Land very rarely comes up for sale in the Sopley area but on 18th July, Auctioneers Symonds & Sampson had three lots for sale right in the centre of the village.

Auctioneer Greg Ridout said, “The land was for sale on behalf of a local landowner who had held the land for a very long time.  We received a terrific amount of interest.

“The auction was held in the Village Hall as we were only expecting a handful of people but a crowd of 75 turned up, including people from a 30 mile radius.

“The prices that we achieved were quite astonishing showing just how much latent demand there is and we ended up with six disappointed bidders on the day.”

Head of Agency at Symonds & Sampson, Mark Lewis, said “Greg did a terrific job under enormous pressure and we were delighted with the results, even the villagers were pleased and felt that the best people had purchased.

“On offer was Lot 1, a mixture of pastureland and woodland with a guide of £10,000 which sold for £15,000. Lot 2, pastureland and a small barn sold for £22,000 and Lot 3, a 0.47 acre pastureland field sold for £27,000.”