STAPLECROSS

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard provides a rare opportunity for a buyer to enter the rapidly expanding English wine sector and to acquire a well established and respected organic wine estate with potential for further expansion. The current owners have worked hard to create a destination and brand that are vital to the success of a modern wine business.

At the heart of the 16 acre site is a visitor centre, completely refurbished in a contemporary style, and associated vineyard buildings. The visitor centre is designed as popular tourist attraction with retail outlet, tasting bar and bistro. The manicured approach and outside space add to the draw as you near this striking building, it is an excellent venue for private or corporate events.

Sustainable features include a ground source heat pump, a Bio-Bubble wastewater treatment plant and rainwater harvesting.

Whilst there isn’t currently an equipped winery (the wine is made off-site), the open-plan room to the rear of the building is fully set-up with services to accommodate wine making equipment. There are two clay amphoras, popular for the fermentation or ageing of the wine.

Sedlescombe is the oldest organic and biodynamic vineyard in the UK, having been established in 1979. There are currently approaching 7 acres under vine – Regent, Solaris, Monarch and Pinot Noir (2.5 acres) planted 2018. The southernmost field, about 4.4 acres, is unplanted at present.

The range of Sedlescombe wines can be viewed at www.sedlescombeorganic.com .

To the south of the visitor centre lies an attractive block of broadleaf woodland situated to the south of the visitor centre, which incorporates a beautiful nature trail.

Situated beyond the visitor area is a south facing timber framed and timber clad chalet bungalow (subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition) constructed in 1987 to low energy use specification. It enjoys views over the vineyards and countryside beyond from a timber deck at the rear. The accommodation briefly comprises 2 reception rooms, a spacious kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 cloakrooms.

The property is accessed off the B2244 through a wide, well signed tarmac entrance. A pair of wooden field gates lead through to a hard surfaced designated visitor car and coach park. From here the access road leads from the main car park down to a smaller car park (disabled use) immediately to the front of the visitor centre and then on to the bungalow which has a private parking area to the front.

The vineyard is also home to 45 ‘dragon’s teeth’, large concrete anti-tank obstacles that were placed on the site at the start of World War II.

Location

Sedlescombe Vineyard is situated amidst magnificent countryside, set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in the heart of 1066 Country with its superb range of historic and heritage attractions drawing in a huge number of visitors to the area.

The ancient Abbey town of Battle is about 5 miles to the east with its excellent range of shops, supermarkets public houses and restaurants as well as a main line station with regular services to London Bridge/Charing Cross. The hugely popular coastal town of Rye is 12 miles distant. Royal Tunbridge Wells is about 21 miles to the north.

The vineyard is in a sought after and accessible location, situated off the B2244 Hawkurst Road. The A21 is close by linking to the M25. Gatwick and Heathrow airports are all within easy reach. The Channel Tunnel at Dover is about an hour by car.

Services
Mains water and electricity.
Ground source heat pump serving underfloor heating to the visitor centre.
Private Drainage to a Bio-Bubble wastewater treatment plant.

Energy Performance
EPC Rating ‘F’

Local Authority
Rother District Council www.rother.gov.uk
Interested parties should make their own investigations into the prospects of additional planning over the site.

Outgoings
Council Tax Band ‘D’.

Tenure and Possession
The tenure of the property is freehold with vacant possession being granted on completion.

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

Method of Sale
The property is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole.

Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way
The property is offered for sale subject to and with the benefit of all rights of way, either public or private, all easements, wayleaves and other rights of way whether specifically mentioned or not.