With the renewal of rod licences due on the 31st of March and the season now open for Salmon and Trout thoughts are turning to dusting off the waders and heading down to the riverbank. But for some the sanctuary of the riverbank can be only a stone’s throw from the back door if your home has fishing rights at the bottom of the garden. However, the notion that to acquire fishing rights as part of your new home would require serious investment in a sporting estate are far from true and it can be the little gems which stir up the market.
It therefore comes of no surprise that properties such as Down Farm Cottage in Lifton are in such demand. This four bedroomed cottage nestled in the peaceful Thrushel Valley on the edge of Dartmoor marketed by Townsend Chartered Surveyors is a fisherman’s delight. The cottage has a charming barn and buildings set within 8.88 acres with river frontage and salmon fishing rights. The River Thrushel lies in serious Salmon fishing territory with the River Lyd, Wolf and Tamar all in close proximity. Additionally the barn, once renovated (subject to the usual consents) would make a wonderful self-contained annex which could house holiday lets, parents or friends alike. The 8.88 acres of pasture, which stretches down to the River Thrushel, sweeps around to the rear of the cottage and down to the river facilitating a pleasant five minute meander to the perfect escape. For some the combination of the barn, land and fishing rights open up further possibilities in the holiday let market in the form of equine and fishing breaks. Down Farm Cottage is for sale with a guide of £595,000.
Alternatively, a cheaper alternative would be a beat of 233 yards of single bank salmon and trout fishing on the river Exe at Stoke Canon has come on to the market for the first time in 14 years. These rights provide the opportunity to fish regularly in quality local Salmon waters without the long trek to Scotland. Moreover the highly valued fishing in the South West has been boosted by the conservation work of the West Country Rivers Trust, the River Exe & Tributaries Association and the National Parks Authorities (amongst many others). The fishing at Stoke Canon lies just up steam from the confluence with the Culm and the presence of trout and grayling also provide excellent sport. The Riparian rights are included which are the freehold ownership of the riverbed up to midstream point and five foot of the bank. There is also an opportunity to add value due the absence of catch records. The fishing goes to informal tender on the 8th of May with a guide of £15,000.
