Council completes sale of outdoor education centre

A former residential outdoor education centre in Bedfordshire has been sold on behalf of a local authority by leading commercial property consultants Kirkby Diamond.

Dell Farm, near Whipsnade Animal Park, Dunstable, has been acquired by an unnamed investor for well in excess of the £1 million guide price.

The property has served local schools in Bedfordshire and beyond as a rural education centre for many years but was recently placed on the market by the local authority.

Kirkby Diamond was appointed preferred agent. Executive partner and head of commercial agency and business development, Eamon Kennedy, said: “The sale was not without its challenges, which we were able to resolve.

“With the support of my colleague Nathan Andrews, we achieved an excellent result for the local authority and thoroughly enjoyed assisting our clients with such a unique property, the likes of which rarely comes to market.”

Dell Farm has extensive accommodation extending to 7,100 sq ft. It has the benefit of a recent positive pre-application response from Central Bedfordshire Planning Authority approving the principle of conversion of the former farmhouse and barn to residential use.

The total site extends to 3.47-acres and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It comprises a large former farmhouse, a converted barn, outbuildings and extensive grounds, including grass enclosures for the keeping of small breed livestock. There is a livestock building, a mobile classroom and a portable cabin.