A stunning six-bedroom farmhouse complete with an orchard and impressive period features is on the market for just £395,000 – because it is surrounded by an industrial estate.
The Grade II-listed Hunts Copse Farm was once the centre of a 370-acre farmstead and boasts landscaped gardens with an orchard of apple and cherry trees and a lake.
But the property was requisitioned by the Government at the start of the Second World War and an aircraft factory was built in the grounds.
Next came a Honda factory, an industrial estate and then a B&Q national distribution centre the size of 20 football pitches – one of the biggest buildings in the UK.
Experts say if the stunning stone-built mansion in South Marston, Wiltshire, was set in a village it would easily fetch in excess of £1.5million when it goes to auction next month.
But despite the unusual neighbours, surveyor Andrew Stibbard reckons new owners could ignore the industrial surroundings and live the life of a cut-price farmer.
“It’s surprisingly quiet here on a weekday, and at the weekend you’d have the place to yourself,” said Mr Stibbard, who is marketing the property for high-end estate agents Moore, Allen and Innocent.
“In a village setting, this farmhouse would set you back £1.5 million-plus. Where else are you going to pick up a six-bedroom period house for £395,000?”
The enormous L-shaped home has wood panelled entrance halls and flagstone floors leading to three impressive reception rooms, boasting huge authentic fireplaces and huge sash windows.
The farmhouse was converted into plush offices but has planning permission to become a boutique hotel, and consent pending to turn it back into a family home.
It still has two-acres of private land behind a five-bar gated entrance, and a further acre of land enclosing a lake which will be auctioned as a separate lot.
Mr Stibbard added: “On the first floor are six bedrooms, including a well-proportioned master bedroom with large sash windows and period fireplace. On the second floor is an attic.
“I can see this property appealing to a small business looking for office accommodation in a historic building with interesting features, or a hotelier, but equally I can see the appeal to a large family that requires lots of rooms and space, both indoors and out.”
Viewing events have been scheduled for July 30 and August 6 and 13 between 4pm and 5.30pm.
To view, call Moore Allen & Innocent on 01285 648104.
