Two determined bidders refused to let go, going from an opening bid of £25,000 until the bidding ended at £107,000 (over £22,000 an acre).

McCartneys partner and auctioneer, Ryan Williams said “valuing small areas of land is one of the hardest tasks that we have to do. There is a common misconception amongst the general public that all farmland is worth £2,000 to £4,000 an acre. The reality is that the current demand for land is intense and the smaller the acreage the more per acre that land will make. Crucial to achieving this successful sale is the availability of water and a good access. If ever justification was needed that the auction system is the best way to sell pony paddocks and farmland, then this is surely it.”

McCartneys, who have fourteen property offices and five livestock markets throughout the area, hold regular auctions of farmland and have suitably qualified members of staff always on hand to advise on the best method of disposal and the likely value. Ryan also said that in his opening remarks he had emphasised the scarcity of such areas of land in the area. Results like this however might improve the supply!