Testing the South-East Market with Two New Farm Launches
Two expansive farms spanning over 2,300 acres in the south of England are set to test the market in East Sussex and Kent. Birchen Knoll Farm in Fairlight, near Hastings, East Sussex, and the Whelan Estate in Biggin Hill, Kent, are being showcased by Batcheller Monkhouse. The Whelan Estate boasts 1,356 acres of arable and grassland, currently under a contract farming agreement until September 2025. The farm, located just 18 miles south of London, features three farmyards, residential, and commercial properties. It has been managed using regenerative practices, including the integration of livestock in the arable rotation through grass leys and cover crops. The arable land covers 700 acres of Grade 3 soil suitable for combinable crop rotations, while the 480 acres of grassland is let to a local grazier. The estate also benefits from Countryside Stewardship agreements generating annual payments and offers potential for biodiversity net gain units. The property is being marketed with a guide price of £18.9m and is available in four lots.
On the other hand, Birchen Knoll Farm is a mixed farm located in the High Weald Natural Landscape near the south coast. With a total of 790 acres of arable land, 83 acres of grassland, woodland, and a fishing lake, the farm presents opportunities for modernization and diversification. The off-lying farms within a 2.8-mile radius provide additional acreage for potential expansion. The farm buildings cover over 3,700sq m and include a grain store, former dairy, and accommodation for livestock. The farmhouse with an adjoining annexe and mobile homes in the main farmyard offer residential options. Birchen Knoll Farm is up for sale as a whole with a guide price of £10.34m, or in five lots. These properties present unique opportunities for investors seeking a diversified agricultural venture in the south of England.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.