Exquisite Vineyard Estate
An extraordinary countryside estate with its own vineyard has hit the market in Kent, presenting a rare opportunity to enter the booming English wine scene.
Chalksole Manor, nestled in East Kent, boasts a prime location celebrated for its remarkable English sparkling wine production.
This estate features a vineyard covering 2.8 hectares (about 6.89 acres) and is available for a guide price of £3.3 million, according to BTF Partnership.
Originally built in 1920 in the charming Arts and Crafts style, the manor was commissioned for Sir Thomas Henry Devereux Berridge KBE, a former Liberal MP and solicitor.
Over the years, the property has changed hands multiple times, including a stint as the residence of a London-based photographer.
Since purchasing it in 2002, the current owners have undertaken significant renovations.
Vineyard and Winemaking Potential
BTF Partnership emphasizes that the blend of historic architecture and the tranquil beauty of Alkham Valley enhances the property’s appeal to prospective buyers.
Established in 2007, the vineyard features an impressive 9,000 vines, cultivating renowned varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
These grapes, often linked to the Champagne region, have become crucial to the expanding English sparkling wine industry over the past twenty years.
Currently, the grapes from Chalksole Manor are sold directly to winemakers.
The agency also points out the entrepreneurial potential here.
With the existing vineyard, buyers could produce approximately 7,000 to 8,000 bottles of wine annually.
There’s even the possibility of expansion by acquiring additional land, which isn’t included in the sale.
Moreover, interested parties might consider negotiating separately for a modern agricultural barn that spans 3,600 square feet—perfect for those looking to launch a winemaking operation.
Growth in the UK Wine Sector
Alex Cornwallis of BTF Partnership remarked on the estate’s ideal fit for individuals seeking a serene, rural lifestyle that offers avenues for income through the vineyard.
He noted that the current holiday accommodations present opportunities for extra revenue, along with prospects for future development.
Starting a vineyard can require substantial initial funding and years of patience before seeing the first vintage.
In contrast, Cornwallis highlighted that this property allows buyers to skip the lengthy process of establishing a vineyard from scratch, taking advantage of its already productive status.
The UK wine sector has witnessed remarkable growth recently, with over 1,000 vineyards now operating throughout the country, as reported by WineGB last year.
Chardonnay leads the way as the most widely planted grape, making up 32% of the total vineyard area, closely followed by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Interestingly, renowned Champagne houses are increasingly drawn to the region, with Taittinger’s Domaine Evremond set to open in Kent by late 2024—an effort that dates back nearly ten years when they announced plans to develop vineyards in the area.
Source: Decanter
