Killens

Draycott, Near Cheddar

Tom Killen — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:35:28 +0000

The property is to be found in the village of Draycott which is conveniently located on the southern edge of the picturesque Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty and the northern edge of the contrasting Somerset Levels between Wells and Cheddar. The regional centre of Bristol is 20 miles to the north whilst Weston-super-Mare is situated 14 miles away with good road connections leading to them both. Mainline rail services are available from Western-super-Mare, Bristol and Castle Cary (19 miles). Bristol International Airport is 20 minutes (13 miles) away.

Silent Whistle is a modern five bedroom bungalow of reconstituted stone and rendered elevations under a tiled roof with gardens, off street parking and garage. The property is located adjoining Hardmead Lane on the southern edge of the village of Draycott with amazing views across the Somerset levels and surrounding countryside.

The accommodation provides Entrance Hall, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom, Four Further Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Cloakroom, Garage with loft, Gardens and Parking.

Draycott, Near Cheddar

Tom Killen — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:28:57 +0000

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

Tom Killen — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:53:09 +0000

As of 1^st January 2009 new regulations extending the area designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ’s) and also revising the rules within those zones come into force. Some of the measures will be subject to transitional arrangements (e.g. the storage capacity requirements comes into force from 1^st January 2012).

If you land was not included within a current NVZ but will be included for the first time in the extended areas on the 1^st January 2009, the restrictions do not come into force until 1^st January 2010.

The key measures within the revised Action Programme include:

Whole farm manure N loading limit: Establishes a limit of 170 kg/ha of total N from livestock manures (deposited during grazing and by spreading) per calendar year, averaged across the farmed area.
Closed period (organic manures): Prohibits the spreading of organic manures with high available nitrogen content during specified periods. The length of the closed periods ranges from 3 – 5 months, and it applies to all soil types.
Manure storage: Requires farms to provide sufficient storage facilities to store all slurry produced by livestock during a period of 6 months for pigs and 5 months for cattle, and to store all poultry manure for a period of 6 months.
Closed period (manufactured nitrogen fertilisers): Prohibits the spreading of manufactured nitrogen fertiliser during specified periods unless there is a crop nitrogen requirement.
Crop nitrogen requirement limit: Requires farmers to plan their applications of nitrogen to crops and to comply with an upper cap on nitrogen applications (N max), assuming a set level of efficiency of nitrogen supply from any organic manure applications.
Spreading locations: Requires farmers to undertake a written assessment to identify areas of land at risk of runoff and causing water pollution. Applications of nitrogen fertiliser and organic manures to areas of land identified as posing a high risk of runoff are prohibited.
Spreading techniques: Prohibits the use of high trajectory application techniques for spreading slurry. Additionally, applications of organic manure to bare soil or stubble will require incorporation into the soil in certain situations.
Record-keeping: Establishes a requirement to keep a record of all N applications to land to facilitate compliance checking, and all to keep records of livestock numbers kept on the holding.

Further information on NVZ’s can be obtained from www.defra.gov.uk and maps of the revised extended zones are available from www.magic.gov.uk. Should you wish to discuss NVZ’s in more detail please contact us.

LOT 7: 5.10 acres at Inglesbatch

Tom Killen — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:20:35 +0000

FOR SALE BY AUCTION

18TH DECEMBER, 7PM AT WELLS GOLF CLUB, WELLS

LOT 7

5.10 acres (2.06 hectares) of good quality pasture land located between Inglesbatch and the Odd Down area of Bath.

The land, which is classified Grade 3 is a lime rich clay loam with high natural fertility. It is believed that the land falls within an area of Bath which has been highlighted for future long term development potential.

Single Payment Scheme - 2008 Payment

Tom Killen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:13:27 +0000

The 2008 Single Payment Scheme payment window is set to open on 1^st December 2008 and will commence paying all validated claims after this date.

The regional payment values for the 2008 scheme year have been released and are as follows:-

	Regional payment Figures 2008		Regional payment Figures 2007
Land Categories	Flat Rate Regional Value	Approximate Sterling Value	Flat Rate Regional Value	Approximate Sterling Value
Non SDA	€141.93	£112.17	€95.13	£66.28
SDA	€116.21	£91.84	€76.98	£53.63
SDA Moorland	€20.53	£16.22	€13.40	£9.33

2008 conversion factor: €1 = £0.79030

These values are the regional flat rates only and do not take into account the historic element that may be attached to entitlements.

