FOR the first time in half a century, a farm on the Leighton Hall estate is available to let.

The 170-acre Grisedale Farm - which was featured in last year’s BBC Autumnwatch - is a traditional livestock operation close to the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss.

It has a range of modern and traditional farm buildings and is currently run as a beef unit, although the land is also suitable for other uses.

The four bedroom farmhouse, with B&B business, a separate two-bedroom cottage and five-.pitch caravan site is available to let with land. One of the farm buildings was turned into a set for the Autumnwatch presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Martin Hughes-Games.

The property is being marketed by the Kendal office of Carter Jonas. Morgan Robinson from the firm described it as a unique opportunity to rent a productive and well equipped livestock farm on one contained block. He said those not looking to rent the entire farm can make offers for specific land parcels and/or farm buildings.

“The market for farmland, both let and for sale, remains exceptionally buoyant,” said Mr Robinson. “Given the scarcity of farms to let as whole units, and Grisedale Farm was last on the market over 50 years ago, there should be a lot of interest.

"Its position, the farmhouse, land and range of traditional and modern farm buildings that comes with it make it a rare opportunity for someone to rent a traditional livestock farm in the heart of the historic Leighton Hall Estate on the Lancashire border.”

It is to be let by informal tender and is available from May 12 on a minimum ten-year Farm Business Tenancy.

The two bedroom cottage is available on a separate residential Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. The first of two viewing days was held on Saturday and the second will be held on Wednesday (Feb 12).

For further information contact Morgan Robinson at Carter Jonas on 01539 814907 or 07801666153 or by email: morgan.robinson@carterjonas.co.uk