Colwell Hill Farm
Elsdon, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland, NE19 1AG
Guide Price
£1,700,000
Residential Tags: Farmhouse, Private Water Supply
Property Tags: Holiday Cottage, Livestock Farm, Sale By Auction, Traditional Buildings
Land Tags: Pasture Land, Woodland
Summary Details
- First Marketed: Jun 2022
- Removed: Date Not Available
- Residential Tags: Farmhouse, Private Water Supply
- Property Tags: Holiday Cottage, Livestock Farm, Sale By Auction, Traditional Buildings
- Land Tags: Pasture Land, Woodland
Colwell Hill is a noted Rede Valley farm and presents a truly scarce opportunity to acquire an outstanding livestock farm. The property has been maintained and managed to the highest of standards and consequently provides a purchaser with an excellent base from which to work immediately from.
As a whole Colwell Hill extends too approximately 123.55 hectares (305.28 acres). The land is served by a fully equipped farmstead , which includes both modern and traditional buildings, a silage clamp and a four bedroom farmhouse, with scope for expansion.
LOCATION The property is situated in a stunning location in the heart of the Rede Valley. The steading sits at approximately 249 meters above sea level, is south facing and enjoys spectacular views across the southern end of the county and beyond.
Colwell Hill is located approximately 2.5 miles west of Elsdon and 3.5 miles east of Otterburn. Within Elsdon there is a pub and a tearoom, a testament to the passing tourist trade. Otterburn boasts a well stocked village shop, pubs and a highly regarded primary (two tier) school. The towns of Bellingham (12 miles south west) and Rothbury (14 miles north east) offer further shops and pubs as well health practices and schooling.
The more prominent towns of Hexham (31 miles south and Ponteland 24 miles south east) offer a wide array of shops both local and national and full range of leisure and professional serivces. Hexham has a well respected Auction Mart and also offers the same service from Scots Gap (12 miles) during the summer/autumn months.
Newcastle upon Tyne is within 33 miles and offers the full range of shops and services that would be expected from a major city, whilst also providing an international airport and main line train station.
Colwell Hill, therefore sits neatly within the border heartland of Englands border county, yet benefits from easy access to a range of services both local and national whilst also being within easy reach of the wider world.
DIRECTIONS From Otterburn head south east on the A696 after approximately 1 mile turn left onto B6341, signposted Elsdon, after approximately 2 miles the farm entrance is on the left hand side, cross the cattle grid and you on the farm's drive.
What3Words loudly.forgiving.point
DESCRIPTION Colwell Hill is an outstanding example of a Northumbrian upland farm. Farmed as a standalone unit for many years, the farm is highly productive, producing excellent stock and on a commercially viable basis.
Extensive improvement works have been carried out to the land in terms of drainage and inputs. Such improvements have been done right up to the present day, ensuring any ingoer can capitalise on the investments made. The property has being farmed with an eye on the longterm, it has not been allowed to deteriorate. For example lime is spread annually, with 300 tones spread last year, reseeding has been done on a consistent basis whilst fertilser applications have been regular. Thus the land has a significant residual value.
Like the land there has been significant and recent investment in the farms infrastructure with sheds recently erected and a regular programme of fencing adhered to.
In terms of stocking the farm currently carries approximately 250 mule ewes and 250 swale ewes, with replacements kept and wintered on the farm. Lambs are sold fat, primarily through Scots Gap at 45 kg plus and regularly feature amongst the higher prices.
In addition to the sheep, there are 50 suckler cows, with their offspring sold as stores at 16 -18 months. The stock and their output are a testament to the nature of the farm.
THE LAND As a whole the property extends to approximately 123.55 hectares (305.28 acres) of land, of which 5.22 ha (12.89 ac) is woodland with the remainder being excellent grazing and mowing land, save for small areas of tracks. The land sits within a ring fence and is well served by an accessible steading.
The grazing land extends to approximately 292.39 acres and is primarily south facing. There is circa 125 acres of cuttable land much of which has been regularly reseeded. The meadow land on the most part lies below the steading and has good access. The fields are well proportioned, yield well and are largely flat.
Behind the steading there is a large (117.54 acres) parcel of excellent upland grazing. This block has been improved over the years; it is well drained via tiled drains and consequently benefits from being capable of carrying large numbers of stock which perform well.
The land as whole benefits from good access either internally or from the main road where the land adjoins it. The boundaries are in good condition and a regular programme of maintenance has been undertaken, with improvements been done right up to date.
The land in general is well served by water be it mains or private
The woodland on the property has been strategically planted to ensure it provides useful shelter, recent plantings has been undertaken via a woodland creation scheme with maintenance grants available going forward.