The Rural Payments Agency is expecting to release 2008 Entitlement Statements in January 2009. These statements will confirm the number and value of each farmers 2008 Single Payment Entitlements and should be checked carefully once received.

Single Payment Scheme - Entitlement Changes

Tom Killen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:11:03 +0000

ENTITLEMENT CHANGES - FRUIT, VEGETABLES & VINES

The rules of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) have recently been changed which means additional land can be used to claim payment against existing SPS entitlements in 2009.

As a result, the areas which will be eligible in 2009 will include:

land under permanent fruit and vegetables (including commercial orchards),
nursery crops
vines

In addition farmers who had land used by these crops in 2008 may be eligible to apply for new SPS payment entitlements. These new entitlements can then be used to claim payment for the first time in the 2010 scheme year.

To register for these new entitlements the following crops must have been present on the land during the stated reference periods:-

Permanent fruit (including commercial orchards), vegetables & nursery crops 1^st January to 30^th September 2008

Vines – 1^st January – 31^st July

All potential eligible applicants must register interest with the RPA by no later than 31^st December 2008.

Pensford, Near Bristol

Tom Killen — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:10:22 +0000

A recently converted traditional stone barn set within a courtyard of similar buildings situated in the beautiful grounds of Leigh Farm, Pensford conveniently located for Bristol and Bath.

The conversion works have been carefully undertaken to retain many original features giving the property a modern contemporary feel.

Kitchen with applicances
Living room with log burning stove
Master bedroom with en-suite shower room
Two further double bedrooms
Single bedroom
Exposed beams & solid wooden doors throughout
Allocated Parking
Private garden

AVAILABLE DECEMBER

£975 pcm

Pensford, Near Bristol

Tom Killen — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:50:52 +0000

The property is a recently converted traditional stone barn and forms part of an exclusive comoplex of similar traditional stone buildings.

The layout of the property results in four double bedrooms situated on the ground floor with the living quarters above commanding spectacular views over the surrounding landscape.

The property is positioned on the south eastern edge of the village of Pensfordwhich is situated in the popular Chew Valley. The regional centre of Bristol and the historic City of Bath are both within an easily commutable distance of the property.

4.59 acres at Wellow

Tom Killen — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:18:09 +0000

4.59 acres (1.86 hectares) of pasture land located close to the centre of the village of Wellow.

A gently sloping paddock extending to 4.59 acres situated on the southern edge of the village of Wellow, near the ford. the land has access directly off Mill Hill and is classified Grade 3. The land benefits from a good antural water supply.

5.64 acres at Wellow

Tom Killen — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:02:59 +0000

5.64 acres (2.28 hectares) of pasture land located close to the centre of the village of Wellow.

The paddock is gently sloping and situated on the southern edge of the village of Wellow, near the ford. The land has good access directly off Mill Hill and is classified Grade 3 with a natural water supply.

Barn at Weavers Orchard, Wellow

Tom Killen — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:37:58 +0000

An exceptionally well located traditional barn of stone elevations set under a tiled roof with planning consent to convert into a three bedroom dwelling providing approximately 220 sq.m. (2350sq.ft.) of accommodation. The Grade II listed barn is set in grounds of about 0.15 acres with good access.

The barn is situated close to the centre of the popular village of Wellow. The village is quietly located within the Cotswold Hills Ares of Outstanding Natural Beauty, well away from main roads. It boasts a good range of facilities including a church, school, public house, pre-school and village hall as well as a diverse range of community groups. The centre of Bath is only 5 miles away whilst Bristol is 18 miles to the west.

Planning permission for the conversion of the barn was granted in on 18th August 2003 (ref. WB.1600/W) as part of a scheme comprising the conversion of two barns. Listed building consent (ref. 99/02321/LBA) for the conversion was granted in August 1999.

Once converted, the current plans allow for the following to be provided:

Ground Floor

Entrance Hall
Kitchen
Dining Room
Sitting Room
Claokroom

First Floor

Master Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom
Two Further Double Bedrooms
Bathroom

West Horrington, Near Wells

Tom Killen — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:17:42 +0000

Full Planning Permission has been granted for a three bedroom dwelling in the centre of the village of West Horrington on the outskirts of the catherdral city of Wells.

The plot has road frontage and can be found on a no-through road leading from the B3139 Bath Road which links Wells and the A37.

West Horrington is a popular village located on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, well know for its beautiful landscapes, stone walls, caves and unspoilt villages.

