Find a Dream Rural Lifestyle and Income Potential in County Durham
Blakeley Hall Farm sits just outside Witton-le-Wear
The farmland comprises 47.27 hectares (116.81 acres) of productive Grade 3 grassland. There is a traditional farmhouse with a south-facing garden providing magnificent views across Weardale and a range of stone and more modern buildings. The property is readily accessed from the main road by a well-maintained tarmac drive.
‘Blakeley Hall Farm is a well-maintained grassland farm facing south,’ says Emma Smith at youngsRPS. The property’s strength lies in its combination of commercial farming capability and residential potential. While the land is suited for livestock grazing it offers flexibility for a range of uses allowing buyers to use the land to suit their ambitions and needs. The land will support both livestock and arable enterprises, whilst the outbuildings have unlimited potential.’
A Commercially Attractive Farming Holding
The land is currently laid to permanent pasture and has been carefully managed, with good boundaries and piped water supplies to field troughs. The south-facing, freely drained ground offers potential for a range of agricultural uses. Part of the land is currently let to a tenant which provides an immediate income and continuity, while allowing for longer term strategic planning of the holding.
‘Opportunities to acquire a ring-fenced property of this quality and scale close to good amenities are rare,’ adds Emma. ‘It will appeal to farmers looking to expand, investors seeking to secure agricultural assets, or those entering the sector with a manageable and productive unit.’
A Lifestyle Opportunity with Income
At the heart of the farm is a traditional three-bedroom farmhouse, enjoying a private position with magnificent countryside views in every direction.
While currently functional, the farmhouse offers clear potential for sympathetic renovation or reconfiguration, enabling a purchaser to create a substantial country residence in a private and accessible setting.
The range of buildings serves to enhance the appeal of the property offering scope for uses such as storage, haulage, livestock housing or equestrian. While existing planning permission (for their conversion into four dwellings, along with a garage and storage lock) has now lapsed, the previous approval provides a strong precedent. It offers a valuable opportunity to create additional residential or lifestyle accommodation allowing Blakeley Hall Farm to combine productive farming with significant income generating potential.
‘For lifestyle buyers this property is a superb opportunity to develop a rural home with genuine income streams,’ explains Emma. ‘Whether through farming, letting arrangements, diversification of the buildings or a combination of uses, Blakeley Hall Farm offers the flexibility which is increasingly sought in today’s market.’
Rural Setting
The property offers an attractive balance of seclusion and access. The property is situated to the north east of the much-sought-after village of Witton le Wear and has convenient links to the A68 and A1M. The property is only 10 minutes from the market town of Bishop Auckland which provides a good range of services and is home to Auckland Palace. The property is 20 minutes from the historic city of Durham which offers excellent rail connections. In addition, the property is approximately 35 minutes from both Newcastle and Teesside International airports. There are excellent local schools, both private and state, within short distances.
Nearby attractions include Raby Castle, Hamsterley Forest and The Auckland Project, further reinforcing the area’s appeal, supporting both lifestyle living and diversification.
‘The accessibility of the location is a key selling point,’ says Emma. ‘Buyers can enjoy privacy, views and space with access to amenities and transport routes.’
With continued demand for rural property offering both quality of life and income potential, Blakeley Hall Farm represents a rare opportunity to secure a productive farm with scope to create a bespoke country residence.
