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.

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 3 – A parcel of grassland and woodland copses
A block of grassland, interspersed with woodland copses and bordered by the River Limden, a short tributary of the River Rother. The land consists of a series of interconnecting fields which rise towards the north and fall away to the river at the southern boundary. The land is fenced and easily
accessible. There are rights to cultivate some parmanent pasture suitable for vine planting.

About 92.84 acres (37.57 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 is offered for sale as a whole, or in up to four lots 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.

There is one bridleway over the land. Further details are available from the vendor’s agent.

Basic Payment: The entitlements to the Basic Payment are not included in the sale.

Schemes: The majority of the land at Kitchingham Farm is entered into an Entry Level Stewardship Scheme. Further details available from the vendor’s agent.

The purchaser will be deemed to have full knowledge of the scheme(s) and will take it on and comply with the scheme from completion if necessary. The vendor will retain any ELS/HLS payments payable up to completion. Further details are available from the vendor’s agent.

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

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.

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 .