The current plans offer the following living accommodation:

Kitchen/Dining Room
Utility Room
Family Room/Study
Cloakroom
Living Room
Master Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room
Bathroom
Garden
Parking

Farrington Gurney

Tom Killen — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:34:09 +0000

An exciting opportunity to create your own home in the style of a traditional stone barn conversion.

It occupies a spacious plot away from main roads in the centre of the village of Farrington Gurney within easy commuting distance of Bristol and Bath. The plot is within the curtillage of a Grade II listed building and adjoins The Old Dairy (Plot 4), which is a three bedroom barn conversion of similar style.

The property offers the following accommodation (approximate room dimensions - off plan).

Hall: 5′ 9” x 8′ 2” (1.76m x2.49m)

Living Room: 17′ 6” x 16′ 10” (5.33m x 5.12m)

Dining Room: 28′ 9” x 16′ 10” (8.76m x 5.12m)

Kitchen: 12′ 8” x 9′ 8” (3.87m x 3.22m)

Bedroom 1: 16′ 3” x 12′ 10” (4.96m x 3.9m)

Bedroom 2: 12′ 8” x 10′ 7” (3.87m x 3.22m)

Bedroom 3: 12′ 8” x 10′ 7” (3.87m x 3.22m)

Garage: 9′8” x 18′ 1” (2.95m x 5.5m)

LOT 6 - Land at Priddy

Tom Killen — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:32:33 +0000

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

18TH DECEMBER 2008, 7PM AT WELLS GOLF CLUB, WELLS

LOT 6

Level pasture land extending to 1.77 acres, located to the east of Nine Barrow Lane close to Priddy Pool with road frontage, shared mains water supply and access by means of a right of way along a hard track leading from Nine Barrow Lane.

Land at Priddy

Tom Killen — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:25:29 +0000

Paddock extending to 2.01 acres of level free draining pasture situated to the east of Nine Barrow Lane with a natural water supply and good access directly from the lane.

Land at Priddy

Tom Killen — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:12:35 +0000

A paddock known as Twinney situated to the west of Nine Barrows Lane, extending to 2.43 acres of level, free draining pasture with good access directly onto Nine Barrow Lane and a mains water supply.

Farrington Gurney, Near Bristol

Tom Killen — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:49:17 +0000

Number 4 Pitway Farm is a newly converted traditional stone barn located away from main roads in the village of Farrington Gurney. The property is Grade II listed and was originally the milking parlour for Pitway Farm.

Located behind the main farmhouse in a courtyard of similar buildings and backing onto Duchy grassland the property offers interesting accommodation laid over two floors with many original features and a contemporary feel for modern day living.

Master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower room, two further double bedrooms, kitchen/breakfast room with appliances, living room and family bathroom.

To the outside, the property boasts lawned gardens, patio area and off street private parking.

Pensford, Near Bristol

Tom Killen — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:07:54 +0000

A single storey terraced cottage converted from traditional stone farm buildings located in an exclusive development in a tranquil position. The property is situated within easy commuting distance of Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area.

The property is ideally suited to an individual or couple and offers comfortable two bedroom accomodation which is arranged as follows: Kitchen/Sitting Room, Double Bedroom, Single Bedroom, Shower Room.

£585 pcm (including water & off peak night storage heating costs
Fully furnished
Private parking

The property is offered on a 5 month fixed term contract

AVAILABLE NOW

Farrington Gurney, Near Bristol

Tom Killen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:59:30 +0000

A recently converted 2/3 bedroom barn located on a quiet street in the village of Farrington Gurney with good links to Bath, Bristol and the surrounding area.

Converted to a high standard this property boasts spacious living accomodation with private off street parking.

Kitchen with appliances
Living room
Reception room 2 / bedroom 3
Master bedroomwith en-suite shower room
Further double bedroom
Downstairs shower room
Family bathroom

Council tax band - E

AVAILABLE NOW

Pensford, Near Bristol

Tom Killen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:49:35 +0000

This property is located in an idyllic position within the grounds of Leigh Farm, with good road links to Bath, Bristol and the surrounding area.

This property is a recently converted attached, single storey stone barn set in a secluded complex of similar buildings situated around a central courtyard. Leigh Farm can be found on the south eastern edge of the village of Pensford which is situated in the popular Chew Valley.

