Lye Green, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6

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.

Description

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:
East Sussex County Council:

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.

Location

The area is very well served with amenities, there is a wide choice of supermarkets, including Waitrose, as well as High Street shops in Crowborough (approximately 2.5 miles).
The pretty village of Withyham is approximately three miles by road. It is well known for The Dorset Arms pub, part of the Sackville family’s Buckhurst Estate which has been under family ownership since the 16th century. There is also a historic church and village hall.

Hartfield and Groombridge are approximately 3.8 and 3 miles respectively, both with excellent local shopping, popular pubs, village halls and leisure amenities, including tennis. There is an abundance of local farm shops in the vicinity, including Perry Hill in Hartfield and the Cherry Gardens in Groombridge. Forest Row, approximately 8 miles, is also good for shopping.

Tunbridge Wells is the nearest large town, with two theatres, many restaurants, cafes and pubs, extensive retail options and the historic Pantiles Georgian shopping arcade. There are golf clubs at Holtye, Forest Row and Crowborough.

For walkers, there are a variety footpaths in the area including the High Weald Landscape Trail. The long distance trail can be accessed from White House Lane and enables a walk to the Ashdown Forest and to Withyham through Buckhurst Park. The Forest Way cycle and walking route is an old railway line, providing off road cycling between Groombridge and East Grinstead.

Private and state schools: Hartfield, Withyham and Groombridge villages have well-regarded primary schools, Crowborough has a choice of primary schools and the Beacon Academy at secondary level. Preparatory options include Cumnor House in Danehill, Brambletye in Ashurstwood and Holmewood House in Langton Green. There are independent secondaries in Mayfield, Upper Dicker (Bedes), Ardingly, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Eastbourne and Worth, as well as the Michael Hall Steiner school in Forest Row for 3 to 18 year olds.

Mainline rail: Crowborough station (at Jarvis Brook, 3.3 miles) on the Southern line serving London Bridge from about an hour, or Tunbridge Wells (7.5 miles) on Southeastern serving London Bridge, Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street from 47 minutes. Alternatively, East Grinstead station (approximately 12 miles) on the Southern line, with services to London Bridge and London Victoria.

Communications: The A26 at Crowborough joins the A21 to the north of Tunbridge Wells which links to the M25 London orbital motorway and thereby to the national motorway network, Heathrow and Gatwick airports and the Channel Tunnel terminus.

Square Footage: 2,239 sq ft


Acreage: 118.79 Acres

Directions

Postcode: TN6 1UY: From Tunbridge Wells, head west onto the Langton Road (A264), and then take the B2110 through Groombridge village. Continue south on the B2188 towards Crowborough, passing Ladies Mile on the right into Plumy Feather Lane. Bear to the right at the bend on the junction with the turning to Crowborough, remaining on the B2188 for a further half a mile. Whitehouse Lane will be seen on the left shortly after a bend. Turn into Whitehouse Lane and Whitehouse Farm will be found after approximately 0.2 miles on the right.

What3words: ///thinks.reflect.sleepless (best for directions)

Additional Info

Viewings & Health and Safety

Given the potential hazards of a working farm, viewers should take care and precaution with regard to their personal safety when viewing the farm.

Viewings are by appointment only and accompanied with Savills.

Agent's Notes:
1) The house is in a poor state of repair and requires complete renovation. It is recommended that sturdy footwear and suitable clothing be worn.
2) Face masks will be provided should anyone wish to wear one as there is black mold present in the property.
3) The farm buildings are derelict and not accessible on viewing.
4) Children will not be allowed on site.
5) Buyers would need to make their own enquiries with regards to any planning or development potential for the house and outbuildings, including listing buildings consents.
6) The property is not habitable and buyers will need to make their own investigations into funding and what type finance, if any, is available to help fund a purchase for a project of this nature.