Orchardleigh Farm, a prestigious Somerset cider enterprise, is now available for purchase. This exceptional opportunity combines a multi-award-winning business, a five-bedroom farmhouse, a charming three-bedroom holiday cottage, and approximately 12 acres of orchards and land.
Nestled near Axbridge on the edge of Stone Allerton village, the estate sits south of the Mendip Hills and just east of the M5. The property includes a beautifully maintained primary farmhouse, a holiday rental cottage, and several versatile buildings housing production, retail, and hospitality facilities collectively known as The Taproom.
The cider crafted here boasts a rich and fascinating heritage. The orchards trace their roots back to the 1930s when they were owned by Schweppes. In the 1920s, Orchardleigh Farm supplied cider to Ernest Shackleton for his final Antarctic expedition. During World War II, the cider barn was reportedly repurposed to produce wings for the iconic Hurricane fighter planes.
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Today, over 2,000 apple trees grow on the estate, featuring 12 distinct apple varieties used in cider production. Apples are pressed and fermented on-site before bottling, maintaining a truly artisanal approach.
Cooper and Tanner estate agents, handling the sale with an asking price of £2,950,000, emphasize the vibrant growth and success of the current owners’ creative vision. Prospective buyers might continue to expand the flourishing cider business or pivot the operation towards apple sales, holiday letting, or alternative ventures — all set within a stunning rural setting.
The farmhouse itself offers exquisite living spaces, including an airy galleried landing with a split staircase, a triple-aspect reception room featuring orchard views and a stone fireplace, and a cozy snug. The kitchen and adjoining living area serve as the heart of the home, showcasing vaulted ceilings, bespoke cabinetry, premium appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lush gardens and orchards.
Additional ground floor amenities include a practical utility room with central island and high-end fittings, a pantry, two cloakrooms, and an integral garage. Upstairs, the master suite boasts dual aspect windows, a dressing room, and an en-suite bathroom, complemented by four further double bedrooms serviced by two bathrooms.
Surrounding the home, mature cider orchards border the landscaped gardens, which offer lawned areas, seating, raised beds, polytunnels, and extra storage. The separate three-bedroom holiday cottage, privately set within the grounds, currently generates an estimated £30,000 annual income.
The estate also includes adaptable buildings, such as a spacious steel portal-framed barn with a roller shutter door and a concrete block outbuilding housing The Taproom — a licensed hospitality venue and bar. The Taproom offers a selection of Orchardleigh’s cider, beer, and other drinks, alongside a fully equipped catering kitchen. This space regularly hosts tastings, quiz nights, private events, and functions.
Orchardleigh Farm combines a unique blend of heritage, lifestyle, and business potential, making it an extraordinary opportunity in the Westcountry.
For inquiries, please contact Cooper and Tanner at 01373 455060.