THE STEADING The steading at Colwell Hill consists of a range of traditional and modern farm buildings, whilst at Fairneycleugh there is a single modern building.
At Colwell Hill there are two large steel framed buildings, the first being 7000 ft² and erected in 1995, this is primarily used to house cattle. The second being 1,800 ft² and erected in 2019, and is utilised for housing livestock and general storage.
In addition to these there is a timber framed livestock building, and two dutch barns. There is also a earth walled silage pit which drains to a 4,000 ltr effluent tank.
The traditional buildings are constructed of northumbrain stone and under a slate roof, currently used for storage and informal animal housing.
The steading at Colwell Hill is served by private water and mains electric and in the majority the buildings and the yard all have concrete floors.
The building at Fairneycleugh is steel framed under a sheet roof, with concrete panels and yorkshire boarding as sides. Erected in 2009 and circa 3,200 ft², this building provides useful storage space and is utilised for cattle housing.
The outlying nature of the building at Fairneycleugh, its separation from the main steading and the availability of separate access does lend itself to the creation of a separate dwelling, which wouldn't impact on the remainder of the property. Such a dwelling would require the necessary consents been obtained.
The steading, like the property as a whole, is well maintained and is of an ideal size to serve the land as a whole.
COLWELL HILL FARMHOUSE The farmhouse at Colwell Hill is built from traditional northumbrain stone and is under a slate roof. It is typical of farmhouses in the locality and is full of character and charm. It sits to the front of the steading and benefits from glorious and uninterrupted southerly views, which expand, not just over the lower half of the farm and the valley beyond, but over the south of Northumberland in general.
On the ground floor, entrance is via a front porch and leads to the first of three downstairs reception rooms which includesa multifuel stove. From here there is access to the 1st floor, the kitchen and the two other reception rooms.
The kitchen is traditional in nature and is fitted with wooden wall and floor units and includes an calor gas range. Accessible from the kitchen is a utility room and a back kitchen/pantry, whilst in turn there is also access to the rear of the property and the wider farm yard, which is ideal for everyday use.
The second reception room, is currently the sitting room and benefits from a calor gas fired stove within an inglenook fireplace.
An extension into the adjoining traditional building was carried out in 2016. The extension has created a third reception room, a downstairs bathroom and a downstairs bedroom. Additionally there has also been secondary external access created. Thus allowing a separation of accommodation and opening up possibilities for diversification such as Bed and Breakfast.
Alternatively, the extension and the form it has taken has highlighted the further potential of a holiday Let and/or a standalone residential property. Subject to the obtaining the necessary consents there is scope to expand further into the attached traditional building.
The 1st floor includes three double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
The farmhouse is double glazed throughout, it is in good condition and has been well kept. Central heating is provided an electric source with night storage heaters and an immersion utilised, whilst the multi fuel stove also heats the hot water and two radiators.
The farmhouse is Banded C for Council Tax purposes and as a EPC rating of E (40).
BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME The land is eligible to receive the basic payment. The claim for the current scheme year has been made and the monies received will be apportioned according to the date of completion.
The vendors reserve the right to apply for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme. Depending on whether this is taken, the vendors will include a proportion of entitlements in the sale. Any transfer of entitlements will be handled by YRPS. The cost of such a transfer (£350 plus VAT) will be borne by the purchaser.
The buyer(s) will give an undertaking not to breach the scheme rules from the date of completion to the end of the scheme year and indemnify the claimant if any breaches occur.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES There have been two woodland grant schemes utilised on the property and consequently maintenance payments are available which will run to 2028 and 2030 respectively. There are no other environmental schemes on the property.
The nature of the farm with its potential in so far as Natural Capital and Biodiversity suggests that schemes be them with Natural England or a third party, could be attractive and depending on preference may provide an income stream worth exploring.
SPORTING AND MINERAL RIGHTS The Sporting and Mineral rights are included in the sale in so far as they are owned.
SERVICES Colwell Hill farmhouse and steading are supplied via mains electric and private water. The farmhouse benefits from private drainage. The shed at Fairneycleugh has a private water supply but no mains electric, albeit the mains does run close by.
EASEMENTS AND WAYLEAVES The land is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights of way, water, drainage, water courses, light and other easements, quasi or reputed easements and rights of adjoining owners (if any) affecting the same and all matters registerable by any competent authority pursuant to statute.
There is a public footpath and a bridle way which in part cross the property. There is a house located at Fairneycleugh, the owner of this has a right of access as marked brown on the attached plan.
AREAS The areas and measurements stated have been assessed in accordance with OS data and digital mapping. Interested parties should though satisfy themselves in this regard.
MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS The purchaser will be required to provide proof of identification to comply with Money Laundering Regulations in the form of a copy of the Purchasers' passport, together with a copy of the Purchasers' driving license or a recent utility bill as proof of residence.
