We are now inviting Best and Final Offers by Friday 12th November at 12 noon.

South Hele Farm is an historic farmstead which has been occupied by the vendors family for many generations. It occupies a delightful south facing position, set within the seclusion of its surrounding land and although in need of substantial modernisation and improvement, possesses the potential to create an exceptionally attractive and highly individual family home. The holding extends in total to about 73.33 acres and is available either as a whole or in a combination of up to three lots.

LOT 1—THE FARMHOUSE, BUILDINGS AND 28.39 ACRES PASTURE LAND

The house is Grade II listed and is believed to date from the late 16th century. Although it has been the subject of subsequent enlargement and remodelling, the property retains much of its original character and although in need of improvement and modernisation, the potential undoubtedly exists to create an exceptionally attractive and individual character home in this unique setting. Constructed of what are believed to be part stone and cobb elevations; externally rendered beneath a corrugated fibre cement roof, the accommodation is arranged on two floors:-

An entrance porch with original front door leads to the entrance hall with flag stone floor and with steps up to an inner hall. This provides access to a dining room with fine cross beamed ceiling and tiled open fireplace. Enclosed stairs to first floor. Sitting room with exposed ceiling beam and fireplace recess with inset wood burning stove. On the north side of the inner hall are a range of former domestic offices, comprising of what is believed to be the original salting room with stairs rising to an apple store over. Exposed ceiling beams with the date 1772. Adjoining dairy with original ceiling hooks and utility room with return door to the entrance hall. The farm house kitchen has an inglenook fireplace with inset wood burning stove with back boiler and over mantle. Ceiling beams and enclosed secondary stairs to the first floor. Adjoining is a side entrance lobby with deep glazed sink which leads to the adjoining fuel store and to a small traditional barn with loft over suitable for incorporation into the main accommodation (subject to planning). Cloakroom. On the first floor there are a total of five bedrooms and a bathroom. The principal bedrooms are south facing and feature original cruck beams. The main bedroom contains a cast iron fireplace in an attractive carved surround.

The farmhouse is approached over a hardened entrance drive which is shared with the adjoining buildings. To the front are enclosed gardens which continue to the side and rear. They enjoy an open southerly aspect and the potential exists to create pleasure gardens to compliment the residential enjoyment of the property. The adjoining farm buildings are essentially of traditional construction and were formerly used for both dairy and mixed livestock purposes. To the side of the house is a block and corrugated fibre cement roofed former shippen with adjoining concreted yard. To one side of this is a steel and GI roofed former fodder house and three bay timber and GI roofed cubicle barn with lean to extensions to either side. On the lower side of the yard is a stone and part block traditional barn with mono pitch GI roof and adjoining two bay loose house. Three bay steel and profile roofed covered yard with lean to extensions to either side.
The farmstead enjoys a secluded position within the property’s surrounding land. This compromises in the main of level or gently sloping south facing permeant pasture which is productive and contained within traditional hedged enclosures. The hedgerows combine with a number of mature hedgerow trees and an area of more poorly drained pasture on the southern boundary to provide considerable amenity and sporting appeal. A stream bisects the southernmost land and it may be possible to create ponds within this area. In total, lot 1 extends to about 28.39 acres, as edged red on the identification plan.

Further land lots of 36.28 and 8.66 acres available by separate negotiation.

GENERAL REMARKS

TENURE AND POSSESSION
The property is of freehold tenure and with vacant possession available upon completion of the purchase.

OUTGOINGS
These are believed to comprise of local council tax (band E) together with the usual service and environmental charges where applicable.

BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME
The farm land is registered to receive entitlement payments under the current basic payment scheme. The vendors will use their best endeavours to transfer the relevant entitlements to the purchaser (s) subject to receiving written instructions and in accordance with RPA guidelines. On request of this transfer, the purchaser (s) will be responsible for the vendor’s agents reasonable costs incurred in completing the relevant transfer documents.

The 2021 payment will be retained by the vendors.

SERVICES
Mains water and electricity. Drainage to private system.

AGRI ENVIRONMENT SCHEME
The holding is not subject to any stewardship or similar scheme.

METHOD OF SALE
It is intended that the property will be offered for sale by online auction at a later date, unless previously sold by private treaty.

FARMING DEADSTOCK SALE
The right is reserved to hold a sale by auction of the vendor’s surplus farming effects on the holding, prior to the date of completion.

The property occupies a rural but accessible location within mid Devon, lying adjacent to the Somerset border and within the undulating band of unspoilt countryside which lies to the south of the Brendon Hills. The nearby village of Clayhanger is the closest settlement, although the property is situated approximately equidistant between the small and popular towns of Bampton and Wiveliscombe. Both centres afford a comprehensive range of day to day facilities as well as primary healthcare and schooling with the latter affording secondary education as well. Tiverton, Wellington and the county town of Taunton are within convenient reach and with all three centres affording a comprehensive range of commercial, educational and recreational facilities.