The owner of a Suffolk farm which produces grapes for award-winning wine has said he will miss the “magical place” after deciding to sell up.

Nick Thomson bought Brook Farm, at Brent Eleigh near Lavenham, in 2000, and says it has proved to be a good place to have a vineyard.

The 71-year-old, who was an insurance underwriter before becoming a farmer, said: “East Anglia and Suffolk in particular is a very good place to grow grapes – we are blessed with a climate that just suits them – and grassland farms are very few and far between in Suffolk now.”

The farm has just been put on the market with Brown & Co at a guide price of £1.21million, which includes the freehold of the land and buildings, but not the cattle on the land and actual business.

The 75-strong Red Poll herd and stocks of wine and apple juice are available by separate negotiation.

Mr Thomson said he would “absolutely” miss owning the farm –which he described as a “magical place”.

He said if he was 20 years younger there were so many things he could do with it, and added that neither of his children wanted to take it on. He is also hoping to pursue other interests after selling up, including writing a book.

The farm extends to about 52.37 hectares including an established award-winning vineyard as well as an orchard, grassland, woodland and a range of agricultural buildings including a farm shop, new bottle store and office.

As well as the chance to buy the whole farm, it is also being offered in four lots.