Boswells Farmhouse

Strictly by appointment with the selling agent
RH & RW Clutton -

Boswells Farmhouse offers a very unique opportunity to restore an historic Grade II listed former farmhouse that is currently in a derelict condition. The building is situated in a beautiful rural location, close to the Surrey/Sussex border with views towards Leith Hill and includes an area of garden, paddock land, small wood and extends to approximately 2.45 acres.

An in-depth historical report identifies that Boswells Farmhouse was originally constructed in the early 1500's, as a medieval, 3 bay, timber framed Hall House. It was then extended and altered significantly at a later date. The farmhouse remained in use until 1889 when the property was converted into kennelling for the Warnham Stag Hounds and then in 1920 became the kennels for the Surrey Union Hunt. The building was used by the Surrey Union until about 1980, when it was deemed to be unsafe and has remained unoccupied.

On 31st March 2022 Mole Valley District Council granted planning consent (MO/2021/1106) for the repair and conversion of the listed farmhouse to a single dwelling, with the provision of a new access and also a double car port. Once the renovation is complete, the proposed layout will include 2,465 sq ft of accommodation arranged, on the ground floor, as a spacious entrance hall, a galleried sitting room with inglenook fireplace, family room, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, bedroom and bathroom and, on the first floor, a principal bedroom suite including a dressing room and bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms and a study. Outside, the property is set back from Ruckmans Lane and there is the planning for an entrance drive leading to a timber framed double car port, with large front and rear gardens, a paddock and an area of woodland, extending to approximately 2.45 acres in all.

The building has been carefully stripped back by the current owners to reveal the beautiful original timbers and some stunning period features in readiness for reconstruction. The majority of the roof tiles, which include a mix of Horsham stone and hand made clay tiles are being stored.

Boswells Farmhouse is located in a rural location at Okewood Hill, just to the south of Ockley, which has a mainline railway station (3.5 miles) with services to London Victoria, plus a local village shop and pubs. Okewood Hill is just in Surrey, close to the border with West Sussex and at the foot of the Surrey Hills, with Leith Hill, just to the north. Cranleigh is situated about 6 miles to the west, a busy rural town with a wide range of shops and services, including Cranleigh Golf and Country Club. About 5 miles to the south is the larger town of Horsham, with Dorking being about 9 miles to the north, both of which offer a much wider range of shops etc. Guildford is about 15 miles to the north east. Within 2.5 miles is the popular Gatton Manor Hotel, Golf and Country Club. Adjacent to the property is a bridleway which gives access to miles of walking and riding, connecting to the Sussex Border Path and to part of the old Roman Road called Stane Street. Close by is the A29, which connects to the A24 and on to the M25. To the south the A281 connects to Horsham and Guildford and also down to the south coast. Gatwick airport is within 30 minutes drive.

Mains water, electricity and sewerage are available and require reconnection.

COUNCIL TAX - The property is not currently rated for Council Tax.

HEALTH & SAFETY
An inspection of the site is possible, but only by prior appointment with the agents. The structure of the existing building is in a very dangerous state and all visitors are instructed that access beyond the safety fencing is strictly prohibited. A closer inspection can be arranged by appointment and with confirmation that any necessary safety equipment is in place. Children and pets are strictly prohibited from entering the property.

Strictly by appointment with the selling agent
RH & RW Clutton -


Marketed by: RH & RW Clutton, Petworth