Molash, Canterbury, Kent

Drylands Farm
Drylands Farm is a ring-fenced commercial arable farm with a private Grade II listed farmhouse at its core. The farmhouse is supported by a small collection of traditional farm buildings, together forming a desirable residential farm with great potential to create a beautiful country house in a very private, rural setting. There are a range of farm buildings used to support the farm, some located at Drylands Farmhouse and others located separately off Wellhouse Lane. The farm has been occupied by the same family for two generations with one further succession permitted under the terms of the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancy.

The tenancy was renewed in 1995 which at the time of writing, we understand makes it qualify for agricultural property relief from inheritance tax. Prospective purchasers should seek independent tax and legal advice for assurance on this.

Drylands Farmhouse
A long driveway from Wellhouse Lane passes through arable land before entering the farm yard. The traditional four-bedroom farmhouse is Grade II listed, and of painted brick and plain tile roof, protected by an enclosed garden. On the western side of the house lies a patio area that opens onto lawns with views across the surrounding farmland. There is a gravel parking area and brick outbuilding on the eastern side of the house.

Farm buildings
A traditional red brick building lies central within the yard and offers potential for conversion to residential or alternative uses, subject to repairs and planning permission. There is also a steel portal frame grain store extending to approximately 769 square metres and some steel stores.

Wellhouse Lane buildings
Located on either side of Wellhouse Lane are a set of farm buildings. On the northern side of the lane is a single six bay grain store with roller shutter door which extends to approximately 528 square metres. On the southern side of the lane is a collection of grain stores extending to approximately 717 square metres, an adjoining workshop and store and six circular grain silos (one of which is the tenant’s). Details of the tenant’s fixtures and improvements are set out in the tenancy agreement, a copy of which is available on request.

The farmland
The farm extends to 608 acres of Grade 2 and 3 arable land in an arable cropping rotation. The land is laid out North of Molash, around Drylands Farmhouse and extends North towards Perry Wood in a continuous block of land.

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

Tenure: The farm is sold subject to an Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancy with one further succession available.

The main terms of the farm tenancy are:
Protected under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 (AHA 86).
Dated 29th August 1995.
The current tenant is a first succession with one further succession available.
The rent is currently £45,000 per annum payable in half yearly payments on 6th April and 11th October in each year.
Details of the tenant’s fixtures and improvements are set out in the tenancy agreement, a copy of which is available on request.

Services: Drylands Farmhouse and the Wellhouse Lane Buildings have mains electricity and water. The farmhouse has oil fired central heating and private drainage to a septic tank (we believe this may not comply with current regulations, further information is being sought).

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.

There are a number public footpaths and a bridleway over the land. Further details are available on the Kent County Council website: or from the vendor’s agent.

Special conditions: The vendor reserves a right of way across Drylands Farm to enjoy their retained woodland. More information is available from the vendor’s agent. The vendor reserves the right to plant game cover within part of Drylands Farm in accordance with the terms of the tenancy agreement. More information is available from the vendor’s agent.

Designations: The Farm is set in the Kent Downs National Landscape. Parts of the woodland are designated as Ancient Woodland.

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

Covenants and/or restrictions: There are restrictions / covenants listed on the Land Registry Title deed, details of which will be made available by the vendors solicitors on
request.

Local authority:
Ashford Borough Council (ashford.gov.uk);
Kent County Council (kent.gov.uk)

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.

Guide price: £4,650,000

Directions
From the M20 take exit 8 towards Lenham taking the A20/Faversham Road. At the Hollingbourne Interchange take the 3rd exit and at the next roundabout take the 1st exit onto the Northern Bypass/A252. Continue on the A252 turning left onto Faversham Road. Turn left onto Ashford Road/A251, then take the first right onto Shottenden road. After one mile turn right onto Drylands Farm road.

what3words: ///delight.empire.elbowing

Viewings
Strictly by confirmed appointment with the vendor’s agents, Strutt & Parker in London .

Drylands Farm is located near the village of Molash in North Kent, lying amidst the stunning countryside of the Kent Downs National Landscape. The farm extends from Molash in the South to Perry Wood, near Selling, in the North. The small village of Molash has a local pub, The George (winner of a prestigious food award), a garage and a parish church. A short distance away in Challock, Kings Wood provides excellent opportunities for walking and cycling. Nearby Chilham is filled with chocolate box Tudor buildings and a Norman castle. The village offers day to day amenities, a well-regarded primary school, and a station with direct services to London St Pancras and Charing Cross. Ashford has a wealth of shopping and leisure facilities, as well as Ashford International train station with high-speed services to London St Pancras from 36 minutes. The M20 provides easy access towards the M25, London and the Kent coast. The ancient cathedral city of Canterbury is close by with its wealth of cultural and leisure facilities and a variety of restaurants, bars and independent shops.

There are a number of notable schools in the vicinity including The King’s School, Kent College, St Edmund’s School and the grammar schools in Canterbury and Faversham.