Staplecross, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32

A rare opportunity to acquire an entry level vineyard with potential to diversify further into tourism and leisure.

Description

Sedlescombe Vineyard is situated in Sussex, which is home to some of the largest and most innovative vineyards and wineries in the UK. The South East of England, which is made up of Sussex, Kent and Surrey, is known as English Wine Country, and is home to some of the biggest names in the industry like Nyetimber, Gusbourne, Chapel Down, Ridgeview and Bolney.

The vineyard provides a rare opportunity for a buyer to enter the rapidly expanding English wine sector and to acquire a well-established and respected organic wine estate with potential for further diversification.

With the perfect blend of coastal and countryside experiences, Sussex is a popular staycation destination and the current vendors have recently been granted planning for a contemporary style 4 bedroom building, for use as a holiday let.

The current owners have worked hard to create a destination and brand that are vital to the success of a modern wine business and the estate has established itself as a popular tourist attraction; generating related income from tours, tastings and direct sales of wine through the shop.

Description

At the heart of the 16 acre site is a visitor centre, completely refurbished in a contemporary style, and associated vineyard buildings. The visitor centre is designed as popular tourist attraction with retail outlet, tasting bar and bistro. The manicured approach and outside space add to the draw as you near this striking building, it is an excellent venue for private or corporate events.

Whilst there isn’t currently an equipped winery (the wine is made off-site), the open-plan room to the rear of the building is fully set-up with services to accommodate wine making equipment. There are two clay amphoras, popular for the fermentation or ageing of the wine.

Sustainable features include a ground source heat pump, a Bio-Bubble wastewater treatment plant and rainwater harvesting.

Accommodation

Situated beyond the visitor area is a south facing timber framed and timber clad chalet bungalow (subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition) constructed in 1987 to low energy use specification. It enjoys views over the vineyards and countryside beyond from a timber deck at the rear. The accommodation briefly comprises 2 reception rooms, a spacious kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 cloakrooms. The bungalow has recently been subject to a full refurbishment and enjoys views over the vineyard.

To the north of the visitors centre, the vendors have recently been granted planning permission for a 4 bedroom building for use as a holiday let and workers accommodation replacing the existing static caravan used as workers accommodation. Planning reference RR/2022/2576/P.

Land

Sedlescombe is the oldest organic and biodynamic vineyard in the UK, having been established in 1979. There are currently approaching 5.24 acres under vine – Regent, Solaris, Monarch and Pinot Noir planted 2018. The southernmost field, about 4.3 acres, is unplanted at present. The range of Sedlescombe wines can be viewed at .

To the south of the visitor centre lies an attractive block of broadleaf woodland situated to the south of the visitor centre, which incorporates a beautiful nature trail.

The vineyard is also home to 45 ‘dragon’s teeth’, large concrete anti-tank obstacles that were placed on the site at the start of World War II.

General Remarks

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

Tenure and Possession
The tenure of the property is freehold with vacant possession being granted on completion.

Local Authorities
Rother District Council
Interested parties should make their own investigations into the prospects of additional planning over the site.

Services
Mains water and electricity.
Ground source heat pump serving underfloor heating to the visitor centre.

Private Drainage to a Bio-Bubble wastewater treatment plant.

Easements, Covenants, Rights of Way and Restrictions
The property is offered for sale subject to and with the benefit of all rights of way, either public or private, all easements, wayleaves and other rights of way whether specifically mentioned or not.

Plans, Areas and Schedules
The distances, plans and associated acreages have been prepared approximately for illustrative purposes only and their accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

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.

Viewings
Viewings are by appointment only and accompanied with Savills.

Location

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard is situated amidst magnificent countryside, set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in the heart of 1066 Country with its superb range of historic and heritage attractions drawing in a huge number of visitors to the area.

The ancient Abbey town of Battle is about 5 miles to the east with its excellent range of shops, supermarkets public houses and restaurants as well as a main line station with regular services to London Bridge/Charing Cross. The hugely popular coastal town of Rye is 12 miles distant. Royal Tunbridge Wells is about 21 miles to the north.

The vineyard is in a sought after and accessible location, situated off the B2244 Hawkurst Road. The A21 is close by linking to the M25. Gatwick and Heathrow airports are all within easy reach. The Channel Tunnel at Dover is about an hour by car.




Acreage: 16 Acres

Directions

what3words and Postcode

Postcode: TN32 5SA

What3words: ///grapevine.shuttle.outlooks (best for directions)