Symonds and Sampson report an exciting property auction held at The Guildhall, Axminster on Thursday 25 July, with all properties being sold well ahead of their guide price.

The demand for small pieces of land was very strong indeed.

Four properties went under the hammer including Sutton Thorn Covert at Colyton, a 3.50 acre piece of woodland guided at £35,000 and sold for a whopping £66,000 (nearly £19,000 per acre). Selling agent, Ross Willmington, commented: "I sold this piece of woodland to the vendors in 2014 at our summer property auction for £40,000. They are a lovely local family and I am extremely pleased they did so well with this investment."

The next lot offered was a 1.70 acre paddock situated between Winsham and Woolminstone that occupied a gloriously quiet spot, the auction guide of £30,000 generated a good deal of interest, with over 50 viewings taking place. The paddock sold for £61,000 (£35,882 per acre), following strong competition in the room.

Belmont Lodge, West Bay Road, Bridport – a grade II listed cottage for renovation then sold for £160,000. The final property offered was 16.66 acres of agricultural land at Beaminster Down Farm and sold for £148,000 (£8,883 per acre).

Demand for rural property and land remains strong. Symonds and Sampson's next property auction is scheduled for Thursday 10 October at Axminster and entries are now invited. For a market appraisal please contact Ross Willmington at Symonds and Sampson’s Axminster office on 01297 33122.