
The growth of the UK wine industry has been stratospheric, it's no longer a novelty, it's a thriving industry, and there's a huge appetite for the product and for investment in the sector. As expected, there's a knock-on effect on the property market.
James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search says, “The success of English wine has led to increased interest from property buyers looking to capitalize on the burgeoning industry. Owning a vineyard can provide a combination of lifestyle benefits and potential financial returns.
“Owning a vineyard is often seen as a prestigious and desirable lifestyle choice. It offers the opportunity to engage in wine production, enjoy rural living, and be part of a growing community of wine enthusiasts.
“The demand for boutique vineyard properties is driving up prices, and many existing farms and rural properties are being converted into vineyards, reflecting the profitability and appeal of wine production.”
Anto Clay of Stacks Property Search says he's seen a huge demand for buyers looking for upwards of five to ten hectares to establish a vineyard and associated business spin-offs.
“But it's not for the fainthearted. Successfully establishing and running a vineyard requires knowledge of viticulture and wine production. Potential buyers should be prepared to invest heavily in expertise. The costs of establishing and maintaining a vineyard is high, including land preparation, planting, equipment, and skilled labour. And there's a time lapse of around five years between planting some vines and seeing a bottle of wine.
“For determined buyers, a going concern may be a safer option, but the premium on land that is planted with vines is high.Vineyard properties often have the potential for tourism and hospitality ventures, such as wine tasting rooms, event venues, and boutique accommodations. This can create additional revenue streams and enhance the property's value.”
Nick Cunningham of Stacks Property Search says, “There's a fortune to be made in the English wine industry – but buyers will need a large fortune to start out with.
“For those without the appropriately sized wallet, buying near a vineyard, or overlooking vines, is an attractive proposition offering a desirable rural lifestyle, scenic landscapes, and the appeal of living close to local wine production. Vines provide an attractive view, and it's a relatively 'safe' view due to the long termism of the crop. Harvest time is often an opportunity to help out, meet neighbours, and enjoy a day in the autumn sunshine feeling part of the local community.”
“Alternatively, a communal venture could be an option. Shared ownership gives you all the benefits, and less of the burden in terms of cost, expertise and labour. You can still enjoy drinking your own wine, sell locally and there is a committed pool of workers to draw on at harvest time.
“Dalwood Vineyard iin East Devon has done just this. Six villagers with a shared interest got together and made it happen, planting their first vines in 2009. The wines are excellent and have a loyal local following.”
James Greenwood says, “The presence of vineyard spin-offs such as farm shop, restaurant, and tasting events is a double-edged sword; traffic volumes may be high, so check out the reality carefully. The Cotswolds' Diddly Squat should serve as a warning!”
Stacks Property Search, 01594 842880 / www.stacks.co.uk
Treverra Farm, Rock, North Cornwall
A small and perfectly formed coastal estate with spectacular cellar and tasting room and potential for small scale wine production
Set within the landscape of North Cornwall's coast, Treverra Farm is an exquisite collection of three properties and a number of outbuildings set within 13.6 acres of stunning grounds including a beautiful infinity pool and all-weather tennis court. Traditional architecture, modern amenities and breath-taking views are a rare combination and present a luxurious turnkey opportunity for buyers.
The south west facing fields were assessed and deemed suitable for vines, small scale winemaking on site is a realistic proposition for buyers who will also appreciate the cellar, designed by Duncan Mackenzie of architects Mackenzie Wheeler who worked on the renovation of the vaults and tasting rooms at Berry Bros Wine Merchants.
The glass screened private reserve is the main wine storage area and regulated by a Eurocave unit which controls temperature and humidity and holds well over 1,000 bottles. The tasting area was an engineering challenge to achieve enough space for a dining table without additional pillars and the bricks all had to be drilled individually with metal pins that were bonded to the concrete above. A dumb waiter in the corner links it to the kitchen above for ease of catering.
https://johnbrayestates.co.uk/properties-for-sale/treverra-farm-estate-rock-north-cornwall-5456/
John Bray Estates is quoting a guide price of £7.5m for the freehold
Lower Brocton, near Camel Valley, Cornwall, PL30 3AL
Smallholding in an idyllic countryside setting within a short walk of the renowned Camel Valley vineyard.
Nestled in a peaceful wooded valley, Lower Brocton is a detached stone cottage with a separate one bedroom cabin, overlooking unspoilt SSSI water meadows leading down to the banks of the River Camel.
The land extends to around 5.5 acres and includes river frontage with riparian fishing rights, stock fenced grazing pastures and several outbuildings. Lower Brocton It is currently used as a smallholding with sheep, chickens, raised vegetable beds and a polytunnel.
The main property has five bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen/ breakfast room that flows into a formal dining room with glazed patio doors to frame the sensational views.
Set just below the main house, the high-quality timber cabin is currently a comfortable self-contained property with open plan living, kitchen and dining room with a cosy log burner and a mezzanine storage level above the double bedroom and shower room.
The property is just a few hundred metres from the renowned Camel Valley Vineyard, and across the river from the Camel Trail that connects Bodmin to Padstow via Wadebridge. It's a quick and easy cycle or kayak into the market town of Wadebridge. A haven for wildlife, the property is surrounded by wonderful woods with bridleways and walking trails to explore from the door.
https://johnbrayestates.co.uk/properties-for-sale/lower-brocton-house-brocton-north-cornwall-5473/
John Bray Estates is quoting a guide price of £1.25m for the freehold.
John Bray Estates, 01208 862601 / www.johnbrayestates.co.uk / 01208 862601