HOLDOVER The vendor reserves the right to hold a farmstock sale on the property post completion.
VIEWINGS The farm is a working farm, viewings should not be unaccompanied and are by prior appointment only. Arrangements can be made by contacting YoungsRPS, Hexham on or harry.
Particulars Prepared: May 2022
Marketed by: Youngs RPS, Hexham
As a whole Colwell Hill extends too approximately 123.55 hectares (305.28 acres). The land is served by a fully equipped farmstead , which includes both modern and traditional buildings, a silage clamp and a four bedroom farmhouse, with scope for expansion.
LOCATION The property is situated in a stunning location in the heart of the Rede Valley. The steading sits at approximately 249 meters above sea level, is south facing and enjoys spectacular views across the southern end of the county and beyond.
Colwell Hill is located approximately 2.5 miles west of Elsdon and 3.5 miles east of Otterburn. Within Elsdon there is a pub and a tearoom, a testament to the passing tourist trade. Otterburn boasts a well stocked village shop, pubs and a highly regarded primary (two tier) school. The towns of Bellingham (12 miles south west) and Rothbury (14 miles north east) offer further shops and pubs as well health practices and schooling.
The more prominent towns of Hexham (31 miles south and Ponteland 24 miles south east) offer a wide array of shops both local and national and full range of leisure and professional serivces. Hexham has a well respected Auction Mart and also offers the same service from Scots Gap (12 miles) during the summer/autumn months.
Newcastle upon Tyne is within 33 miles and offers the full range of shops and services that would be expected from a major city, whilst also providing an international airport and main line train station.
Colwell Hill, therefore sits neatly within the border heartland of Englands border county, yet benefits from easy access to a range of services both local and national whilst also being within easy reach of the wider world.
DIRECTIONS From Otterburn head south east on the A696 after approximately 1 mile turn left onto B6341, signposted Elsdon, after approximately 2 miles the farm entrance is on the left hand side, cross the cattle grid and you on the farm's drive.
What3Words loudly.forgiving.point
DESCRIPTION Colwell Hill is an outstanding example of a Northumbrian upland farm. Farmed as a standalone unit for many years, the farm is highly productive, producing excellent stock and on a commercially viable basis.
Extensive improvement works have been carried out to the land in terms of drainage and inputs. Such improvements have been done right up to the present day, ensuring any ingoer can capitalise on the investments made. The property has being farmed with an eye on the longterm, it has not been allowed to deteriorate. For example lime is spread annually, with 300 tones spread last year, reseeding has been done on a consistent basis whilst fertilser applications have been regular. Thus the land has a significant residual value.
Like the land there has been significant and recent investment in the farms infrastructure with sheds recently erected and a regular programme of fencing adhered to.
In terms of stocking the farm currently carries approximately 250 mule ewes and 250 swale ewes, with replacements kept and wintered on the farm. Lambs are sold fat, primarily through Scots Gap at 45 kg plus and regularly feature amongst the higher prices.
In addition to the sheep, there are 50 suckler cows, with their offspring sold as stores at 16 -18 months. The stock and their output are a testament to the nature of the farm.
THE LAND As a whole the property extends to approximately 123.55 hectares (305.28 acres) of land, of which 5.22 ha (12.89 ac) is woodland with the remainder being excellent grazing and mowing land, save for small areas of tracks. The land sits within a ring fence and is well served by an accessible steading.
The grazing land extends to approximately 292.39 acres and is primarily south facing. There is circa 125 acres of cuttable land much of which has been regularly reseeded. The meadow land on the most part lies below the steading and has good access. The fields are well proportioned, yield well and are largely flat.
Behind the steading there is a large (117.54 acres) parcel of excellent upland grazing. This block has been improved over the years; it is well drained via tiled drains and consequently benefits from being capable of carrying large numbers of stock which perform well.
The land as whole benefits from good access either internally or from the main road where the land adjoins it. The boundaries are in good condition and a regular programme of maintenance has been undertaken, with improvements been done right up to date.
The land in general is well served by water be it mains or private
The woodland on the property has been strategically planted to ensure it provides useful shelter, recent plantings has been undertaken via a woodland creation scheme with maintenance grants available going forward.
THE STEADING The steading at Colwell Hill consists of a range of traditional and modern farm buildings, whilst at Fairneycleugh there is a single modern building.
At Colwell Hill there are two large steel framed buildings, the first being 7000 ft² and erected in 1995, this is primarily used to house cattle. The second being 1,800 ft² and erected in 2019, and is utilised for housing livestock and general storage.
In addition to these there is a timber framed livestock building, and two dutch barns. There is also a earth walled silage pit which drains to a 4,000 ltr effluent tank.
