Scottish arable farms hit the market

Two very different Scottish arable farms come to the market this week, along with a Warwickshire holding with good diversification opportunities, all from Strutt & Parker

Vicarsford Farm near Tayport, Fife, is a 200ha (493-acre) arable farm in a good arable region with a mixture of class 2 and 3 land. Of this, 453 acres is arable with the remainder (14 acres) woodland plantations.

The nine fields are a good size for modern machinery and the clay-based soil running through from north to south is well suited to cereals. The northern and eastern section of the farm has the best soil and can be used to grow legumes, carrots, parsnips and other vegetables.

In recent years, the vendor has grown mostly spring and winter barley, but previous yields of winter wheat have averaged around 3.75t/acre.

There is planning permission for a large shed and an application for planning consent to build a new farmhouse, but no entitlements are included in the £3m-plus guide price. (Strutt & Parker 0131 226 2500)

The second farm sits on the shores of Loch Leven. Grahamstone Farm in Kinnesswood, Kinross-shire, has 365 acres of grade 3 arable, 13 acres of woods and two acres of rough grazing. It is for sale in two lots at £2.515m. The first is 391 acres of mainly arable land split into 13 fields which recently has been used for turf production but has grown a variety of cereals, vegetables and potatoes in the past.

Grahamstone Farm includes a three-bedroom farmhouse, which is on a Short Assured Tenancy until 30 September 2012, and three good-sized sheds as well as shooting and stalking opportunities.

The second lot is Loch Leven Cottage, which has a three-bedroom cottage on an acre of land which could be let separately.

Moving to Warwickshire, Weston Lawns Farm in Bedworth is a 98ha (242-acre) predominantly arable farm for sale by private treaty in three lots and has a guide price of £3.95m.

With 75 acres, the first lot has a farmhouse, annexe, cottage and bungalow, and a range of buildings under commercial letting agreements that provide a significant income. This lot is also home to Weston Lawns Equitation, a large equestrian centre and is on the market for £2.225m.

The second lot offers 167 acres of grade 3 farmland at £1.17m, which currently grows wheat and oilseed rape, with a small section of grass for haylage, while the third is fishing lakes in 10 acres priced at £600,000, offering a further element of diversification.

(Strutt & Parker 01858 438 706)