The ex-landlady who inherited Tony Martin’s £2.5 million fortune is now seeking offers for the notorious farmhouse where Martin fatally shot a teenage intruder.
Jacqueline Wadsley, the former pub owner to whom Martin bequeathed his entire estate, has put up for sale 164 acres of farmland surrounding the rundown property in two separate parcels, with a combined price of nearly £1.4 million. The first lot comprises 109.6 acres with a guide price of £918,000, while the second 54.47-acre plot is valued at £460,000.
This decision comes shortly after the revelation that Jacqueline and her husband, David, have abandoned their plans to convert five dilapidated barns on the premises into ten new residences.
David, who has been farming the land as a tenant, expressed that the choice was difficult but felt it was the right decision in honoring Martin’s legacy. He emphasized the need for capable individuals to properly manage the land going forward and mentioned their openness to selling the buildings along with the farmland.
The couple had initially applied to convert the barns into homes under permitted development rights. However, concerns raised by the local council’s ecology officer regarding potential impacts on wildlife and highway safety led to the decision to scale down the project.
Martin, who passed away last year at the age of 80, left his substantial estate to Jacqueline, with his brother receiving no share. Their close relationship was characterized by Jacqueline’s care and support for Martin during his final years.
The sale of the farmland, described by property agents as an “exciting opportunity,” presents a chance for interested parties to acquire a sizable parcel of arable land and woodland. The land has been well-maintained over the years and is deemed attractive to neighboring farmers looking to expand their operations.