The traditional buildings are constructed of northumbrain stone and under a slate roof, currently used for storage and informal animal housing.
The steading at Colwell Hill is served by private water and mains electric and in the majority the buildings and the yard all have concrete floors.
The building at Fairneycleugh is steel framed under a sheet roof, with concrete panels and yorkshire boarding as sides. Erected in 2009 and circa 3,200 ft², this building provides useful storage space and is utilised for cattle housing.
The outlying nature of the building at Fairneycleugh, its separation from the main steading and the availability of separate access does lend itself to the creation of a separate dwelling, which wouldn't impact on the remainder of the property. Such a dwelling would require the necessary consents been obtained.
The steading, like the property as a whole, is well maintained and is of an ideal size to serve the land as a whole.
COLWELL HILL FARMHOUSE The farmhouse at Colwell Hill is built from traditional northumbrain stone and is under a slate roof. It is typical of farmhouses in the locality and is full of character and charm. It sits to the front of the steading and benefits from glorious and uninterrupted southerly views, which expand, not just over the lower half of the farm and the valley beyond, but over the south of Northumberland in general.
On the ground floor, entrance is via a front porch and leads to the first of three downstairs reception rooms which includesa multifuel stove. From here there is access to the 1st floor, the kitchen and the two other reception rooms.
The kitchen is traditional in nature and is fitted with wooden wall and floor units and includes an calor gas range. Accessible from the kitchen is a utility room and a back kitchen/pantry, whilst in turn there is also access to the rear of the property and the wider farm yard, which is ideal for everyday use.
The second reception room, is currently the sitting room and benefits from a calor gas fired stove within an inglenook fireplace.
An extension into the adjoining traditional building was carried out in 2016. The extension has created a third reception room, a downstairs bathroom and a downstairs bedroom. Additionally there has also been secondary external access created. Thus allowing a separation of accommodation and opening up possibilities for diversification such as Bed and Breakfast.
Alternatively, the extension and the form it has taken has highlighted the further potential of a holiday Let and/or a standalone residential property. Subject to the obtaining the necessary consents there is scope to expand further into the attached traditional building.
The 1st floor includes three double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
The farmhouse is double glazed throughout, it is in good condition and has been well kept. Central heating is provided an electric source with night storage heaters and an immersion utilised, whilst the multi fuel stove also heats the hot water and two radiators.
The farmhouse is Banded C for Council Tax purposes and as a EPC rating of E (40).
BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME The land is eligible to receive the basic payment. The claim for the current scheme year has been made and the monies received will be apportioned according to the date of completion.
The vendors reserve the right to apply for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme. Depending on whether this is taken, the vendors will include a proportion of entitlements in the sale. Any transfer of entitlements will be handled by YRPS. The cost of such a transfer (£350 plus VAT) will be borne by the purchaser.
The buyer(s) will give an undertaking not to breach the scheme rules from the date of completion to the end of the scheme year and indemnify the claimant if any breaches occur.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES There have been two woodland grant schemes utilised on the property and consequently maintenance payments are available which will run to 2028 and 2030 respectively. There are no other environmental schemes on the property.
The nature of the farm with its potential in so far as Natural Capital and Biodiversity suggests that schemes be them with Natural England or a third party, could be attractive and depending on preference may provide an income stream worth exploring.
SPORTING AND MINERAL RIGHTS The Sporting and Mineral rights are included in the sale in so far as they are owned.
SERVICES Colwell Hill farmhouse and steading are supplied via mains electric and private water. The farmhouse benefits from private drainage. The shed at Fairneycleugh has a private water supply but no mains electric, albeit the mains does run close by.
EASEMENTS AND WAYLEAVES The land is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights of way, water, drainage, water courses, light and other easements, quasi or reputed easements and rights of adjoining owners (if any) affecting the same and all matters registerable by any competent authority pursuant to statute.
There is a public footpath and a bridle way which in part cross the property. There is a house located at Fairneycleugh, the owner of this has a right of access as marked brown on the attached plan.
AREAS The areas and measurements stated have been assessed in accordance with OS data and digital mapping. Interested parties should though satisfy themselves in this regard.
MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS The purchaser will be required to provide proof of identification to comply with Money Laundering Regulations in the form of a copy of the Purchasers' passport, together with a copy of the Purchasers' driving license or a recent utility bill as proof of residence.
HOLDOVER The vendor reserves the right to hold a farmstock sale on the property post completion.
VIEWINGS The farm is a working farm, viewings should not be unaccompanied and are by prior appointment only. Arrangements can be made by contacting YoungsRPS, Hexham on or harry.
Particulars Prepared: May 2022
Marketed by: Youngs RPS, Hexham
Land Registry Data
- No historical data found.