Most people visiting Sherborne will know about the connection to Sir Walter Raleigh. For a modest fee people walk around the splendid gardens and lake at Sherborne Castle which was built in 1594 by Sir Walter.

By then he was a national treasure, landed gentleman, writer, poet, soldier, politician, courtier, spy and explorer. He was also, more importantly, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth 1 who knighted him and gave him the estate in Sherborne in 1592 but after her death in 1602 he was arrested for treason as it was believed he had plotted against her successor James 1. He was eventually pardoned but not before he was forced to surrender his castle and estates to the Crown.

Sir John Digby with his charm, good looks and diplomatic ability quickly gained the favour of King James I, and he bought the castle in 1617 along with the rest of the estate. Raleigh was executed the following year.

Most of the estate at Sherborne has remained intact but auction goers will have a rare chance to buy Elm Tree Farmhouse on land that would have formed part of the original purchase when it comes under the hammer at Symonds & Sampson’s sale on 21 September.

Auctioneer Mark Lewis is captivated by the property “It is a very special property and stands very well and will benefit from some updating and modernisation but has terrific potential. There is room to extend the house at the back and the adjoining barns are particularly exciting with great potential to incorporate into the main dwelling. Listed building consent will be required but a clever reconfiguration of the accommodation would be very exciting.

“Three acres of gardens, grounds and paddock are included with the house together with a courtyard with further potential".

Elm Tree Farmhouse is guided at £575,000 and for further details please contact Mark Lewis Symonds & Sampson 01258 474266.