lot 1: On Ravensworth Park Estate near Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Trench Hall Farm has 312 acres of arable land, productive grass and woodland.

It includes a range of modern and traditional farm buildings that are suitable for the existing cattle and arable enterprises.

Lots 2 and 3: Marshall Lands Farm, Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne, is split into two lots.

The first comes with 147 acres of arable land and two general purpose agricultural buildings. The second includes 53 acres of bare arable land.

Lot 4: Ouston Springs Farm, Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, has 219 acres of arable land and permanent grass, and a range of farm buildings.

Ouston Springs Farm © George F White

Application process

Viewings will take place on Wednesday 1 June by appointment only. For details, email jessicaclark@georgefwhite.co.uk or call 07912 895 919.

Offers, including a tender form and supporting information, must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 17 June to George F White, 4-6 Market Street, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TL or by emailing Ms Clark.

Applicants will be shortlisted and notified if they are being invited for interview by Wednesday 22 June. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 28 June.