By David LennardONE of the region's most historic country estates is likely to be split up when it is sold off.The Aussie Earl of Stradbroke put the Henham Estate, between Halesworth and Southwold, up for sale two months ago.

By David Lennard

ONE of the region's most historic country estates is likely to be split up when it is sold off.

The Aussie Earl of Stradbroke put the Henham Estate, between Halesworth and Southwold, up for sale two months ago.

In all, the property extends to 4,219 acres and represents the largest area of land to come on the English property market for more than 10 years.

The estate was offered for sale as one single lot with a guide price in the region of £12 million or as 27 separate lots.

There has been strong interest in the property and the estate agents handling the sale, London-based Knight Frank, said they had been busy dealing with inquiries from all over the world.

Clive Hopkins, of the firm's country department, said: “We expected that Henham would create a lot of interest from prospective purchasers, but we have been absolutely astounded by the interest it has created.”

He added there had been inquiries from north Suffolk landowners, people living in other parts of the country and many from abroad.

But Mr Hopkins revealed: “I have to say that at this stage it is looking likely that the estate will be sold in more than one lot.”

Knight Frank have been forced by the level of interest in Henham Estate into setting a deadline of noon on September 26 for offers from prospective buyers.

“These offers will be reviewed and we will then revert to the strongest bidders with a view to concluding sales during October 2003,” it said.

The Sixth Earl inherited the estate 20 years ago, but spends most of his time at his home in Australia.

He decided to put Henham Estate up for sale so it could be placed in the hands of an owner with the time and energy needed to manage an undertaking of this size.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk