One of the cottages sold as part of Linkenholt village for £25 million.

The entire English country village of Linkenholt has been bought by a mystery buyer for £25 million.

On the market for just two months , the 2000-acre estate near Andover in Hants, has been purchased from the trust which owns it.

Tim Sherston, from estate agents Jackson-Stops and Staff, said the village has been sold subject to contract and the deal was now in the hands of solicitors.

He added: “I cannot give any more information than that because we have agreed complete confidentiality.”

Formally owned by the Herbert and Peter Blagrave Charitable Trust, the village is officially designated by Natural England as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Included in the sale are 22 cottages and houses, a village shop, a commercial shoot, 1,500 acres of farmland and 450 acres of woodland. The only thing in the village that does not belong to the charity and so is not up for sale is the 12th-century St Peter’s church.

The trust held a meeting with villagers to outline its plans earlier this year and the close-knit community of around 40 has said it is keen to see the village stay the same. It has been agreed that all tenants will be able to remain in their homes after the sale.