Savills : Historic racing yard in Epsom comes to the market

The impressive equestrian facility, which has significant income potential and planning permission for a four-bedroom detached house, has a rich history of producing Epsom Derby winners.

The property comprises the Grade II listed Cisero racing yard with two attached cottages, stabling for more than 50 horses, a successful livery business and about 58 acres of pastureland. There is a 35m x 15m indoor riding school within a beautiful Grade II* listed 1881 building, with a viewing area and wax fibre surface.

History

The Durdans equestrian history starts with Amato, the first Derby winner (1838) to be born and trained in Epsom. The horse belonged to the owner of The Durdans, Sir Gilbert Heathcote. The Grade II listed graves of Amato and fellow Derby winners Ladas 11, Sir Vistro and Cicero, are found within woodland close to the paddocks.

The Heathcote family sold the Durdans to the 5th Earl of Rosebery in 1874, where he established a racing stud. In 1881, Lord Rosebery commissioned the Victorian Arts and Crafts architect George Devey, to design an indoor riding stable at the Durdans in this style. Along with the other new stable boxes, the result was described in the Victorian Dictionary, compiled by Lee Jackson, as being the finest in the country.

Louise Harrison, head of equestrian at Savills, said: 'The Durdans is tucked away down a tree-lined lane behind Epsom Racecourse and the Epsom Downs. It is steeped in history, having been home to a number of Derby winners. There is a successful livery operation and scope to expand this business as well as to diversify into other equestrian activities.'

The property is on the doorstep of the Epsom Downs, an area of about 600 acres of unspoilt down land. Further afield is Mickleham Downs, Headley Heath, Walton Heath, Box Hill and Ashtead Common.

The Durdans Stables is being marketed by Savills for a guide price of £2,500,000.