Granite troughs seeking new homes

It’s a first for Honiton’s Chilcotts Auctioneers with an ‘off site’ viewing of auction items at a farm in Fremington.

There are around 50 pieces of traditional farm troughs of varying shapes and sizes. Made from granite, they are far too heavy to be moved en masse, so the physical viewing is only available at the vendor’s property, West Yelland Farm.

The troughs are superb examples of their type and include rectangular and square water and feed troughs as well as unusual circular troughs called cider mill troughs, used for the cider making process.

Granite is an incredibly durable material, and stone troughs like these can be dated back to the 12th century, as an early receptacle for water. Interestingly, in England the first granite quarries in England were in Devon and Cornwall.

Auctioneer Duncan Chilcott explains, “These troughs come under the current thinking of ‘reuse, recycle! They’d be ideal for the garden, as unusual water features or planters.

“There’s such a variety of pieces - we’re estimating their value at between £50 for the smallest items right up to £500 for the larger troughs.”

Images of the granite troughs and other items from the farm will be available to view online for those who can’t get to Fremington. Bidding can be made online or in person at the new Dolphin Salerooms in Honiton High Street. This is the first sale to take place at Chilcotts Auctioneers new home.

Viewing at the farm is available on Thursday 10th June and Friday 11th, by appointment. The sale starts on Saturday June 12 at 10am.

For more details, or to book a viewing, contact 01404 47783 or visit www.chilcottsauctions.co.uk