A rare opportunity to acquire a productive diversified estate with extensive acreage located within the M25 to the west of Biggin Hill has come to the market with Batcheller Monkhouse.
The Whelan Estate is a productive diversified estate, extending to approximately 1,356 acres (549 hectares), with three farm yards and let residential and commercial properties.
The estate has been in the family for two generations and has been operated as a mixed farming enterprise throughout. In recent years the farming enterprise has moved to a more regenerative approach and has implemented new stewardship schemes.
The arable and grassland is currently farmed in-hand utilising a contract farming agreement. The contractor has indicated they would be interested in continuing if required.
The arable land extends to approximately 700 acres (283 hectares) and is predominantly grade 3. The soils are well suited to combinable crop rotations. The land has been farmed under a regenerative system. The farming enterprise has implemented grass leys and cover crops to integrate livestock back into the arable rotation.
The grassland extends to approximately 487 acres (197 hectares) and is predominantly grade 3 with some grade 4. Grassland is grazed by farmers on annual grazing licences.
In 2023, 10,000 metres of new fencing was erected and an additional 10,000 metres will be completed in 2024. This new fencing provides graziers with the ability to rotate grazing across the estate with well sized fields. The majority of the grassland is under a mid-tier and higher-tier stewardship, with options such as GS2, GS6 and GS13.
The estate includes several blocks of mixed woodland, totalling 169 acres (68 hectares). The woodland has significant sporting and amenity value.
Lusted Hall Farm is the principal farm building and was previously in equestrian use with holding pens, eight stables, equine shower and foaling area. The second farm building is divided into three workshops and a general storage area. Surrounding the buildings is a concrete apron and two former silage clamps.
There is an extensive range of buildings at Skid Hill Farm, which is the main farming hub for the estate and includes a grain store, office, four general purpose buildings, a commercial unit and two smaller storage buildings.
The main estate grain store is equipped with a central tunnel, drying floor and fan house. The capacity of the store is 1,000 tonnes. The grain store has large potential for class Q planning permission (STP). Recent planning work has been undertaken for its redevelopment to residential accommodation.
Skid Hill Farmhouse is currently used as the principal farmhouse, and is a four-bedroom detached dwelling subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition (AOC).
Norheads Farms Cottages is a pair of three-bedroom, semi-detached, cottages. Cedar Lodge is a detached three-bedroom bungalow, while Westholme is of similar design. Westholme is subject to an AOC. Norheads House and annexe is a large, detached Georgian farmhouse currently used as offices. Vacant possession is available upon completion. There is a detached annexe which is currently let out.
Lusted Hall Yard was recently let, together with Westholme, under a farm business tenancy. There are five commercial units located at the yard.
The estate has let approximately 2.79 acres of land to the local parish councils for the sole purpose of allotments.
Whelan Estate provides one of the foremost opportunities in the South of England for natural capital. The creation of biodiversity net gain units to offset development within the south of London is a growing opportunity. The estate benefits from an up-to-date baseline report which indicates the potential to create approximately 2,500 units.
Proposals are well advanced for a large solar energy scheme over part of the farm. Terms have been agreed with a suitable operator who has secured provisional approval.
For more information, contact Toby Trotman MRICS on 01892 509280 t.trotman@batchellermonkhouse.com
