Rocks LaneHigh Hurstwood, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 4BN

Reads Farm is located off Rocks Lane, at the end of a privately owned driveway in the beautiful Sussex countryside, occupying an idyllic position in the High Weald National Landscape.

The sale of Reads Farm presents an excellent opportunity to purchase an extremely attractive block of Wealden farmland, extending to approximately 132 acres in total, with planning consent for a 3 bed detached farmhouse, subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition.

The location, combined with the tranquillity and stunning views, could also offer potential for tourism or leisure uses, such as glamping, eco-pods, shepherd’s huts, and more (subject to the necessary consents).

Consented Farmhouse
The vendors have recently been granted planning consent to convert a range of brick built former bull pens into a modern farmhouse (subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition), under planning reference WD/2023/1131/F.

The consent is for a 3 bedroom detached dwelling, extending to approximately 2,467 sq ft of accommodation; including, a large kitchen/dinner, utility, reception room, study, ground floor bedroom and shower room and two generous 1st floor bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms. In addition, the consent includes a balcony off the first floor landing taking advantage of the fine views.

There is great potential to create an eco-friendly home or rural business. With the planning already in place, the project could focus on incorporating environmentally conscious design elements. The land’s natural topography and orientation could be leveraged to maximize solar potential, such as adding solar panels to the agricultural buildings, or a hydropower scheme utilising the stream that runs through Stonehouse Wood.

By using locally sourced materials, implementing green building techniques, and integrating renewable energy solutions, this development could minimize its carbon footprint while providing a comfortable and modern living space; making it a truly harmonious blend of eco-conscious living and innovative design. Please note, prior approval may be needed for the development of green or leisure schemes.

Farmland
The land is classified as grade 3 on the Land Classification Soil Series of England and Wales and comprises generous size pasture fields, protective shaws and Stonehouse Wood, an attractive block of broadleaf woodland extending to about 29 acres. The land was stock fenced, water laid-on and the pasture re-sown to new leys in 2016.

In the heart of the farm there is a newly created yard area, with ample hardstanding and a modern steel framed 6 bay (30m x 15m) open-fronted barn built in 2017.There is also lapsed planning permission to erect a second barn of the same size (planning reference WD/2017/1508/F).

A good hard track provides access to the land leading from Rocks Lane to the top fields, from which there are fine views over the High Weald toward the South Downs.

Reads Farm is farmed in-hand by the owners who run a highly regarded sheep enterprise from the holding.

General Remarks

Method of Sale
The property is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole.

Tenure and Possession
The land is farmed in-hand and due to seasonal farming operations, the vendors may require a holdover on the land and agricultural barn to accommodate livestock over the winter period.

Statutory Designations
The farm lies entirely in the High Weald National Landscape.

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.

There are a number of planning applications in relation to the subject property with a full list available from the Wealden District Council Planning Portal or from the selling agents on request. The important planning reference numbers are as follows: - WD/2023/1131/F and WD/2017/1508/F

The consented farmhouse will be subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition.

View payable Stamp Duty for this property