A working farm complete with 38 acres of land but within four miles of Oxford city centre has gone on the market.

Hill View Farm, Marston, one of the few remaining farms within the city’s Ring Road, has been in the Ward family for almost 60 years, but with the latest generation having no interest in farming, the property has been put up for sale for £1.45m.

Jane Gannon, who was brought up on the farm, said: “It is attracting a lot of interest, particularly from overseas and it would also make a good equine facility.

“The layout of fields and enclosures makes it highly suitable for eventing, showjumping and cross country.

“It is a beautiful location for rural pursuits, being right on the river Cherwell and surrounded by fields, and it is so close to Oxford you can see the Dreaming Spires.”

Mrs Gannon, was the daughter of Wally Ward who bought the farm with his brother Tom in 1952.

Born in Headington Quarry, the brothers moved to Old Marston as children more than 80 years ago and rented Cannons Farm — since converted into private homes — before moving to Hill View Farm.

Wally Ward ran the farm until he died at the age of 94 in January last year.

Mrs Gannon owns half the property with the rest belonging to her cousins Ronald and Dennis Ward and Norma Blackburn but they are putting it up for sale as their children have no interest in taking it on.

Mrs Gannon and husband Martin co-founded Mahogany hairdressers and went on to run the Cedar Therapy spa in Deddington, near Banbury.

It is the second time in three years the farm has been up for sale.

In 2008 it was on the market for offers in excess of £1.2m but failed to sell.

But Mrs Gannon said: “It was the start of the recession and everyone was running scared.

“But since then the market has picked up for land and country properties.”

Hill View Farm is for sale as a whole or in three lots. There are fields, paddocks, a main three-bedroom bungalow plus farm buildings, and fishing rights on the river Cherwell.

Mark Charter of agent Carter Jonas said: "This is an excellent opportunity for someone to develop an equestrian business, or offer rural activities, in a very convenient location. Urban farms like this one are increasingly rare, especially with such good road access around the property."