A strategic estate masterplan is the key first step

A strategic masterplan for larger property holdings offers real value to owners of estates, farms and commercial portfolios. Specialist experience and expertise  within the diverse PMA team enables us to present an overview of larger land and building ownership, leading to the development of  longer-term strategies.

Aims and aspirations vary; it may include personal requirements and aspirations, perhaps a new home, maximising capital value opportunities and looking at older and redundant buildings with a fresh perspective. Land use is key; we assess all opportunities to create and increase profitability and more. Every project is different, as is the answer.

Strategic planning involves evolving plans, to be evaluated and implemented over an agreed timeframe.

We recently had the opportunity to visit a high-profile south west leisure business, where PMA lead the strategic approach and obtained planning permission for development of the estate. Prior to sale PMA advised the former owner of The Highbullen Hotel Chittlehamholt, Devon. Sitting high on a ridge between Dartmoor and Exmoor, bordered by the River Mole and River Taw estate stands in some 125 acres of the most magnificent Devonshire countryside.

Now under new ownership the estate has been transformed through major capital investment, now known as The Mole Resort. PMA planned, designed and obtained planning permission for significant development, we quality self-catering lodges and a major extension to the hotel.

Now there are 58 high-quality lodges, tucked in the mature grounds. It is fabulous. We saw  happy early season visitors, clearly in their element, enjoying the idyllic countryside and excellent on-site amenities.

Farms offer tremendous scope. A surplus, tired and perhaps tatty building, may have fulfilled its life as a working farm building, but perhaps that is just time for a change of direction – look beyond. What can be achieved is sometimes quite amazing, identifying potential opportunities for significant capital enhancement and increased profitability, often hidden in plain sight

Peregrine Mears Architects.