Northumberland sporting estate has bags of appeal

A unique ring-fenced agricultural and sporting estate in Northumberland is expected to attract considerable interest when it comes to the market this week.

The Scrainwood Estate, near Rothbury, extends to 1048 acres, with a five-bedroom farmhouse and two three-bedroom cottages. “It is a delightful setting, and will appeal to quite a diverse market,” said Claire Mallen, of agent Strutt & Parker in Morpeth. The estate had a well-established partridge and pheasant shoot, with 101 acres of woodland, 442 acres of grassland, and 496 acres of arable and temporary grassland.

All the land was let on an annual grazing licence, producing a significantly income, but the estate would be sold with vacant possession, said Miss Mallen. It was likely to appeal to livestock producers seeking a decent, self-sufficient farm, as well as sporting buyers.

The land encompasses a number of ancient monuments, and most is managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and entered into the Organic Farming Scheme. It surrounds the main farmhouse, with separate access to two ranges of modern and traditional farm buildings, totalling 39,540 sq ft.

As well as the partridge and pheasant shoot, the estate has two duck flight ponds and opportunities for deer stalking. To the rear of the farmhouse, which has recently been refurbished, is a new shooting annexe with a dining room, lounge and kitchen. The two farm cottages are also in excellent condition, with one being sold with vacant possession and the other occupied by the estate gamekeeper.

“The sale of the Scrainwood Estate offers the chance to buy a property with excellent residential accommodation, productive farmland and superb shooting,” said Miss Mullen. “There are not many properties coming to the market in Northumberland which offer that kind of potential.”

The estate is being sold as a whole by private treaty by joint agents Strutt & Parker and Youngs Chartered Surveyors, with a guide price of £4m.