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Bowing out: Wally Ward

One of the few remaining privately owned farms withing the Oxford Ring Road has been put up for sale.

The decision to sell Hill View Farm, Marston, has reluctantly been taken by 92-year-old Wally Ward after his grandchildren declined the opportunity to take it on.

Mr Ward's son-in-law Martin Gannon said: "There are four parties involved - three of Tom's children and Wally's daughter Jane, my wife. He can no longer do anything there and he wanted it to go to his grandchildren, but unfortunately there is not enough interest for it to be carried on."

Mr Gannon and his wife co-founded Mahogany hairdressers and now run the Cedar Therapy spa in Deddington, near Banbury.

"We are pretty busy and our three children - although they have rural interests - unfortunately don't want to take the responsibility of running the farm," said Mr Gannon.

"Wally always hoped that one of the children or grandchildren would carry on, so it will be a sad day when it goes."

He added: "It must be one of the last remaining farms within the Oxford ring road."

Born in Headington Quarry, Wally and his brother Tom moved to Old Marston as children more than 80 years ago and rented Cannons Farm, which has since been converted into private homes.

End of an era ...

Wally's son-in-law, Martin Gannon, said: "It was a regular sight to see the herd of cows being walked through the village to the milking parlour."

They bought the 40-acre Hill View Farm in 1952. It is now mainly used for horse grazing and stabling, as well as fishing on the river Cherwell.

But while he is selling up, Mr Ward is not turning his back on farming completely and is keeping a plot of land on the opposite side of the Oxford ring road, known as Cherwell Piggeries.

At one time, he kept 1,000 pigs there, but he's not planning any new agricultural projects.

"It just gives him something to potter about on," added Mr Gannon.

Philip Hoare, of property agents Savills, said it was a "unique parcel of land and farm buildings" and there has already been extensive interest from a wide range of parties.

He added: "It is an interesting investment alternative and the first time a farm so close to the city has come onto the market in decades.

"People are still considering keeping it as a farm but even they are looking at its longer term potential and the alternatives available there."

Hill View Farm is on the market for offers in excess of £1.2m.

It will be available for sale as a whole or in three lots comprising the bungalow, land and farm buildings and a small paddock.

12:32pm Friday 16th May 2008

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