Equestrian property for sale

A rare opportunity to acquire a property with great potential comprising a Grade II listed five bedroom farmhouse, built in the early 17th century, a separate chapel and a twelve bedroom residential lodge all set in some 7.4 acres of grounds and pasture. Informal Tenders to be submitted by noon on 7th June, 2024.

The house, known as Benskins Cottage, was built in the early 1600’s with some more recent additions – which includes the porch to the front which was likely built in the 19th century. It provides over 3,000 sq ft of accommodation on three floors and whilst it has plenty of character, it is in very poor condition and will require extensive refurbishment and modernisation. There are front and rear gardens with the front garden enclosed by a low brick-built wall and a disused swimming pool just down from the house.

The chapel was constructed in the 1970’s replacing an old barn. It has some 1644 sq ft of floor space and arranged with a large nave on the ground floor together with a first floor mezzanine and a small sanctuary to the south east side of the building. On a lower level, down from the nave, is a reading & storage area, utility room and two cloakrooms.

The lodge, known as Bethany Lodge, has 10-12 bedrooms and was previously used as a religious holiday retreat centre. It was constructed in the 1980’s with the accommodation arranged over three floors – a semi-basement, ground floor and first floor. The attached floor plans give a helpful guide as to the arrangement and number of rooms on each floor. There are small gardens to the front and rear with a small ornamental pond to the front.

Outside
The properties are accessed from Cottage Lane and a small track which runs off it along the north west side of the Cottage with two double-gated entrances and a pedestrian gate into the Cottage garden. There is also a small area of land on the west side of the track providing a useful parking area.

The land lies predominantly to the south and southeast of the properties; the majority of the land falling away below the properties on the south east side down to a small stream and ponds before rising up again. On the south side, there is a two acre parcel which runs up above the levels of the property with a gated access further along Cottage Lane.

To the north of Benskins Cottage is an area where there are a few individual timber sheds and enclosures which once catered for some livestock and a few animals. Below the Cottage, in a part of the garden, is a disused swimming pool.

Services
Mains water and electricity, oil fired hot water and
central heating (at the Cottage). Private drainage.

Tenure
The property is offered freehold with vacant possession upon completion.

Method of Sale
The freehold is offered for sale by informal tender. A tender form is available from our office, the deadline for Tenders being 12 noon on Friday 7th June 2024. All Tenders should be returned to Samuel & Son, Horam, in a sealed envelope marked “Benskins’ Tender”.

Viewing
Strictly by prior appointment with the vendor’s Sole Agent, Samuel & Son.

Viewing dates have been arranged for Wednesday 8th May, Saturday 11th May, Wednesday 15th May, Saturday 18th May, Wednesday 22nd May and Friday 31st May 2024. Generally, viewing times will be between 10 am and 12.30 pm on the given days.

What3Words (for parking area when viewing)
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The property is located off Cottage Lane just to the north of the village of Westfield which is some 6 miles north of Hastings and is easily accessed via the A21 and A28.