Roger Saul is the owner of Sharpham Park in Somerset, a 300-acre estate that he runs as a traditional mixed economy farm producing organic meat and cereals. Having left his life of big-business fashion behind, he knows a thing or two about the transition from boardroom boss to gentleman farmer. Here is advice from a man who has made it happen on a grand scale.

- A shortage of good agricultural land and lack of top-quality food worldwide means the price of agricultural land has gone up. Since land values will continue to appreciate - and organic food prices could increase by up to 100 per cent in the next five years - land purchase remains a good investment.

- While the land will provide long-term asset growth, farming will not make money day to day. You will need very deep pockets - deeper than you would ever believe - and should expect no return at all in the short term.

- Living on the land is as fulfilling and absorbing as you imagine it to be, but only if both partners are committed. You both need to love the country life because, while immensely rewarding, it is a 24/7 job and very hard work.

- It is great for children. Lots of people are moving to the country to be near top schools without the children having to board. You will find plenty of like-minded families if this is your motivation. Don't buy a farm in the middle of nowhere; you'll need company.

- Community is the most important factor in making a farm a success. You will need a fantastic in-house support team and a few specialist contacts to advise you on a consultant basis. Banish any romantic notions of the lone farmer; you must be someone who enjoys being around people. You will share everything with your team and it can be intense, particularly dealing with livestock - living beings that are under your care.

- Being the caretaker of a piece of land is an immense privilege. If you have the inclination and the drive you can learn as you go. Farming is a steep learning curve that can last for years.

- For personal satisfaction and to increase the chance of making a successful business, try to do something unique. Choose a waning local speciality and build it up: it is immensely pleasurable to see something blossom that was struggling before.

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