A successful and long-established trout fishery set in the beautiful Wye Valley near Chepstow has come to the market through fisheries sales experts Fenn Wright due to its owner’s retirement.

Fairoak Fishery, near Tintern, in Monmouthshire, was opened by the current owner in 1991, and achieved a turnover of between £50,000 and £60,000 in its most successful years.

Recently, however, the owner has chosen run it on a less commercial basis.

The fishery, set in around 4.6 acres, together with owners’ lodge accommodation and a paddock of some 5.5 acres is offered at a guide price of £455,000.

Two main lakes fed by a spring rising in nearby Fedw Wood provide most of the fishing, although there is an additional small pond traditionally used by learners and children. All were originally stocked with a combination of rainbow and brown trout, and now have a natural stocking of brown trout up to 1.5lbs.

Fairway Lake, a Victorian water covering approximately an acre, was restored in 1990 and is up to 20ft deep in places. Top Lake is slightly smaller and has depths up to 15ft.

Fisherman’s Lodge, the owners’ accommodation, is a timber building containing a reception area, office with kitchen facilities, living room/bedroom, kitchen and shower room. Outside are two large kennels with runs, a greenhouse and a fishermen’s WC.

A separate 20ft by 30ft workshop is located off a hard track running to the top of the fishery. Planning permission was granted in 1997 for a new administration building and extra store.

The final amenity, the paddock, can be reached both from the property and from the nearby road. Ideal for grazing, it offers potential for a variety of uses, given the necessary consents.

Fenn Wright Partner and fisheries expert Martin Freeman believes there is considerable scope for increasing turnover at the fishery.

He said: “The fishery has a wide catchment area, with three cities, Bristol, Gloucester and Cardiff all within easy driving distance. The current owner has already demonstrated how profitable the fishery can be in its current form, although in recent years it has been more of a lifestyle business.”