Sale of Urchfont Manor goes through (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Sale of Urchfont Manor goes through

3:55pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

WILTSHIRE Council has claimed success in securing community facilities as the sale of the former Urchfont Manor College is confirmed.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the council said that community management and use of Oakfrith Wood and the cricket ground at Urchfont Manor has been secured following the exchange of contracts today to sell the building at the end of March.
It is understood the new owners intend to apply for the necessary permissions to convert the main house back to a private home and have agreed to the requests made by Wiltshire Council to assist in securing the ongoing community use of Oakfrith Wood, the cricket ground and play area in the recreation field.
Leader of Wiltshire Council Jane Scott said: “I am very pleased that Urchfont Manor will have new owners who will be able to enjoy and take care of this beautiful building.

"We  have listened to local people and ensured that this sale will mean the community will still be able to enjoy Oakfrith Wood, the cricket ground and play area in the recreation field.” 
Marketing the property was carefully structured in a way to ensure that the key outdoor community facilities were protected from the outset, said the council. 

Emma Cleugh, partner at Knight Frank, who marketed the property for the council, said: “Bids were invited for the house in a way that ensured the local community had the ongoing long-term security they needed to continue to use and enjoy their areas; this being a key requirement of Wiltshire Council in line with its cabinet decision.”  
A shortlist of bidders was made and these were invited to submit best and final offers. The offer accepted was for the whole of the property is in excess of the initial guide price of £2.7m.
The buyers, who have not been named, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with the council to buy the manor today and very much look forward to meeting the neighbours and wider local community over the coming weeks and months. 

"Throughout the bidding process, we have been kept fully informed of how Wiltshire Council has tried to protect the interests of the community and we completely support it in how it intends to move forward to do so.  We look forward to challenging the local cricket team with our friends this summer.”