Tillyfour, the Aberdeenshire farm known worldwide as the birthplace of the Aberdeen-Angus breed, has been launched on the market for offers over £7 million.
The renowned stock unit near Alford, which extends to more than 1000 acres, was made famous by livestock breeder William McCombie in the 19th century when he combined Angus “Doddies” with Aberdeen”‘Hummlies” to produce the black hornless Aberdeen-Angus cattle which are now prized around the globe.
The farmland is a combination of arable and silage ground, permanent pasture and rough grazing which is interspersed with woodlands, and there is an extensive range of farm steadings for housing and handling cattle.
In recent years the farm has been let on a Short Limited Duration Tenancy (SLDT) which comes to an end in November 2022. In the past it has carried a herd of 190 spring calving cows and 100 autumn calving cows with followers, although this included some additional land which may be available to lease.
Luke French of selling agents, Savills described the farm as a “significant and highly productive mixed arable and stock farm with a most attractive Georgian house at its centre”.
He added: “This well-equipped holding has a long standing history of producing cattle of the highest standard and we anticipate interest from across the UK as farms of this calibre rarely come to the market.
“Tillyfour is offered for sale as a whole or in two lots. Each lot offers an appealing package but together they make a hugely impressive and desirable purchase in a beautiful part of Aberdeenshire.”
The main Tillyfour house stands in a private south facing position within the farm and in recent years the accommodation has been refurbished and there are six cottages included in the Lot 1 sale along with various potential development opportunities.
The accommodation is arranged over three floors and among its highlights are the drawing room with open fire; formal dining room; dining kitchen with hand-painted cabinets, AGA and family room
There is a new boot room and utility room and a stone staircase leads up to the principal suite. There are three further double bedrooms and a bathroom at this level and two more bedrooms on the second floor.
Lot 2 comprises Cairnhill farmhouse, two cottages, a farm steading and 350 acres of mostly arable land, all situated at the western end of the holding.