The Michaelchurch Estate offers a unique opportunity to acquire an impressive estate in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley, with far-reaching views of the Black Mountains in the valley of the Escley Brook. The estate has potential for alternative income streams and to expand on the income already generated across the farms and residential property.

About 1,021 acres (413 ha) in total | For sale as a whole or in up to 17 lots

Lot 1 – Cefn-Ceist Farm | About 174.03 acres (70.44 ha)

Cefn-Ceist Farm lies on the northeastern boundary of the Michaelchurch Estate, approached down a private farm drive. The traditional farmhouse is of stone construction, arranged over two floors. The entrance hall provides access to the kitchen and sitting room with a large Inglenook fireplace. On the first floor are three good sized double bedrooms, a single bedroom/study and a family bathroom. The garden is situated to the south-east of the farmhouse and enjoys views across to the Black Mountains. The property is currently occupied on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

The farm buildings at Cefn-Ceist Farm are located to the north of the farmhouse and share the same access. There are a range of outbuildings including: 8 bay steel portal framed general purpose building, 7 bay steel portal framed livestock building and a double span 8 bay steel portal framed livestock building with adjoining Dutch Barn (7 bay) with lean-to. The farm buildings have been utilised for agricultural purposes,however with the correct permissions they could provide the scope for alternative uses. The buildings are currently occupied under a Farm Business Tenancy which is due to expire on 10th April 2025. Further details are available from the vendors’ agents.

The land at Cefn-Ceist Farm comprises approximately 134 acres of productive pasture within a ring fence. There is road frontage to the eastern boundary and the land is partly bounded by the Escley Brook to the west. The land is undulating and is classified as Grade 3 and 4 on the Agricultural Land Classification Maps. A paddock is off-lying east of the main block of land and extends to approximately 4.82 acres, with road access.

The woodland at Cefn-Ceist Farm extends to approximately 34 acres including Pont-y-Cefn Wood, an ancient block of woodland. Additional mixed woodland is interspersed across the land.

General

Method of sale: The Michaelchurch Estate is offered for sale as a whole, or in up to 17 lots by private treaty.

Drainage: We understand that the private drainage across the estate may not comply with the relevant regulations. Further information is being sought.

Wayleaves, easements and rights of way: The property is being sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights including; rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and electricity supplies and other rights and obligations, easements and quasi-easements and restrictive covenants and all existing and proposed wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains, water and gas and other pipes whether referred to in these particulars or not.

There are a number of public rights of way over the estate. Further details including a plan are available from the vendor’s agent.

Right of Access: Lot 6 (Firs View) will be granted a right of access over Grove Farm drive. A right of access will be granted to a third party to access the buildings located on the northern boundary of Lot 7. This is shown hatched on the sale plan. Further details are available from the vendor’s agent.

Schemes: We understand the land is not subject to any environmental schemes. The buyer should rely on their own searches to verify any other schemes, as full searches have not been carried out prior to the sale.

Designations: The Lodge and Bridge Farmhouse are Grade II listed. The buyer should rely on their own searches to verify any other designations, as full searches have not been carried out prior to the sale.

Sporting, timber and mineral rights: We understand all sporting timber and mineral rights are included in the freehold sale, in so far as they are owned.

Fixtures and fittings: All items usually regarded as tenant’s fixtures and fittings and equipment, including fitted carpets and curtains, together with garden ornaments and statuary, are specifically excluded from the sale.

Fencing Obligation: The purchaser of the whole/Lot 13 will be obliged to erect a stock proof fence within 6 months of completion along the boundary marked A – B on the sale plan. Further details are available from the vendor’s agent.

Chancel repair liabilities: There are some chancel repair liabilities, further details are available from the vendor’s agent.

Local authority: Herefordshire Council (01432 260000)

VAT: Any guide price quoted or discussed is exclusive of VAT. In the event that a sale of the property, or any part of it, or any right attached to it, becomes a chargeable supply for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable in addition.

Health and safety: Given the potential hazards of a working rural estate we ask you to be as vigilant as possible when making your inspection for your own personal safety, particularly around the farm buildings and machinery.

Solicitors: Trowers & Hamlins LLP, The Senate, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1UG

Guide Price: For the whole £13,000,000 (Lot guide price available on request)

Dataroom: An online dataroom is available. Please contact the vendor’s agent for access.

Directions: From Hereford take the A465 south-west before turning right onto the B4349 heading to Clehonger. Continue until you reach Vowchurch and turn left at the T-junction towards Michaelchurch Escley.

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Viewing: Strictly by confirmed appointment with the vendor’s agents, Strutt & Parker in Cirencester on 01285 300144 or London 020 7318 5166.

This property has 174.03 acres of land.

Situation

The Michaelchurch Estate is located around the village of Michaelchurch Escley, which is home to a primary school, public house and church. Michaelchurch Escley is some 8 miles south-east of the town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its Literary Festival, with a range of shops, eateries, and services including dental surgeries, and a medical practice. The cathedral city of Hereford lies 15 miles north-east and provides a more extensive range of amenities including supermarkets, schools and access to the wider transport network.

The national motorway network is accessed from Ross-on-Wye via the M50, providing access to the West Midlands, Bristol and South Wales. The mainline train station in Hereford provides direct trains to London Paddington. Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff airports are all within approximately 90 minutes’ drive.

There are ample local recreational and sporting opportunities. The imposing Black Mountains and the surrounding area provide some beautiful walking and cycling country in the Golden Valley and Brecon Beacons National Park. The River Wye also provides good recreational activities and is easily accessed. National Hunt racing is available 16 miles east at Hereford Racecourse and Cheltenham Racecourse is further afield.

There are a number of well-regarded schools in the area including Hereford Cathedral School, Haberdashers’ Monmonth School and Hereford Cathedral Junior School. Michaelchurch Escley is within the catchment for the Ofsted outstanding Fairfield High School in Peterchurch.

Directions

From Hereford take the A465 south-west before turning right onto the B4349 heading to Clehonger. Continue until you reach Vowchurch and turn left at the T-junction towards Michaelchurch Escley.

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