Located in the county of Angus, between Dundee and Aberdeen, is rural enterprise Charleton Fruit Farm, Charleton, Montrose on 182.11ac.
The property maintains a productive farm, primarily of arable and fruit growing ground, as well as boasting a cafe and farm shop.
The county has a successful mixed economy with particularly strong activity in agriculture. Agriculture in Angus sees 25% of Scottish soft fruit and 30% of the country’s potatoes grown there.
Dundee (38 miles), Aberdeen (40 miles) and Edinburgh (85 miles) can all be reached within a one or two hour drive from the farm.
Ian Hope of Galbraith, who is handling the sale of Charleton Fruit Farm, said: “This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase a successful business which also offers potential for further expansion, including the opportunity to extend the cafe / play area or create a stand-alone wedding/function venue in the walled garden.
“The residential properties could offer holiday let accommodation, if so desired, or overnight accommodation for those attending weddings.”
Rural enterprise
Land
The land extends to 159.83ac and is laid out over six main enclosures. The land is classified as Grade 3 by the James Hutton Institute and is currently utilised for fruit, asparagus, cereals and potato production.
Field 3, per the sale plan, is 26.76ac and it is contained within the Angus Local Development Plan – adopted September 2016 – as “M8” and is an “Allocated Employment Site” suitable for class 4, 5 and 6 business use.
A quantity of land at Charleton Fruit Farm is currently farmed on a contract agreement with a local fruit grower.
Farm buildings
The property comes with three farm buildings. The first is a former carrot store. The building includes walk-in fridge/freezer units, which are associated with the farm shop/cafe.
Secondly is a general purpose shed. The roof houses 30kW of solar panels which were installed approximately three years ago.
Lastly is a pole barn, which currently is let to a local blacksmith.
Farm shop
Charleton Farm Shop has seen the business grow over the years and currently offers light lunches and afternoon teas.
The accommodation comprises: a commercial kitchen; indoor/outdoor seating; a cafe; a farm shop; and a gift shop.
Charleton Farm shop is entered in the Valuation Roll with a Rateable Value of £10,400.
Speaking about the farm shop productivity, Ian said: “The stylish cafe, farm shop and family play area are popular and there is an established clientele travelling from Dundee, Aberdeen and beyond, providing repeat loyal custom.
“A purchaser could potentially continue the business along the same lines relatively soon after acquisition of the property.”
Farmhouse and cottages
Charleton Farmhouse is a traditional two-storey dwelling with oil-fired central heating.
The ground floor comprises: a kitchen; a living room; a sitting room; a larder; an office; a WC; and a utility room.
The first floor contains six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Externally, there is a garage and an indoor heated (via air source heat pump and oil boiler) swimming pool.
The laundry cottage is a two-storey dwellinghouse which benefits from gas-fired central heating.
Furthermore, there are two additional cottages which are currently occupied by farm workers.
Additional information
There is a Category ‘C’ listed former ‘Charleton Maternity’ walled garden which currently houses several static caravans which accommodate seasonal fruit picking staff.
Services are laid onto the site and there is a former potting shed as well.
There is a 20kW wind turbine located within field five of the sale plan. This was erected approximately six years ago and has a Feed in Tariff (FIT) of £0.26/kW.
According to Ian: “The annual profitability of the business is excellent and certainly equals or exceeds any other rural business that we have seen of this acreage.
“One of the key strengths for a purchaser is the fact that it offers several diverse sources of income, with potential to further develop these.
“Some of these sources of income include the cafe and leisure enterprises, the farming business and the renewable energy interest on the property.
“Charleton as a whole represents an excellent opportunity for the right person,” he concluded.
Viewing of the property is strictly through Galbraith. The property is for sale whole, with a guide price of £3,500,000.
Further information can be found online.
