Available to let on behalf of Dorset Council – a well equipped holding serviced by a period 5-bedrooom farmhouse, modern and traditional farm buildings and some 181 acres of pastureland. Offered to let by informal tender on a 20 year FBT to commence 25th March 2026.
Available to let on behalf of Dorset Council – a well equipped holding serviced by a period 5-bedroom farmhouse, modern and traditional farm buildings and some 180.5 acres of pastureland.
Offered to let by informal tender on a 20 year FBT to commence 25th March 2026.
Tenders due by midday (12noon) Friday 20th February 2026.
Location The holding is located close to the small village of Twyford, within the Blackmore Vale. The village of Fontmell Magna is some 2.5 miles to the South, whilst the town of Shaftesbury is 3 miles to the North. The City of Salisbury is 24 miles to the East. It benefits from good road connections being located some 1.5 miles from the A350 at Compton Abbas.
Property Twyford Farm forms part of the Dorset council’s farm estate. Having historically been operated as a dairy farm, it was last occupied as a livestock farm. The holding has the benefit of a large five-bedroom farmhouse, a range of modern and traditional farm buildings and some 180.5 acres of pasture land. It will be a requirement of the tenancy agreement that the farmhouse is occupied by the tenant as their main dwelling and they are not to take in any lodgers other than immediate family without the landlord’s consent.
Farmhouse An attractive period farmhouse constructed of traditional stone under a slate roof. The house is set back from the road with a lawned area to the front and a small orchard to the rear. There is a partially completed car port located across the entrance drive.
The ground floor accommodation comprises a large entrance hall, sitting room with wood burner, dining room with open fire, utility with fitted kitchen units, shower room with WC and sink, office, kitchen with fitted base units and breakfast room with inglenook fireplace and wood burner. There is an adjoining store containing the boiler and a larder.
The first floor comprises five double bedrooms, with original features including fireplaces. The family bathroom comprising a bath with shower over, sink and WC.
Buildings The buildings comprise a range of modern and traditional farm buildings and benefit from two access tracks. The courtyard of traditional farm buildings constructed of red brick, currently include the former parlour and dairy amongst it uses. The modern farm buildings comprise two steel framed general-purpose buildings each comprising a total of 188 cubicles, sleeper wall silage pits, further general-purpose store and slurry lagoon.
Land In total, the land extends to some 181 acres, in a ring fence with road access to the North, East and West. There is an internal track to provide access to the South of the Farm. The land is gently sloping or relatively flat. Currently the land is all laid to pasture. According to the Land Classification system, the land is predominantly classified at Grade III. The land is described as slightly acid but base rich loamy and clayey soils with moderate fertility.
Dorset Council’s Approach Dorset Council’s Farms Estates Strategy 2026-2036 was recently published and provides a useful frame work for the letting process, a copy can be found on their website.
A Progression Farm is defined as core holdings suitable for future or immediate progression farms use, enabling the opportunity for development and expansion of a sustainable agricultural business, and generating turnover of starter farm opportunities.
Method of Letting The farm is offered to let by informal tender as a whole on a 20-year Farm Business Tenancy to commence on 25th March 2026. Tenders are sought by midday (12noon) Friday 20th February 2026. A tender information pack is available from the agents. Consideration will be given by the Landlord to tenders from new and recent entrants to agriculture. Following receipt of tenders, a shortlist of applicants will be invited to interview. Each party to bear their own legal costs. The incoming tenant will be required to register the lease with Land Registry and pay any necessary Stamp Duty Land Tax that may be payable.
Environmental Schemes The land is not subject to any environmental stewardship agreements. The landlord will actively encourage tenants to engage with appropriate available schemes. Towards the end of the tenancy, the Council will be reluctant to authorise complex options that could limit the marketability of the farm in seeking the next tenant. Early consultation on any agreement that will run longer than the term date would be recommended.
Health & Safety Potential tenants are required to take particular care when inspecting the property and are requested to wear supportive footwear for viewings. Potential tenants should be mindful of machinery and livestock movements and of potentially uneven and slippery ground surfaces.
Planning The tenant would be responsible for obtaining any relevant planning permission for their own proposals. There are no existing planning permissions in place for any new development or change of use. Receiving planning consent from the Council in its capacity as planning authority will not constitute landlord’s consent for the purposes of the tenancy. Separate landlord’s consent will be required to be sought in advance of a planning application being submitted.
Wayleaves Easements & Rights of Way The letting will be subject to all existing and future wayleaves, easements and rights of way. There are public footpaths crossing the holding.
EPC Ratings Available on request.
Council Tax Band E.
Ingoings Valuation There is no ingoing payment due from the incoming tenant for fixtures or improvements, and there will be no dilapidations payment due to the incoming tenant, so tenders should be submitted on the basis of the current condition of the farm.
Schedule of Condition A record of condition will be carried out on behalf of Dorset Council at the commencement of the tenancy.
Agricultural Landlord & Tenant Code of Practice Applicants should, if they have not already done so, familiarise themselves with the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England, to understand the general principles and expectations of the respective parties in the management and use of tenanted farms.
Services The farmhouse is serviced by mains water, mains electricity and private drainage. The farmhouse was formerly serviced by oil-fired central heating. Please note the agents have not inspected, nor tested these services.
Designations The farm is not located within a National Landscape.
Local Authority Dorset Council www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Viewings Strictly by appointment on the agreed viewing day. All applicants are required to register their interest with the agents Carter Jonas. FAO Kate Thomas or Felicity Cooper.
Directions From Shaftesbury, take the A350 south towards Blandford. At West Melbury, turn right into Buddens Lane. At the T junction turn left and Twyford Farm will be on the right hand side.
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The next steps...
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