A listed farmhouse where Dick Turpin is once thought to have stashed his ill-gotten gains is up for sale through an award-winning commercial property agency.
Coventry-based Bromwich Hardy says Harwoods House offers a first-class investment or development opportunity as well as its fascinating links to the 18th century highwayman.
Bromwich Hardy partner David Penn said there had long been speculation locally that Turpin – hanged for his crimes in York in 1739 – hid some of the proceeds of his robberies on land at the farm.
“The house, buildings and land stand in a highly prominent landmark position halfway between Warwick and Gaydon just off the M40 in the Warwickshire countryside and would have made an ideal spot for Turpin to hide his loot as he travelled the country,” said David.
The Grade II listed farmhouse requires refurbishment but comes with nearly 5,000 sq ft of offices which currently generate nearly £90,000 a year and 12.07 acres of land. There is also planning permission in place for 8,600 sq ft of new offices. The site is on the market for offers in excess of £1.8 million.
“The house itself is an impressive local landmark which is in need of sympathetic refurbishment, providing a wonderful opportunity for residential or commercial use,” said David.
“There are three areas of former barns which were converted to a high standard into offices in 2007 and planning consent for further new build office construction to the rear of Harwoods House, partly utilising existing buildings.
“The accommodation has planning and listed buildings consent from Stratford-On-Avon District Council for office space, meeting rooms, 58 new parking spaces and covered cycle parking.
“This is the sort of investment and development opportunity which comes along very rarely, and we anticipate there being considerable interest in the potential which Harwoods House and its associated buildings offer.
“The area boasts both Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin on the doorstep at Gaydon, as well as the Warwick Technology Park. The Coventry and Warwickshire area is at the forefront of technical innovation including creating and developing digital and transport technologies of the future.”
Other major employers in the area include Geely London Electric Vehicle Company, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Rolls Royce Aerospace, Tata Motors and VivaRail.
Bromwich Hardy is joint agent for the site with White Commercial.