Property description
There is a huge amount of potential here with almost 40 acres and numerous outbuildings. James Hickman, Director
#TheGardenOfEngland
An opportunity to purchase a small farm and equestrian property on the Kent Downs just off the A249 with easy access to the M20, the M2 and Maidstone. The farm is located on a country lane for easy riding/hacking and comprises a 4 bedroom detached bungalow which is subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC), a range of farm & stable buildings, pastureland and woodland. The property is also run as a Certified Site with the Camping & Caravanning Club which allows for up to 5 caravans or motorhomes and 10 tents and has been a popular site for many years. There has previously been an Operators Licence at the property for 4 lorries.
Freehold - Council Tax Band E
In all about 38.70 acres
Situation
The Property is situated in an elevated position on the North Downs a short distance from the A249, Detling Hill and offers excellent links to the M2, M20 & Maidstone. There is also access to a network of lanes leading to Dunn Street, Bredhurst, Yelsted. There are rail connections in Maidstone and at Sittingbourne. There are many local primary & secondary schools in the area.
Method of Sale
The farm is offered for sale by Private Treaty with offers invited for the whole. In the event of competing offers, interested parties may be asked to submit their “best and final” offer or offers. The seller also reserves the right to offer the land by Informal Tender or Auction if the need arises.
Bungalow
The bungalow originated in the early 1970’s and was subsequently extended by the seller in the early 1990’s and now provides spacious accommodation with potential for further accommodation on the first floor within the large attic space and storeroom.
Gardens
There is an enclosed courtyard to the rear of the bungalow with an old swimming pool which has been decked over for many years. The gardens are principally laid to lawn and beside the bungalow is a spacious Double Garage with Storage Room over. The bungalow has its own entrance off Broader Lane.
Farm Buildings & Stables
These are situated in a yard beside the bungalow and garden and have their own access off the lane and comprise a range of agricultural buildings and stables with potential for other uses, subject to planning.
1) Large Barn, about 45’2’’ x 44’10’’
2) Barn, about 65’11’’ x 29’3’’, divided into 2 parts.
3) Barn/Workshop, about 59’3’’ x 24’1’’, divided into 2 parts.
4) Barn, about 43’3’’ x 32’10’’ divided into 3 parts with mezzanine storage over part.
5) Store/Workshop, about 65’8 x 18’10’’, divided into 2 parts.
6) Barn, about 35’8’’ x 18’4’’.
7) Barn/Workshop, about 35’11’’ x 19’, divided into 2 parts with mezzanine storage over part.
8) Row of Stables & Stores with washroom & wc.
9) 4 Stables with covered area & adjoining workshop, about 23’ x 19’5’’.
10) Row of 3 Stables
11) 2 Storage Sheds
12) Old Riding Arena, this is located between the buildings and the grazing land.
Land
The land mainly comprises permanent pasture divided into a number of grazing fields, many of which have been used for livestock & horse grazing and some of which have water troughs connected. There are some fantastic views to be enjoyed from parts of the pastureland. In addition, there is a parcel of woodland to the south with a steep southern slope. This woodland area forms part of the Wouldham to Detling SSSI and extends to about 11.19 acres.
Soil Types
The land is shown as being Soilscape 8 on the LandIS Land Information System System.
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Planning
The bungalow at Penny Spring Farm is subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC) which was imposed when planning consent was granted on 5th December 1973 under planning reference MK/2/73/110 by Kent County Council. Planning condition iv) of this approval states: “The occupation of the dwelling shall be limited to a person solely or mainly employed, or last employed, in the locality in agriculture as defined in Section 290(1) of the Town & Country Planning Act, 1971, or in forestry (including any dependants of such a person residing with him) or a widow or widower of such a person.
A copy of the planning consent is available on request.
Agriculture is defined in the Town & Country Planning Act as “Agriculture includes horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its use in the farming of land), the use of land as grazing land, meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, and the use of land for woodlands where that use is ancillary to the farming of land for other agricultural purposes, and “agricultural” shall be construed accordingly”
All other planning enquiries must be directed to Maidstone Borough Council (maidstone.gov.uk).
Services
Bungalow: Main’s water and electricity, private drainage, oil boiler for heating and hot water. Private drainage, believed to be a cesspool.
Farm Buildings: Electricity & water are connected where needed. There is a private drainage system for the washroom.
* None of the services have been tested.
Viewing
Viewings are strictly by appointment only through our Ashford office on[use Contact Agent Button] or our Tenterden office on[use Contact Agent Button].
Health & Safety
Prospective purchasers must have regard for their own safety during viewings. Neither the sellers or Hobbs Parker Estate Agents accept any responsibility for any accident or injury as a result of viewing the property.
Acreage & Boundaries
The plan on these sales particulars and the acreages quoted are strictly for identification and guidance only. The boundaries shown on the plans in these particulars have been prepared by reference to digital Ordnance Survey data.
The plans are published for illustrative purposes only and although they are believed to be correct their accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Interested parties are reminded that the property is sold in accordance with the owners Land Registry Title plan/s, and they must satisfy themselves as to the boundaries and the quantity of land being purchased. Any error or mistake shall not annul the sale or entitle any party to compensation thereof.
Our Ref: AVS250186
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