Well presented single storey house
Four bedrooms
Kitchen/breakfast room with appliances
Master bedroom with en-suite shower room
Private parking
Garden
Rural views
Council tax band - E

No students, sharers, smokers or pets

Available from November

Being Realistic Reaps Rewards

Tom Killen — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:27:56 +0000

With the economy in crisis, most property sectors are facing very difficult times. An exception is the rural property market, and the land market in particular. However, uncertainties for the future do exist.

Agricultural land can be a very good investment. It is a finite resource and, due to concessions on inheritance tax, it may be a good vehicle for passing on wealth. 100% relief is available where land has been owned for more than seven years, or has been farmed by that person for two years. There are various means whereby the land can be farmed without having to be “hands on”, so don’t worry too much if you wish to invest but you cannot milk a cow or plough a field. Agreements do need to be carefully drafted, so ensure that you take good advice.

Income from land can come from various sources. Despite the see-saw in farming fortunes, there are still existing farmers seeking to rent land and we have seen rents as high as £150 per acre paid recently in certain locations. In some cases, the landowner may be able to retain the Single Payment and boost income further by entering the land in the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

Returns on land for the non-occupying landowner have improved in recent years and there has been good capital growth. The market for land has been buoyant over the past year with blocks of agricultural land throughout the region selling for as much as £10,000 per acre.

Commercial farms and smallholdings have also been in demand, withs ales tending to be readily agreed. The market for paddocks has remained surprisingly firm in the credit crunch, with prices of as much as £20,000 per acre still achieved. Caution should be exercised as it seems the market is becoming more dependent on local demand.

Earlier in the year, with milk prices having increased, and wheat prices at their highest for many years, the farming community seemed to feel more affluent and entered the land market boosting values, probably at a time when the non-farming buyer began to drop out. There is a growing realism that farming fortunes may not be as buoyant as first thought and purchases are now more carefully considered. Land values currently achieved tend to be dependent on local demand and, where there are two potential buyers due to location, then premium prices can be achieved. Where there is no local demand, then land can be more difficult to sell.

The market for equestrian property has also remained firm. For example, a sale has been readily agreed by Killens for an establishment near Frome, comprising a bungalow, stabling for 20 horses, an indoor arena and about 20 acres. Demand remains for paddocks with stabling, although the level of demand may have cooled a little.

Buying land can be a dilemma. As agents, we are always keen to state that “this is a one-off opportunity” and this can encourage many buyers to go that little bit further, whether it be for a farm, block of land or paddock. I suspect that many agents would find it difficult to think of anyone who has ever regretted buying.

So the future looks uncertain for rural property, and that is inevitable with the current economic situation, but it is not all doom and gloom. Demand remains and good prices are being achieved. Those selling need to be realistic in their expectations and show a willingness to negotiate, while those looking to buy should take care and do their research, but should not be deterred from investing in what may prove to be a good and secure long-term investment.

Published in the Western Daily Press

Priddy Fair goes well

Tom Killen — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:45:15 +0000

Article from the Mendip Times - September 2008

Frome, Somerset

Tom Killen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:15:28 +0000

An equestrian property located in a tranquil position on the outlying fringes of Frome.

Whitemill Farm comprises a spacious modern four bedroom bungalow with an occupancy restriction, garage and garden.

The stable yard is located opposite the bungalow and comprises 20 loose boxes, indoor riding arena, a range of modern farm buildings and paddocks.

All set in approximately 19 acres.

Land at Cameley, Near Hinton Blewett, Somerset

Tom Killen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:05:41 +0000

An attractive block of agricultural and amenity land benefitting from mains water and road frontage suitable for agricultural or equestrian uses.

The land comprises three enclosures of pasture together with areas of woodland extending in total to 28.32 acres (11.461 hectares).

It is gently sloping and the soils consist of medium loams. A stream runs through the land and there is good access onto the lane that links Hinton Blewett and Cameley.

Ston Easton, Somerset

Tom Killen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:05:53 +0000

A delightful detached cottage dating from the 17th Century in this popular village.

The cottage has been expanded in recent years to offer spacious four bedroom accomodation while retaining many original features including mullion windows, inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams. With a large garage, off street parking and mature gardens

Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Tom Killen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:35:09 +0000

A significant victorian village house dating from 1885 set close to the centre of the popular village of Chewton Mendip in the heart of the Mendip Hills.

The property currently offers five bedroom accomodation, with potential to extend and improve and is set in large mature gardens bordering the banks of the River Chew.