Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, East Sussex

Situation
Kitchingham Farm is a traditional residential livestock farm located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex. It has remained largely unchanged for more than 50 years whilst the style of farming has evolved over time. The land still supports livestock, but in more recent times has diversified by adding wine production in the form a vineyard first planted in 2021 which forms Lot 4.

History
Kitchingham farm was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 and was also listed as part of land acquired by Cardinal Wolsey in 1520 as part his acquisition of assets during the period where he was widely considered to be Britain’s richest man after King Henry VIII. Evidence exists of Kichingham’s use as an agricultural farm, in addition to being a site of iron extraction and smelting (c.14-18) and a hunting lodge (principally during Wolsey’s tenure). Revenues from the estate were recorded as being part of the foundation gift that set up Christ Church College, Oxford founded in 1525. Kitchingham was returned to private ownership following the dissolution of the monasteries and the sequestration of Wolsey’s assets after his execution in 1530. The Tudor oak framed farmhouse dates back to the 16th Century and is Grade II listed.
Since coming into the current family’s ownership in 1976, Kitchingham has evolved from a mixed use farm (cattle, sheep, pigs and arable) into purely a sheep operation. In more recent years the current generation have embarked on a new venture building on the legacy of their tenure by planting a vineyard which is now in its third year of production.

Kitchingham Farm Vineyard
Lot 4 – The vineyard & surrounding land
A 27 acre block of south facing land with good access off Fysie Lane, of which about 13 acres are planted with vines. The soil is a well-drained silty sandy loam with approximately 12% clay. There is an area of hard standing and an open fronted shelter. In May 2021 the land was planted with approximately four hectares of Pinot Noir and in May 2022 an additional hectare of Pinot Noir Precoce was planted. There is also a field beyond the vineyard. There is mains water. Estimated annual yield forecast to be 40+ tonnes.

About 27.37 acres (11.08 ha).

General
Tenure: The property is sold freehold and subject to the leases, licenses and agreements outlined below. Further details are available from the vendor’s agent.

Method of sale: Kitchingham Farm, Lot 4 is offered for sale as a whole by private treaty.

Wayleaves, easements and rights of way: The property is being sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights including; rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and electricity supplies and other rights and obligations, easements and quasi-easements and restrictive covenants and all existing and proposed wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains, water and gas and other pipes whether referred to in these particulars or not.

Designations: The Farm is set in the High Weald area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).

Holdover: Holdover is reserved to permit the harvesting of grapes.

Early Entry: Early Entry may be permitted on to fields that have been harvested at the purchasers own risk following exchange of contracts. Further details are available from the vendor’s agent(s).

Sporting, timber and mineral rights:
All sporting timber and mineral rights are included in the freehold sale, in so far as they are owned.

Employees: There are no farm employees.

Local authority: Rother District Council

VAT: Any guide price quoted or discussed is exclusive of VAT. In the event that a sale of the property, or any part of it, or any right attached to it, becomes a chargeable supply for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable in addition.

Health and safety: Given the potential hazards of a working farm we ask you to be as vigilant as possible when making your inspection for your own personal safety, particularly around the farm buildings and machinery.

Solicitors: Gaby Hardwicke, 34 Wellington Square, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1PN
For the attention of: Jonathan Midgley Esq. ) jonathan.midgley@gabyhardwicke.
co.uk

Directions
Follow the A21 south through Swiftsden and on to Hurst Green at which point turn right onto the A265 Station Road. After 0.3 miles turn right onto Burgh Hill and then right again onto Fysie Lane. Follow Fysie Lane until you see the entrance on your left hand side just before joining Sheepstreet Lane

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Viewing
Strictly by confirmed appointment with the vendor’s agents, Strutt & Parker in London on or Watsons in Heathfield on .