Great Common Farm, Bourn, Cambridgeshire
Barn conversions – in planning stage
The Opportunity
Great Common Farm, a grade II listed farm house, together with a cluster of old timber farm buildings somewhat derelict, a large modern concrete farm barn and 2 former farm cottages adjacent were all being offered for sale. Owned by Manchester university, and previously leased to a tenant farmer, these had sadly fallen into a state of disrepair and been subjected to extreme vandalism whilst sitting empty.
Unfortunately the lake in the grounds of the farmhouse was in a very sad state, becoming completely dry in the summer of 2022 with the loss of all aquatic life within it.
Our initial objectives for this site are:
- Urgently work on preserving the lake – Completed Spring 2023
- Renovation of 2 farm cottages – Completed and on the market December 2023. You can see that development here.
- Planning application for the barn redevelopment and works to the listed Farmhouse – Submitted February 2024. Currently undergoing consultation process
Sadly, the farmhouse had been a target for vandals
The lake fully dried out in 2022
Just one plan being considered
Our Vision
This unique opportunity appealed to us, our vision was to restore the farmhouse to its former glory working closely with conservation officers and the heritage team at South Cambs district council to improve the curtlidge of the listed farmhouse. By seeking permission to remove a barn built too close to the rear farmhouse elevation, re-develop the other timber barns to provide attractive new homes and removing the ugly large overbearing modern barn we believe we succeed with our vision.
We are also pleased to report that following significant investment, problems with the lake have been addressed and it is slowing returning to life.
Through our conservation efforts with the lake, wildlife is returning
Progress
The site originally came to market in March 2021. Despite our immediate offer, agreement was reached with another purchaser that subsequently fell through, and the property went back on the Market in January 2022. The site was purchased in September 2022 following lengthy negotiations.
October 2022 – work commenced renovating the two farm cottages. An application for a replacement garage to one of the cottages was made. Replacement windows to both cottages, internal changes to improve the living space and a full refurbishment – electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms all undertaken.
December 2022 – Cheffins were appointed as our planning consultants to prepare a planning application for the redevelopment of the farmyard within the curtlidge of the listed farmhouse.
January 2023 – pre-application meetings with South Cambs planning and conservation departments were held to form our onward plans.
June 2023 – new double garage with office space for cottage no 3 was completed.
December 2023 – renovation works were completed to the two former farm cottages and these were marketed for sale by Cheffins.
February 2024 – planning application submitted on the barn redevelopment and currently undergoing consultation process.
March 2024 – the smaller cottage is now sold STC. The larger cottage is still available.
An aerial photo using CGI to show the entire barn development once completed including the renovated farmhouse.
CGI view from the road showing the renovated farmhouse with part of the barn redevelopment.
Plans for individual units
We are delighted to be able to share some of the plans for the new plots, all in a quiet rural location on the outskirts of the village of Bourn, Cambridgeshire.
Plot 1
3-bed detached. Single storey. 1,420sq.ft.
Guide price £800,000
Plot 2
4-bed link-detached. 1.5 storeys. 1,797sq.ft.
Guide price £950,000
Plot 3
4-bed link detached. Two storeys. 2,464sq.ft.
Guide price £1,200,000
Plot 4
3-bed detached. Single storey. 1,765sq.ft.
Guide price £1,000,000
Plot 5 – The Old Farmhouse
Further details will be announced soon once the necessary approvals have been met.
Be Part Of The Story
If you are interested in the ongoing development at Great Common Farm please do get in touch by clicking the button below.
Potential customers should register their interest early with the potential to personalise elements of the properties to their own taste and specification should early sales be secured.
