Hundred Steddle Barn and Woodmancote Vineyard, Henfield, West Sussex BN5

Woodmancote Vineyard presents a unique opportunity to acquire an established vineyard, winery and family home in one of England’s most desirable wine-producing regions. Situated in Woodmancote, the property combines a productive vineyard, fully equipped winery and attractive converted Sussex barn providing characterful accommodation amidst captivating views of the South Downs extending towards Truleigh Hill, Chanctonbury Ring and Devil’s Dyke. Originating from its Anglo Saxon heritage, ‘Hundred Steddle’ bears reference to a historical medieval meeting place for 100 households/families. Steeped in history Hundred Steddle Barn has been sensitively developed over many years by the Walters family. Purchased originally as range of unconverted farm buildings in the late 1980s, the Sussex barn was converted to create a distinctive and cherished family home. 12,000 vines were planted in 2013 and a purpose-built winery established. Guided by a vision to create exceptional Sussex wines under the “Rusty Goose” brand, substantial investment was made in creating a fully integrated vineyard and winemaking operation capable of producing wines entirely on-site.

Very sadly, the founder, Dr. Melvyn Walters passed away before the first commercial launch of the wines. As a result, Woodmancote Vineyard offers an incoming purchaser the rare turnkey opportunity to acquire not only an established vineyard and winery but also a significant stock of maturing wines ready to underpin future brand development and growth.

Hundred Steddle Barn The barn is of timber weatherboarded, brick and flint elevations under a traditional Sussex tiled roof, with large timber windows that capitalise on the commanding outlook over the gardens and vineyard toward the Downs. The barn has been the subject of recent cosmetic redecoration, but offers further scope for modernisation, with bright and characterful accommodation over two floors and a private wing.

Outside The property sits in mature gardens with terraced seating areas, and swimming pool with separate pool house changing area. Beyond the domestic gardens are a stable block with separate gated stable yard, grazing paddocks, greenhouse and orchard area with apple and plum trees.

Woodmancote Vineyard
The vineyard extends to approximately 5.93 acres under vine and is planted with the traditional Champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier together with Bacchus. The current planting comprises approximately 12,000 vines, the majority of which are well-established and coming into full production. The winery is capable of processing and storing up to 40,000 litres of wine and producing up to 50,000 bottles annually, providing significant scope for future expansion.

Wines
Woodmancote has produced a substantial inventory of wine, including traditional method sparkling wines and still Bacchus, all produced from Woodmancote grapes. The vineyard currently holds more than 10,000 bottles at varying stages of maturity together with over 15,000 litres of wine in tank, providing an incoming purchaser with a considerable foundation for future commercial activity.
The business model allows wines to be sold as bottled products, bulk wine or grapes, providing multiple routes to market and operational flexibility.

Winery
The winery comprises a portal framed agricultural building with weatherboarded elevations under a corrugated roof. This building has been internally subdivided and now offers a main winery area, with drained concrete floor, separate laboratory, and mezzanine storage area at the southern end. The winery is fully equipped with all required equipment including modern brushed stainless tanks, bag press, grape elevator, bottling and disgorging lines. There is a roof mounted solar PV system on the winery which helps to optimise energy efficiency and ensure sustainable wine production.

In all about 15.00 acres (6.1 hectares). For sale as a whole.

Woodmancote Vineyard & Hundred Steddle Barn is in Woodmancote, West Sussex, with views over the South Downs. The village of Henfield is about 2 miles away and Brighton is about 12 miles away. London Gatwick Airport is about 24 miles away, Horsham is about 26 miles away and London is about 49 miles away. All distances are approximate.