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.

Sporting and recreation
The farm is located 1.6 miles from Etchingham which is an excellent place for families and young professionals, offering numerous recreational facilities, local amenities and providing a direct train service into Central London. The nearby historic village of Burwash provides a church, public houses and a range of village shops for a range of every day needs. The old market town of Heathfield is within easy reach with an excellent range of shops including two supermarkets, and the regional centre of Tunbridge Wells providing a vast range of menities and shops is only 13 miles away.

There are wonderful walking routes in the area, together with nearby Ashdown Forest. Bedgebury Forest and its extensive network of riding routes is only a couple of miles away and within the forest is Bedgebury National Pinetum. Bewl Water Reservoir offers a wide range of activities including sailing, rowing, fishing and walking. The well renowned gardens of Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Pashley Manor are all within easy reach and the everexpanding arrange of vineyards surround. The south coast and all it has to offer is just 20 miles to he south. There are a number of golf clubs nearby. The National Trust property of Batemants, the former home of Rudyard Kipling, is a short distance away.

Schools
There are a number of highly regarded state and private schools in the area including Marlborough House, and St Ronans in Hawkhurst and also Cranbrook Battle Abbey School, Benenden, Holmewood House and Vinehall are nearby.Further afield areTonbridge and Sevenoaks which are very well regarded.

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
Lot 1 – Kitchingham Farmhouse Grade II listed, three reception rooms, four/five bedrooms, enclosed garden, two paddocks, storage units.

About 2.68 acres (1.08 ha).

A delightful Sussex Farmhouse, listed Grade II and recently renovated to a good standard. The property is surrounded by an enclosed lawned and paved garden with herbaceous borders and hedging to provide increasing privacy. On the ground floor one enters past a larder, utility room into a well fitted kitchen with electric Aga. Adjacent to the kitchen is a large, recently installed shower room. Beyond the kitchen and utility area is a spacious sitting room with wood burner and French doors to the garden. Off the sitting room lies an office/playroom. Beyond the kitchen is a large dining room. Stairs lead up to a mid-landing off which lies the principal bedroom suite with additional off-lying bedroom and dressing room. On up a small set of stairs there are three further bedrooms and a shower room.

Modern storage unit (Lot 1) A recently built modern four bay storage unit with concrete floor and wood cladding. The unit has moveable sections so flexibility on size of unit and would be suitable for a number of uses (subject to planning).

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

Postcode: TN19 7AX (not reliable for satnav)

What3words:
///flagpole.commoners.quack

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 a slight right turn takes you onto Sheepstreet Lane.

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