Life on the farm: sowing seeds of change

Wonderful opportunities to live exceptional rural lives on farming estates in Scotland and England

Pippa Jackson

28 August 2024

3 mins read

Life on the farm: sowing seeds of change — The Bowland Estate, Scottish Borders

For those with a passion for rural life, and a purpose-fuelled drive to protect and enhance the natural environment, farming estates present incredible opportunities. A chance to pursue your dreams and sow the seeds for real change.

Years ago, the farming focus was firmly placed on food production. But these days, diversity is key. Farming land offers huge possibilities for natural capital, biodiversity and environmental projects. That’s alongside the opportunities it presents for family life with plenty of space for kids to roam and enjoy active outdoor pursuits.

The opportunities of natural capital

What do we mean by natural capital? Put simply, it’s the sum total of the Earth’s resources, from forests and seas to minerals and biodiversity. It spans the social and environmental aspects of our planet. Consequently, the ways that we interact with nature are crucial.

Increasingly, landowners and investors are realising the potential of natural capital. There are endless opportunities to benefit from environmental assets. Both those benefits aren’t simply for the landowners (or stewards), they’re for the environment and society at large too.

The Knight Frank Rural Consultancy team works together with landowners and stewards to make the most of these natural assets. Fundamentally, their work centres around people, planet, prosperity and purpose. These factors underpin everything they do. Generally, the key areas of focus are to increase biodiversity, offset carbon or nutrients, and to make environmental and social enhancements.

Phenomenal farming estates for sale in the UK

The Bowland Estate, Scottish Borders

The Bowland Estate, Scottish Borders. Guide price £18,500,000

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Agricultural, environmental and natural capital opportunities abound on this magnificent estate in the Scottish Borders. One of the finest moorland estates in the area, Bowlands comprises over 8,000 acres of land. This outstanding estate is available as a whole, but it’s also divided into four lots. The first lot includes Bowland House, a castellated Tudor-Gothic mansion with 16 bedrooms and excellent entertaining spaces. The far-reaching views across the estate are sublime. Within the beautiful grounds are five cottages and a detached gate lodge.

Lot two is Windydoors Farm - a large pasture farm with three residential properties and various livestock buildings. Lot three presents 4,235 acres of natural moorland which is excellent for grouse shooting. It also includes a game keeper’s cottage and two bothies, as well as 89 acres of pastureland and 48 acres of woodland. Bowshank Farm and Whitelee Farm, both with four bedroom detached farmhouses, make up lots four and five. The entire Bowland Estate is available for offers in excess of £18,500,000.

Eglingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66

Eglingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66. Guide price £9,500,000

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This prime Northumberland livestock farm and moorland offer significant agricultural, sporting, natural capital and carbon opportunities. It’s also a spectacular place to call home. The two lots contrast starkly. The first is the livestock farm and an attractive Grade II period stone farmhouse with a gorgeous garden and extensive rural views. The farmhouse needs some modernisation, but would make a superb family home. The farmland is interspersed with mature mixed woodland areas which add to the amenity and sporting possibilities.

The second lot is far wilder. Hagdon Farm and farmhouse are situated in the heart of the Northumberland moor in a wonderful, secluded position with extraordinary views. Again, the farmhouse needs work to reach its potential. Combined with the various outbuildings, there are many options for its usage.