A SPRAWLING country estate near Stow has been put on the market for a reported £30million.

The Abbotswood Estate, which boast a Grade II listed stone manor house with eight bedrooms and master suite, includes 11 farmhouses and cottages, a mixed woodland and an extensive range of farm buildings.

The 775 acre estate, on the edge of Lower Swell, has planning permission for four extra dwellings and has the potential for a pheasant and partridge shoot as well as boasting two lakes and parkland.

It is known for its elegant formal gardens which were created by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens who added to the house in 1902.

Built in 1862, there are records to suggest ‘Swell Park’, as it was originally known, was created in 1253.

It remained in the Atkyns family until 1844 when it was bought by Alfred Sartoris who in the 1860’s, built the main house on the present site which he called ‘Abbotswood’.

He left the house to the farmer who then sold on to keen gardener Mark Fenwick in 1901 before it was taken over by tractor tycoon Harry Ferguson and later, keen horse breeder Robin Scully.

Described as a "true Cotswold gem" in the Knight Frank brochure, the estate agent would not confirm the asking price but invited potential buyers to speak to them.

Earlier this month, the hamlet of Little Rollright, near Chipping Norton, was put on the market with Savills for £18million.