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848.2 acres, Belford, Northumberland, NE70 7QN
For Sale - Guide Price £6,450,000

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Belford Mains is beautifully situated in a renowned mixed farming area some 5 miles from the stunning east coast and in close proximity to Holy Island, the Farne Islands and Budle Bay Nature Reserve.

The farm is both private and accessible. It is bordered on its north side by the B6349 Belford - Wooler road. The A1(T) is 2 miles to the east and provides direct access to Newcastle upon Tyne (48 miles) and Edinburgh (73 miles), both of which have international airports. Additionally, there are railway stations on the main line east coast route at both Berwick upon Tweed (15 miles) and Alnmouth (20 miles) with direct connections to Edinburgh, Newcastle and London (3.5 hours).

The village of Belford (1 mile/population 1,400) provides good local facilities including a variety of shops, a primary school, medical practice, various public houses and eateries, a garage and nine hole golf course, whilst the larger market towns of Alnwick and Berwick upon Tweed offer a wider range of services. The area affords excellent local schooling for all age groups and is well served by numerous agricultural suppliers, grain and machinery merchants. There is a livestock market at Wooler (8 miles) and the Coastal Grains grain drying and storage co-operative is only 2.5 miles distant.

Northumberland and the nearby Scottish Borders is a region of contrasting and varying landscapes ranging from the high tops of the Cheviot Hills through rolling, wooded lowland countryside to the fertile coastal plain and the dramatic east coast with its steepling cliffs and golden beaches. The area remains remarkably unspoilt and Belford Mains is ideally placed to enjoy all the recreational, sporting and cultural opportunities for which the area is justifiably renowned.

Directions
Drive to the centre of Belford from the A1(T) and, at the Bluebell Hotel, take the B6349 Wooler road. Stay on that road for approximately ¾ mile before turning left at the sign to Wooler and Chatton. After a further 1/2 mile turn right into Belford Mains.

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General Description
Belford Mains formed part of the Belford Hall Estate which was owned by the Atkinson-Clark family for over 200 years. The farm was purchased by the Vendor's great grandfather in 1923 when the Estate was broken up and sold. For many years the Belford Racecourse occupied part of the higher ground. The farm sale now provides the opportunity to acquire a large, well shaped mixed farm in a picturesque, unspoilt and easily accessible location in North Northumberland.

The land lies between the 90 metre and 180 metre contours and forms one compact block divided only by a minor, unclassified public road. Average annual rainfall is 850mm.

The arable soils within lots 2 and 3 comprise fertile, relatively easily worked, sandy clay loams of medium constituency and limited stone content. Most of this land is relatively free draining and is capable of consistently producing good cash crop yields. In recent years it has been let on a Farm Business Tenancy to Messrs Douglas of West Ancroft. Part of that arrangement included a straw for much deal with all FYM produced by the suckler herd spread on the arable land.

Virtually all of lot 4 is classified as Less Favoured Area. Here soils vary from decent quality mineral soils, particularly within the more northern lying fields, to semi-organic soils of variable constituency through to areas of pure peat on Belford Moor. Approximately 160 acres have been regularly mown and Fields 37 - 39 previously formed part of the arable rotation. The land is generally sound and readily accessible to four wheel drive vehicles. Trough water is provided in fields 8, 9 and 11 and elsewhere there is natural water to most fields available from either burns or man-made scrapes and ponds. The land normally carries up to 120 mainly spring calving suckler cows with all progeny fattened on a 18-21 month system. Approximately half are in-wintered and the rest out-wintered, for which the land is ideal.

There is the opportunity to develop the shooting element in lots 1 and 4, whilst lot 4 also offers commercial woodland planting potential.

The farm buildings include two modern cattle courts and a covered former silage pit together with two extensive ranges of traditional buildings, parts of which would lend themselves to residential conversion- subject to all requisite consents.

Belford Mains Farmhouse is a lovely detached, two storeyed dwelling which enjoys spectacular views, particularly to the coast. The house is now in need of modernisation, but provides the scope to create an excellent family home.

Additionally, there is a terrace of three modernised, traditional farm cottages which form the basis of a successful holiday letting business.

Interested parties should note that three further cottages (The Forge, Bamburgh View and No 4 Cottage) are separately owned by family members. If required, The Forge and Bamburgh View may be available to purchase by separate negotiation.

Please click 'View a brochure' for further details.