£5.5m estate sold to mystery buyer

A huge Shropshire country estate has been sold to a mystery buyer for more than £5.5 million.

See also: Dream estate costs £5.5 million

And estate agents said it proves there is still keen demand for land in the county, particularly those offering facilities for shooting and fishing enthusiasts. The 995-acre Marrington Estate was marketed by Balfours Property Professionals with joint agents Knight Frank in May.

Tim Main, of Balfours' office in Windsor Place, Shrewsbury, said: "We had tremendously strong interest, with inquiries from throughout the UK and overseas, including a significant level of interest from within the county."

He said it sold within 14 weeks for an undisclosed sum, "well in excess" of the £5.5 million guide price.

Marrington Estate, between Chirbury and Church Stoke, is a renowned sporting and agricultural estate with potential for a pheasant shoot and trout fishery.

Extending to 995 acres (403 hectares), the estate includes four farms, three farmhouses and three farmyards, as well as two cottages.

The land includes Marrington Dingle, a deep, naturally-wooded valley with the River Camlad flowing through.

Half of the land is grade-three farmland, providing good soils for arable cropping.

Mr Main said: "There was competitive bidding, particularly from Shropshire, demonstrating land in the county is consistently selling at £6,500 per acre or above.

"This sale also reflects the scarcity and demand for larger blocks of land coming to the market."

Mr Main said the successful buyer was "a person with Shropshire connections".

"Without doubt this sale bodes well for the long-term strength of the Shropshire land market, particularly with four of the last five bidders being from within the county," he said.

"The Press is focused on the credit crunch at present, but our experience is actually a good deal more positive.

"The Marrington Estate, brought to the market and sold within 14 weeks and above its guide, reflects that."