FOR sale: rural property, large farm, spacious buildings, lots of land ... and one wind farm.

The first wind farm to come up for sale in the North-East has gone on the market this week, with a price tag of £3.25m.

The three turbines, plus four more which are due to be built next year, are included in the sale of High Hedleyhope Farm, near Tow Law, in County Durham.

As well as creating enough renewable power to run several thousand homes, the existing masts generate an income for the farm's owners of about £7,300 a year.

Planning permission was granted by Derwentside District Council for the further four 50-metre turbines in 2005, and they are expected to increase the annual revenue for the owners to £27,000 when they are built next May.

The 759 acre farm - which also includes a five bedroom farm house with a 37ft indoor well, a three bedroom bungalow, several farm buildings and an all-weather equine arena - is up for sale because owners Colin and Vivien Whitfield are emigrating to New Zealand.

Mr Whitfield, 50, said: "We plan to move once we've sold up. There's a lot of land and animals. We farm all sorts and, of course, we have the wind farm, so hopefully it will sell.

"I don't know who would buy a house like this. I honestly don't know, but we are hoping there will be interest."

The farm has sheep and cattle and 300 acres of arable land, but it is the wind farm that is the unique selling point.

It was among the first in the region, and is one of several in the surrounding area - much to the chagrin of some locals, although Mr Whitfield says opposition has waned.

However, Caroline Robinson, who has protested against several wind farms near her home in Sunniside, County Durham, remains unhappy about the turbines and the extra masts that are to be erected next year.

She said: "They can swan off to New Zealand with £3.25m, but those of us who still live here are left with these wind turbines."

The sale is being handled by Andrew Entwistle, of George F White's office, in Wolsingham, County Durham.

He said: "Opportunities to purchase a farm of this calibre are increasingly rare. This is a very good working farm and an ideal investment opportunity.

"The wind farm provides additional income, which is welcome in a time when prices and support for agricultural incomes can fluctuate."

Interested parties can contact him on 01388-527966.