Estate puts historic farm on market after 160 years of private ownership

A farm on the Worcestershire Herefordshire border which has been part of a family estate since 1860 has been brought to the market for the first time in 160 years.

Fincher’s Farm, in Whitbourne, is being sold through property consultancy Fisher German.

The historic Grade II listed farmhouse and barns are being sold through Fisher German’s newest platform, its online auction service.

The property is set in 1.38 acres of land, and the site also includes two further outbuildings.

The site has development potential, and the sale could see the three buildings transformed for residential or business use subject to planning permission.

The farm is part of Whitbourne Estate, a family estate which has been owned and run by the Evans family since Victorian times.

The traditional estate is engaged in farming, forestry, property and has a commercial shoot, and in recent years has diversified into leisure and education.

This includes the opening of the fine dining restaurant Green Cow Kitchens and events venue Crumplebury which sits on the far side of the estate. There is also Longlands Care Farm which supports vulnerable young people who have been excluded from mainstream education.

The Fincher’s Farm auction is expected to last for four weeks and is live on the Fisher German website.

Owner Joe Evans said: “The farmhouse and barns are amazing buildings and we hope that the sale will bring a new lease of life to what is a very special place.

“The fact that the farm is offered for sale after 160 years of private ownership presents an excellent opportunity to potential purchasers as there are a number of different ways the site could be developed.

“Not only is the farm in a beautiful location, it is also very accessible with good road links nearby.”

And co-owner Charlie Evans added: “We chose to sell the property via Fisher German’s online auction service as we wanted to use a modern method which offers a more controlled process.

“Serious bidders must register their interest and we hope to feel more involved in the process than we would have selling through a private treaty or tender process. We look forward to seeing the auction progress.”

Tom Dennes, of Fisher German, said: “This is a fantastic farm with some really interesting buildings which would make excellent homes, so there is huge development potential.

“We would expect the site to attract both private individuals looking to either accommodate relatives or use the barns for business purposes, such as converting them into holiday homes, or developers interested in converting three properties.

“There may also be the opportunity to purchase additional land adjoining the site by private negotiation.

“We expect our online auction facility to generate extra activity and deliver a better outcome for our clients.”