Business description

This sale represents a rare opportuntiy to purchase a substantial modern farmhouse together with a well established and succesful course fishery with grounds extending to circa 41 acres. The house stands in a commanding position with superb views to the south taking in the fishing pools, the valley of the Sow and the rolling farmland beyond.

The house is approached across its own land via a drive of about 400metres, flanked by open pasture and mature indigenous woodland. The drive leads to an impressive courtyard with the house on one side together with a substantial L-shaped outbuilding and separate detached garage offering flexible space for a variety of business or domestic uses. The house was constructed in 1996 and is a most impressive home finished to the highest specification. Full details including layouts and room sizes can be provided upon request.

The fishery, which is totally seperate to the main dwelling, takes its name from Izaak Walton who was born in Stafford in 1593 and is best remembered for writing “The Compleat Angler” which was completed in 1653 and remains the greatest classic of angling literature and is a “unique celebration of the English Countryside.” Izaak Walton’s Cottage is also situated close by. Today the Izaak Walton Fishery at Drumble House represents a thriving fishery business with an enviable trail of visitors, both match anglers and day anglers.

The fishery has clients throughout the UK, the majority of whom are clubs and societies, such is its reputation for quality fishing. The pools are well stocked with Rudd, Roach, Tench, Bream, Perch and all the range of Carp up to 40lbs. The fishery also has an onsite log cabin café where customers can enjoy traditional home made foods and refreshments. It also provides secure on site car parking separate from the house, toilet facilities and facilities for the disabled.


Key Strengths:

• 4 Well stocked fishing pools
• High quality fish
• Natural clay pools so no need for linings
• Pools are naturally fed by the spring and rich in marginal plants.
• 134 permanent pegs
• Reservoir/stock pool plus 9 growing pools
• About 500 metres of fishing on the River Sow
• Planning permission for a specimen pool
• Indoor breeding tanks with filtration system
• Car park
• Log cabin with café(up to 40 covers)and toilets.
• Destination venue with historical connections
• Superb Freehold dwelling set in 41 acres
• Location (Edge of a conservation village)

Property information

Property:

Freehold

Location:

Constructed in 1996 Drumble house is a most impressive home with extensive accommodation on two floors extending to circa 3820 sq ft. The ground floor has excellent layout with vast kitchen /breakfast room and open plan family room being the focal point for family life. The kitchen has an Aga .

The ground floor accommodation is all set around the large reception hall which has an impressive staircase rising to the galleried landing above. In addition to the good sized dining room and study there is a very large drawing room with splendid inglenook fireplace.

The light galleried landing lies at the heart of the first floor accommodation which has been designed for quality and space rather than quantity of bedrooms. There are four large double bedrooms, two being en-suite with walk in wardrobes. There is also a family bathroom and walk in linen room. The views from the bedrooms are stunning.

The Grounds:

The long driveway provides a beautiful approach. The drive swings into the large courtyard or continues down to the fishery with its own car park. Over 30 acres of the land is permanent pasture with a further 5 acres being made up by Drumble Wood.

The wood also has a spring which emerges to feed the upper pool.

The Outbuildings:

The outbuildings have matching construction to the main house including cavity brick walls, pitched tile roofs and 8ft tall entrance doors. Outbuildings extend to circa 3163 sq ft. The buildings are set up with breeding tanks and filtration system. Buildings provide extensive garaging, workshop and storage and could easily be converted to stables, holiday letting or other, subject to planning.

Planning/Restrictions:

There is an agricultural restriction on the property. The vendor has advised this is as follows: Any person living in the house can run the fishery provided their income is not greater from any other source. It does not have to be the home owner, it could be the spouse, partner or even eligible child. If they didn't want to operate it on a daily basis, they could employ the services of a fishery manager or the like.

Further details can be provided upon request.

Other information

Expansion potential:

There are numerous ways to grow the business in various areas. There is planning in place for another pool that could support a further 200 pegs which would seriously increase revenues. There is the option to erect a further building on site (footing already in place) and this could be a tackle shop for example which would increase revenues. The business does very little in the ways of proactive sales and marketing and a new strategy would certainly increase turnover.

Competition / Market:

The fishery does not undertakes any advertising at present, relying solely on word of mouth recommendations, repeat business and referrals. It currently has a leaflet which it hands out to visitors on the day. It would benefit greatly from the development of a website and a more targeted approach to sales and marketing.

Support & training:

The current owners would be happy to provide full training and support at handover.

Reasons for selling:

Health reasons

Trading hours:

The fishery runs throughout the year, there is no closed season.