Land for sale

The land and barn at Hardy’s Monument comes to the market for the first time in over 80 years with the Vendor’s decision to retire from farming, offering the rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Dorset’s history. The holding was formerly part of the Portesham Estate, belonging to Admiral Hardy’s family until 1901, when it was sold to the Croye Estate. In 1938 it was acquired by the Vendor’s family and has been passed down through the generations.

Enjoying far reaching views towards the Dorset Coast, this sale presents an attractive block of 66.45 acres (26.89ha) of gently sloping pasture land and pockets of woodland, together with an agricultural barn and lean to.


The land is set within the summit of Blackdown Hill, bordering the iconic Hardy’s Monument landmark. The land comprises part of the South Dorset Ridgeway ancient landscape being positioned below the monument to the west of the County Town of Dorchester. With an elevated
position above the village of Portesham, the land is surrounded by Dorset National Landscape (AONB) and views across to the Dorset Coast. The holding is conveniently located near the village of Portesham offering a tranquil escape whilst close to local amenities.

This sale presents the opportunity to acquire 66.45 acres (26.89ha) approx. of pasture across three gently and moderately sloping parcels with pockets of woodland to the northern boundary. As shaded red on the attached Site Plan, the holding in total extends to 66.92 acres (27.08ha).
The land is largely positioned in front of the agricultural barn. With all enclosures enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding rolling countryside with the Dorset Coast beyond. Sheltered by Benecke Wood to the north, the land is enclosed by a combination of stone walls with post and wire fencing to parts. In recent years the land has been grazed by sheep across the parcels with no internal boundaries dividing the enclosures.

The land offers considerable agricultural appeal, or may also be suited to conservation or equestrian uses, subject to securing the necessary planning consents. The holding has a wealth of wildlife to include birds such as mistle thrush,
barn owls, stonechats and yellow hammers and two wildlife ponds currently teaming with tadpoles, newts, pond skaters, water boatman and beetles.

The land is classed as being Grade III and IV on the Post1988 Agricultural Land Classification Map of England, comprising freely draining, very acid, sandy and loamy soil with low fertlity and medium carbon levels.

Within the holding and positioned in an elevated location to the northern boundary, is a steel framed 4 bay agricultural barn with an additional lean to from the north elevation. The barn is open fronted to the east under a corrugated roof. The barn, although requiring repair, offers an opportunity for agricultural or equestrian uses, subject to the necessary consents.

The holding benefits from rights of access with the principal, vehicular access to the north east corner, leading from the Martinstown to Abbotsbury road, with the dirt track leading to a galvanised steel gate. Double gates are situated close to the barn, and a third gate (currently unused) is located in the bottom west corner of the land.

The land will be sold subject to an overage provision which will apply in the event that planning permission is granted (or general permitted development rights are exercised) at
any point in the future for anything other than agricultural, horticultural or equestrian purposes. The erection of a dwelling house or other residential accommodation subject to an agricultural tie will trigger the overage provision. In the event that the overage provision is triggered within the next 30 years, a payment equivalent to 30% of the market value of the land with the benefit of planning permission, or
30% of value received by the owner on the sale of the land following the grant of planning permission, will be payable (subject to certain agreed deductions). The overage payment must be paid on the date of disposal following the
grant of planning permission or the date two years following the date of a planning permission or general permitted development rights (whichever shall be the earlier).

There are no services connected to the land.

The land is not currently subject to any agri-environmental scheme agreement.

The land is being offered for sale by Informal Tender. Tenders, on the attached Form of Tender, are to be received in writing by the Agents, Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Westgate House, 45 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset,DT1 1UT by 12 noon on 28th June 2024, marked offers for
‘Land & Barn Below Hardy’s Monument’.
Offers for the land and barn must be as a whole as shown on the attached plan. All tenders received will be subject to contract and the vendors are not obliged to accept the highest or any other tender.

The land is of a freehold tenure with vacant possession upon completion

The holding is located within Dorset’s National Landscape (formally Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

The property is sold and as far as is required by the Vendor will be conveyed subject to all rights of way, easements and wayleaves of telegraph and telephone poles, stays and wires, electricity pylons, poles and cables, water and gas pipes at present erected on the passing over or under the
property and subject to the agreement effecting the same (if any).

The property, notwithstanding any description contained in these particulars, is sold subject to any Development Plan, Tree Preservation Order, Town Planning Scheme, and Resolution Notice, which may be or may come to be in force and also subject to any statutory provision or Bye-law
without any obligation on the part of the vendor to specify them.

All persons wishing to view the property do so at their own risk. Neither the Vendor nor Agents will be held liable for any damage or injury that may occur when interested parties are visiting the property. The land and barn are potentially a hazardous environment and for prospective
purchasers own personal safety, please be vigilant.