BTF Partnership has instructions from the London Borough of Bromley to let one of the major holdings on its agricultural estate to a new tenant for a term of 25 years without breaks. This is a unique opportunity within the M25, with the objective to establish a tenancy that can support a robust, vibrant and thriving rural business.
Wickham Court Farm occupies approximately 479 acres at the foot of downland between Orpington and Croydon. The outgoing tenant has followed a programme of arable cropping over the years, alongside management of approximately 80 acres of grassland for hay production and equestrian grazing. The outgoer has established a significant and popular DIY livery enterprise with stabling for 50 horses, and that is now at the heart of the business.
Accommodation on the farm consists of a five-bedroom Victorian farmhouse with a two-bedroom annex, ideal for a bed & breakfast enterprise, and the landlord will be encouraging the tenant to look for other opportunities for a well-diversified farm business. There are also four, three-bedroom cottages.
There is a range of farm buildings including hay and straw sheds, a fertiliser store, grain store, farm workshops, livery yard with 50 stables and seven secure tack rooms, sand school and rubber topped outdoor arena. There is also a business unit which is already let.
Mike Bax, Director at BTF Partnership, commented: “We are looking to ensure that the new tenant at Wickham Court can be properly integrated into the future farming landscape. We therefore have to focus on sustainable rent requirements and avoiding tenancy provisions that are overly restrictive. At Bromley, we have a landlord keen to enable innovation and we are seeking an enlightened tenant looking for opportunities to move forward in an uncertain climate, in this unusual, but exciting, outer metropolitan location.
“Prospective tenants are encouraged to identify any diversification proposals that might enhance the farming and livery enterprises and contribute to the business stability that can come from mixed enterprises enabling sensitive interaction with the local community.”
Viewing days will be held on 3 and 10 July and tender applications close at noon on 17 July 2023.
Full details and a tender pack can be found at www.btfpartnership.co.uk
Contact Sophie Evans at BTF Partnership for more details.
