This Is Guernsey

By Zoe Ash

Castel property Woodlands is on the open market for £16m. (0859596)

A RECORD-BREAKING local property could be a sign of things to come as wealthy people look to avoid rising taxes in the UK, according to one of the agents selling the property.

Woodlands is on the market for £16m. with Knight Frank and Swoffers. The restored cider farm, which featured on the front page of the Daily Telegraph’s property supplement on Saturday, is on the market for more than double the current record of £7.5m.

‘There is an increasing level of interest being shown in the island from high net worth entrepreneurs interested in buying property in the island, particularly bearing in mind the increased 50% tax rate next year that comes into effect in the UK,’ said Matthew Henry, managing director of Swoffers.

He said Guernsey had a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle and tax benefits. ‘A house of this calibre coming to market shows confidence in the Guernsey open market and the fact that this encourages positive publicity for Guernsey can only be of benefit for the island as a whole.’

In the Telegraph article, Guernsey was described as being blessed with an old-fashioned charm and a housing market barely affected by the crunch.

John and Mary Goodyear retired to Guernsey 11 years ago for tax reasons. They bought the Castel property seven years ago.

It features five bedroom suites, a galleried library, oak floors and a farmhouse kitchen with a yellow Aga. In the grounds are a separate three-bedroom house, also open market, two local market staff cottages, garages and 25 acres of land.

‘The property is unique in terms of quality, location and size and the like has never been seen formally on the property market,’ said Mr Henry.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mrs Goodyear said that although the property was attractive in a romantic, rambling way, it had been in need of serious restoration.

‘There were times when it was so distressing seeing more time and money sinking into a big hole in the ground,’ she said.

Due to Mr Goodyear’s ill health, the couple are selling the property before ever living in it.

‘We haven’t designated any of the rooms in the house and the outside has been left relatively natural. Refining it is a project for the next owner,’ said Mrs Goodyear.

Mr Henry said there had already been several viewings and requests for further information.

Article posted on 20th October, 2009 - 2.29pm