An entire British village is expected to go under the hammer to the ‘kindest buyer’ and locals are excited and bewildered at the prospect of a potential newowner. The perfectly preserved village of West Heslerton in North Yorkshire saw periods of prosperity and care under Eve Dawnay.
However after Dawnay’s death five years ago the ownership of the estate went to the family members of Eve Dawnay; who vowed to keep the village as it was left by Eve, with all its class and originality.
The estate contains all the necessary ‘ingredients’ of a small village. In the middle of the village stands the historic hall with its massive 21 bedrooms surrounded by 42 simple yet elegant houses, a restaurant, a public house, a sports pavilion, a garage, playing fields and most importantly some 2,000 acres of surrounding lush green countryside.
The village is now going on sale for £20 million, Ms. Dawnay’s family is now hoping to attract a wealthy buyer who not only shall meet the price, they must also share her ambition of keeping the elegance of the village intact according to the wishes of its small community.
The endearingly passionate oxford-educated owner lived most of her life trying to keep the village life to a high standard. Eve Dawnay was not just a clever planner; she served as a common factor among the people of the village by involving herself in their daily lives as a family member.
She also insured that the community was served well, by providing all amenities such as a well-equipped primary school and also heading village’s own football, bowling and cricket teams.
The sale of the village is being handled by Cundalls Estate Agency. Tom Watson, the director of Cundalls estate agency, said that Heslerton’s previous owner Miss Dawnay was a wonderful lady.
He added that Miss Dawnay took a special interest in the well-being of the people and took many measures to ensure a peaceful life for the inhabitants. Keeping the rents low and focusing on the provision of amenities brought prosperity to the village’s small community earning a good name and respect for Miss Dawnay.
Mr Watson hoped that the new buyer would have the same benevolent attitude towards the estate and will not treat it as a mere investment. Watson also said that despite its looks, Heslerton hides many opportunities for further development that could bring capital to the new owner if he wished to build and leave a legacy; very much like Miss Dawnay.