A parcel of grassland and woodland copses
Situation Kitchingham Farm is a traditional residential livestock farm located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex. It has remained largely unchanged for more than 50 years whilst the style of farming has evolved over time. The land still supports livestock, but in more recent times has diversified by adding wine production in the form a vineyard first planted in 2021.
History Kitchingham farm was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 and was also listed as part of land acquired by Cardinal Wolsey in 1520 as part his acquisition of assets during the period where he was widely considered to be Britain’s richest man after King Henry VIII. Evidence exists of Kichingham’s use as an agricultural farm, in addition to being a site of iron extraction and smelting (c.14-18) and a hunting lodge (principally during Wolsey’s tenure).
Revenues from the estate were recorded as being part of the foundation gift that set up Christ Church College, Oxford founded in 1525. Kitchingham was returned to private ownership following the dissolution of the monasteries and the sequestration of Wolsey’s assets after his execution in 1530.
The Tudor oak framed farmhouse dates back to the 16th Century and is Grade II listed. Since coming into the current family’s ownership in 1976, Kitchingham has evolved from a mixed use farm (cattle, sheep, pigs and arable) into purely a sheep operation. In more recent years the current generation have embarked on a new venture building on the legacy of their tenure by planting a vineyard which is now in its third year of production.
Kitchingham Farm Lot 3 – A parcel of grassland and woodland copses A block of grassland, interspersed with woodland copses and bordered by the River Limden, a short tributary of the River Rother. The land consists of a series of interconnecting fields which rise towards the north and fall away to the river at the southern boundary. The land is fenced and easily accessible. There are rights to cultivate some parmanent pasture suitable for vine planting.
About 92.84 acres (37.57 ha).
