Location
CLOSING DATE FOR BEST OFFERS MIDDAY THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2024 - A rare opportunity to acquire a Grade II Listed farmhouse and farm buildings for complete renovation with about 119 acres.
White House Farm sits in an exceptional rural position, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet is just seven miles from the vibrant town of Tunbridge Wells. The farm is located in the hamlet of Lye Green and situated on the edge of the historic Ashdown Forest, originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times and now one of the largest public spaces in the South East and made famous world-wide by A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories.
Lot 1: White House Farmhouse with about 22.66 acres.
White House Farm dates back in part to the 17th century, with later additions and formed part of the impressive Buckhurst Estate. The farmhouse enjoys an exceptional position, tucked away off a small country lane, with a beautiful and unspoilt rural outlook.
The property is privately set with no near neighbours and the sale includes fields to the rear, which extend to approximately 20.27 acres in total, together with the footprint and remains of a single roundel oast, also Grade II listed.
The accommodation of about 2,239 sq ft is arranged over two floors and currently comprises two reception rooms, a study, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility/shower room, five bedrooms and a bathroom, plus cellar store rooms.
Outside, the immediate garden extends mostly to the rear, backing onto the farmland and is well-screened to all sides. The site of the former oast lies on the south western side of the farmhouse and there are several derelict outbuildings on the north east boundary.
The landholding sold with Lot 1 (see lotting plan) comprises two good size pasture fields , which lie to the rear and side. The land extends to the B2188, with mature hedging to the boundaries and an area of woodland to the south west.
Lot 2: White House Farm Buildings with about 13.65 acres.
Situated to the north of White House Farmhouse lies a modern concrete portal frame barn, with potential (subject to necessary consents) for alternative uses. There is a large area of hardstanding.
The land is predominantly pasture, running to the north and west of the buildings.
Lot 3: Land to the East of White House Lane, about 57.3 acres.
A mixed parcel of pasture/rough grazing (34.14 acres) and woodland (23.16 acres), which lies opposite White House Farm and is accessed from the lane.
Lot 4: Land to the South of White House Lane, about 25.18. acres.
Predominantly pasture/rough grazing (21.5 acres) with access from White House Lane and a concrete track (leading to St John's Water Works). There is a small pond and stream frontage to the west of the land.
Method of Sale
The property is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole or in four lots. If sold separately, Lots 3 and 4 will not be sold until a buyer for Lots 1 and 2 has been secured.
Tenure and Possession
The farmhouse and Lot 1 buildings are unoccupied. All the farmland and buildings in Lot 2 are currently let to Buckhurst Farm, vacant possession of the land and buildings can be granted upon completion if required.
Lotting
The vendor reserves the right to alter the lotting at any time.
Local Authorities
Wealden District Council: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/
East Sussex County Council: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/
Council Tax
Band G
Listing
White House Farmhouse is Grade II Listed, as is the remains of the oast with Lot 1. The buildings should therefore be regarded as curtilage listed due to the proximity of a listed building.
Minerals, Sporting and Timber Rights
The minerals, sporting and timber rights, so far as they are owned are included in the sale.
Services
Oil fired central heating, mains electricity and water. Private drainage.
Planning
Prospective purchasers will need to make their own enquiries of the relevant Local Authorities with regard to the prospect of conversions, extensions and alternative uses.
Environmental Grant Schemes
There is a Countryside Stewardship Scheme over Lot 4 and part of Lot 3 until 31/12/2027. The purchaser(s) will be expected to continue the scheme for the remainder of its term or indemnify the vendor against any losses. Further details are available from the vendors agents.
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)
For the avoidance of doubt, no BPS entitlements will be included in the sale.
VAT
In the event that the sale of the property, or part of it or any right attached to it, becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable by the purchaser in addition to the consideration.
Fixtures and Fittings
Clarification on any specific items will be provided by the vendors' agents at the appropriate time.
Easements, Covenants, Rights of Way and Restrictions
The Estate is offered for sale subject to and with the benefit of all existing wayleaves, easements, quasi-easements, rights of way, covenants and restrictions whether
mentioned in these particulars or not.
There are 3 public footpaths running across Lots 3 and 4. There are no public rights of way over Lots 1 and 2.
There is a right of way over a concrete track through Lot 4 leading to St John's Water Works and Morris's Wood.
Statutory Designations
The farm lies entirely within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to purchase a mixed Wealden farm with significant potential to improve and enhance. I think the location is extremely special being situated on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, with no close neighbours yet, just 7 miles from the vibrant town of Tunbridge Wells.
Chris SpofforthProperty agent