Austen Relative's Residence Listed for Sale, Hidden in a Self-Contained Conservation Zone
Historic Brittains Farm in Sevenoaks, England, is a Grade II-listed farmhouse steeped in history, dating back possibly to the 12th century. Situated less than half a mile from Sevenoaks station, this historic property is a rare gem within a designated conservation area, originally designated in 1974 and re-designated in 2007.
The farm estate, managed by Andrew Harwood of Strutt & Parker, includes traditional barns and outbuildings set within approximately 3½ acres of private gardens and grounds. The farm is home to five listed buildings surrounded by mature trees, most of which are covered by tree preservation orders. A stream runs through the property before going underground towards the nearby wildlife reserve and River Darent.
The main farmhouse, built of mellowed stone, needs updating and modernising. It offers some 4,770sq ft of light and well-proportioned accommodation on three floors. The farmhouse has good ceiling heights and a raft of period features. The four principal reception rooms are well proportioned and ideal for entertaining, while the kitchen/breakfast room boasts a flagstone floor, an inglenook fireplace, a bread oven, and work surfaces with cupboards and drawers below. Three further bedrooms are located on the second floor, including two en-suite bedrooms and a smaller third bedroom currently used as a study. There is also a bathroom on the second floor.
The farm was once part of the Kippington estate, acquired in 1630 by Thomas Farnaby. The farmhouse was built by his grandson, Sir Thomas Farnaby, in 1752, and the oast house was built in 1751. The Kippington estate, including Brittains Farm, was sold in 1796 to Francis Motley Austen, uncle of Jane Austen. The large barn to the south of the farmhouse is said to date from the 15th century.
The farmhouse is for sale via Strutt & Parker, with a guide price of around £3.5 million. The sale is being conducted on behalf of the executors of its late owners who lived there for over 40 years. Photographs of this historic property are available through the listed estate agent, Strutt & Parker. More pictures and details of the farmhouse can be found online.
Penny Churchill is the author of this article. For those seeking a unique blend of history and modern convenience, Brittains Farm offers a significant heritage property within a conservation area close to modern transport links.
Investing in real-estate, particularly historical properties, provides an opportunity such as Brittains Farm, a Grade II-listed farmhouse in Sevenoaks, England, with a rich history dating back possibly to the 12th century. Financing the renovation of this historic property, owned by Andrew Harwood of Strutt & Parker, would result in a unique blend of history and modern convenience, offering a significant heritage property within a conservation area close to modern transport links.
