Little Brissenden, East Sutton, Kent

Little BrissendenEast Sutton Road | East Sutton | Maidstone | Kent | ME17 3DU

Little Brissenden.indd 1 08/07/2015 11:00

Little BrissendenThis beautiful barn conversion, which backs onto just under 10 acres of its own mature vineyard, sits in a picturesque location in the heart of the Kent countryside. “When we bought the property back in 1987 it consisted of a farmhouse, the barn and a few muddy paddocks,” says David. “At that time we had no definite plans for the land, but as we spent time here we came up with the idea of creating a vineyard, and so we began the process the following year. In 1992 we had an impressive vintage and it became clear that by good fortune we had a site that could produce superb grapes and therefore wine. Our first full vintage won a bronze medal and a ‘highly commended’ at the International Wine Challenge competition of 1993. It’s interesting to note that the Romans, almost 2000 years ago, set up the first vineyard in the then outpost of Britannia less than a mile from East Sutton Vine Garden (the name of our vineyard). Those Romans certainly knew a thing or two!”

“The vineyard produces enough income for us to pay our way just by selling the grapes, but it would now be possible, with the enormous interest that there is in English wine, to treble the present income and produce wine that would challenge the very best that England has to offer.”

“A few years after moving here we decided to sell the main house and converted the barn, which we have done to the highest of standards. It’s fully insulated and the very best of English oak has been used throughout. It has a very open plan feel, so it feels very spacious and extremely light and bright, and it’s filled with beautiful features, such as the living room fire place, which we sourced from a large house in Brittany. We think it’s around 400 years old.”

“I must say, this has been a wonderful place to live,” continues David. “We have the luxury of living in a beautiful period property that has the benefits of a great many modern conveniences, and the location is second to none. We’re set well back from the road and we have the most beautiful views over the vineyard and also over our large pond, which is full of life. The rest of the garden is something of a blank canvass, so whoever is lucky enough to own the property after us can really put their stamp on it.”

“Both my wife and I will be very sad to leave this place,” says David, “but circumstances dictate that the time has come to downsize. I have genuinely loved the push of looking after the vineyard and living here has given us a really fabulous quality of life.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.



THE BARN The barn itself offer flexible spacious accommodation of over 5200 sq. ft. with lovely views across its own vineyard. The accommodation briefly comprises to the ground floor a large utility andboot room, inner hall, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, family room, sitting room, garden room, downstairs shower room and bedroom four which is currently used as a study. To the first floor there is a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The secondary accommodation comprises sitting room with doors leading to a balcony, kitchen, two bedrooms and a shower room.

EXTERNALLY The property is approached via a gated entrance with the driveway leading past a small paddock and a pond to a large parking area with double garage. The main Barn houses the accommodation with various outbuildings housing machinery and the winery. The grounds surround the property with the garden curtilage being mainly laid to lawn with the Vineyard beyond.

VINEYARD Since 1989, East Sutton Vine Garden has been producing grapes for some of the best English wine ever produced. We are currently under contract to Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall and have previously

been supplier to Chapel Down Vineyard. East Sutton Vine Garden is acknowledge as being one of the best vineyard sites in England, producing some of the finest quality grapes in the sphere of English wine making. They pride themselves on the care given to their vines and land. Their modern methods using the best of old and new technology are now taught to students and aspiring wine makers around the country. The varieties of grapes grown include, Pinot Noir, Reichensteiner and Becchus from which they produce sparkling, rose, red and still wines.

LOCATION Local and comprehensive shopping: can be found in Headcorn, Maidstone, Canterbury and Ashford. Bluewater shopping is located just off the M25 Junction 2 (A2/M2). Ashford Designer Outlet is located at J9 off the M20. Mainline rail services: to London Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street can be found at Headcorn station or from Lenham and Maidstone stations into Victoria. A high speed service from Ebbsfleet to London St Pancras takes about 16 minutes. Eurostar trains are available from Ashford International. A high speed service between Ashford and London St Pancras has a 37 minute journey time. Primary schools: Sutton Valence, Headcorn, Ulcombe and Lenham. State secondary and grammar schools: The Cornwallis Academy, Linton, Homewood School, Tenterden (Arts College), Highworth Grammar School Ashford (Music specialist),

Norton Knatchbull for Boys (Language College and offering the International Baccalaureate). Private schools: Sutton Valence Junior and Senior Schools, Dulwich Preparatory School at Cranbrook, Ashford School, Benenden School, The King’s School Canterbury, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Schools. Leisure/sporting facilities: A number of golf clubs including Leeds Castle, Rye and the world famous links at Sandwich, county cricket at Canterbury and Maidstone, horse racing at Folkestone. Riding, walking and cycling in adjoining countryside. Motorway links: The M20 can be joined 4 miles away at Junction 8 giving access to Ashford International, Folkestone and Dover and the M25 for Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

SERVICES Oil fired central heating, private water, mains electricity and private drainage

DIRECTIONSRight hand side of East Sutton Road (as you travel from Headcorn), approx. 1.2miles off A274.




Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 08.07.2015

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Fine & Country Tenterden 37 High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6BJ

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Little Brissenden, East Sutton, Kent