Land for sale

Woodside Green, Lenham, Maidstone, Kent ME17

An exceptional arable farm, situated on the North Downs, in all about 542.58 acres (219.585 hectares).
Available as a whole or in two lots

Description
Tophill Farm and Marlow Farm form an exceptional and well located arable farm, situated on the southern edge of the North Downs, overlooking the village of Lenham between Maidstone and Ashford.

The farm in total extends to approximately 542.58 acres, which is predominantly productive arable land. The landscape is characterised by gently undulating countryside underpinned by chalk rich soils, which are well suited to arable production. The fields are of a commercial nature and size, with a good network of internal tracks, providing excellent connectivity and easy access throughout, suitable for modern arable farming techniques.

The farm is essentially divided into four parcels by minor public roads and the Pilgrim’s Way.

Lot 1 Tophill Farm - About 338.21 acres

Lot 1 extends to approximately 338.21 acres (136.875 hectares) and comprises a substantial and well-equipped block of productive arable land, centred around Tophill Farm. The holding includes a farmhouse together with two substantial agricultural buildings and forms a cohesive and commercially attractive unit.

The property has been farmed in hand by the current vendor and the fields are of a commercial nature and size, suitable for modern arable farming. The land is predominantly classified as Grade 3 under the Agricultural Land Classification for England and Wales, comprising freely draining, lime-rich loamy soils.

The land is currently cropped predominantly with winter wheat, with Collisters planted to barley. We have included
a cropping schedule for the previous five years in the particulars.

To the south of the main holding, and separated by The Pilgrims Way, lies the land known as Cross Field (labelled A20 on the plan). Situated on the south-facing slopes of the North Downs beneath the Lenham Chalk Cross, this parcel benefits from an attractive elevated position and has potential to diversify into viticulture use. The land is classified as Grades II and III and benefits from access via The Pilgrims Way to the north and directly from the A20 to the south.

Please note, the Lenham Chalk Cross itself is not owned and therefore not included in the sale.

In addition, there are 4 small parcels of woodland extending to circa 12.9 acres and situated centrally is the farmhouse and two substantial agricultural buildings.

The buildings comprise an impressive modern grain store, with internal drying facilities and capacity to store around 1,500 tonnes. In addition there is an Atcost barn adjacent which is currently used for general equipment storage/workshop, and as an additional grain store when required.

The farmhouse is in need of comprehensive improvement and modernisation throughout, yet enjoys a wonderfully elevated and private position. The accommodation currently comprises a reception room with an open fireplace, a kitchen, a study/snug featuring a woodburning stove, a utility/boot room, and a further reception room or potential fourth bedroom on the first floor.

The second floor provides three additional bedrooms and a family bathroom. The third floor includes two unconverted rooms, offering excellent potential to create further accommodation.

Directly opposite the entrance to the Tophill Farm driveway lies Island Field extending to approximately 24 acres. This parcel is currently planted with winter wheat and a five-year cropping history can be found in the particulars.

Lot 2 Marlow Farm - About 204.37 acres

With access from Flint Lane to the north, and The Pilgrims Way to the south, Marlow Farm equates to about 204 acres in total and is another substantial block of productive arable land with occasional shaws.

At the centre of the farm lies a farm building and silo. The fields are of a commercial nature and size, with a good network of internal tracks, providing excellent connectivity and easy access throughout.

The land is classified as grade 3 under the Agricultural Land Classification for England and Wales, consisting of freely draining, lime rich loamy soils, and has been farmed in hand, by the current vendor. The fields are currently planted primarily with Oilseed Rape, with the exception of Dormans which is Barley and Park which is currently Temporary Grass. We have included a cropping schedule for the previous five years in the particulars.

There is a further barn, utility buildings and a farmhouse at Marlow Farm which is available by separate negotiation and
further details can be obtained by the selling agents.



Acreage:
542.58 Acres

Directions
What3words (best for directions)

Lot 1 Tophill Farm ///distilled.rainwater.movements - Main entrance from Woodside Green

Lot 1 Island Field ///somebody.starred.hound - Main entrance from Woodside Green

Lot 1 A20 Field ///homes.awakening.scanty – Main entrance from Pilgrims Way

Lot 2 Marlow Farm ///prefix.promotion.shaver - Main entrance from Flint Lane

Postcodes
Tophill Farm Lot 1 ME17 2ET
Marlow Farm Lot 2 ME17 2EL

Additional Info
General Remarks

Method of Sale
The freehold property is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole or in 2 lots.

Tenure and Possession
The tenure of the property is freehold. The land is farmed in hand and vacant possession will be available by negotiation. Holdover of the standing crop will be required. Early entry to establish next season’s crop may be available by negotiation.

Services
No services are connected to the land.
Tophil Farm Buildings - Mains Electricity.
Tophill Farmhouse – Mains Electricity, Oil Fired Central Heating and Private Drainage.
Marlow Farm Building – Mains Electricity.

Please note that the electricity meter serving the barn is currently located in the adjoining barn. Following completion, the purchaser will be responsible for the installation of a submeter at Marlow Farm within an agreed timeframe.

Council Tax - Tophill Farmhouse Band E

EPC - Tophill Farmhouse Rating E

Plans, Areas and Schedules
The plans and associated acreages have been prepared for illustrative purposes and their accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Local Authorities
Maidstone Borough Council
Kent County Council

Minerals, Sporting and Timber Rights
The minerals, sporting and timber rights, so far as they are owned are included in the sale.

Easements, Covenants, Rights of Way and Restrictions
The property is 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, masts, pylons, stays, cables, drains and water, gas and other pipe whether referred to in the particulars or not.

Several public footpaths and byways cross and border the land. Further details are available from the selling agents.

Fixtures and Fittings
Clarification on any specific items can be provided by the vendors’ agents at the appropriate time.
VAT

In the event that the sale of the property, or part of it or any right attached to it, becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable by the purchaser in addition to the consideration.

Viewings & Health and Safety
Given the potential hazards of visiting working farmland, viewers should take care and precaution with regard to their personal safety when viewing. Viewings are by appointment only with Savills.