Austen-related familial residence for sale, hidden within a designated conservation zone
Historic Brittains Farm in Sevenoaks Up for Sale
Brittains Farm, a historically significant property in Sevenoaks, Kent, with origins dating back to the 12th century, is now available for purchase. The farm was once part of the Kippington estate, acquired in 1630 by Thomas Farnaby, a classical scholar and schoolmaster.
The farmhouse, built in 1752, is the only remaining structure of the original medieval farmstead. The Grade II-listed farmhouse, built by Sir Thomas Farnaby, the grandson of Thomas Farnaby, offers approximately 4,770sq ft of light and well-proportioned accommodation on three floors.
The farmhouse features a kitchen/breakfast room with a flagstone floor, an inglenook fireplace, a bread oven, and work surfaces with cupboards and drawers below. There are two en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, a smaller third bedroom currently used as a study, and three further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor.
Brittains Farm is encompassed by a conservation area designated in 1974 and re-designated in 2007, indicating its protected status and importance. The conservation area includes five listed buildings, which are likely traditional barns and outbuildings as well as the farmhouse itself. The buildings are surrounded by mature trees mostly under tree preservation orders, enhancing the site's historic character and landscape appeal.
The farm is located less than half a mile from Sevenoaks station and is surrounded by almost 3.5 acres of private gardens and grounds. A stream flows through the property, which then flows underground beneath Brittains Lane toward the Sevenoaks wildlife reserve and the River Darent nearby.
The farm was later owned by the Austen family, an uncle of Jane Austen, before being sold in 1796. The large barn to the south of the farmhouse dates back to the 15th century.
The farmhouse, along with the oast house, were built in 1752 and 1751 respectively. The four principal reception rooms are well proportioned and suitable for entertaining.
The historic Brittains Farm is being sold by Andrew Harwood of Strutt & Parker. For more pictures and details, visit their website.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Age & Origin | Likely established in 12th century; farmhouse built in 1752 | | Historic Ownership | Part of Kippington estate since 1630; Thomas Farnaby family; Austen family (1796) | | Listed Buildings | Grade II-listed farmhouse, oast house, and 4 other listed buildings (barns/outbuildings) | | Conservation Status | Conservation area since 1974, re-designated 2007; tree preservation orders apply | | Location | Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent; near Sevenoaks station | | Land & Features | Nearly 3.5 acres including gardens, grounds, stream flowing towards a wildlife reserve | | Architectural Features | Four principal reception rooms with well-proportioned spaces |
This combination of medieval origins, 18th-century architecture, multiple listed buildings, and environmental protections makes Brittains Farm a rare and heavily protected historic farmstead in southeast England.
Investors with a penchant for historical properties may find Brittains Farm an intriguing opportunity. Established in the 12th century and boasting an 18th-century farmhouse, this property includes several listed buildings, adhering to conservation area status since 1974. If you're interested in real-estate investing with a focus on finance and history, Brittains Farm is worth considering.
