One of the most attractive residential farms in the Axminster area has come on the market for the first time in 50 years for £850,000.

Lower Watchcombe Farm is set in an elevated position on the edge of Watchcombe hamlet, near Shute, in an area of outstanding natural beauty with stunning views over the Umborne Valley.

The Victorian four bedroom farmhouse was originally one of the farms on the Shute Estate, once owned by the Marquis of Northampton.

Much of the charm and character of the house has been retained with period features such as Victorian tiles and original doors still in place.

The house has a spacious modern kitchen/breakfast room, a mezzanine accessed by bespoke wooden stairs, spacious reception rooms and a conservatory.

The farm has considerable conservation appeal with the surrounding fields abounding with wild daffodils in season.

The nearby Umborne Brook is a tributary of the River Axe, attracting a wide range of wildlife from sea trout to otters.

The property stands in just over 51 acres of pastureland with the farm buildings including stabling and small areas of coppice.

Lower Watchcombe comes on the market for the first time in 50 years, following the death of owner Ken Dare last year.

The sale of the property, which is likely to be much sought-after, is being handled by Symonds & Sampson of Axminster.

Partner Ross Willmington told Nub News: "Ken was a well-known local farmer, who acted a clerk of the course at the Axe Vale Point-to-Point meeting for many years and enjoyed success with a number of his own racehorses.

"Ken was a lovely man and I am very proud to be selling the property for his widow – the farmhouse enjoys a great location with stunning views over the Umborne, Coly and Axe Valleys."

Other properties currently being sold by Symonds & Sampson Axminster include a six-bedroom detached family home off Stoney Lane for £799,995. See our Property page for the latest listings.