Possingworth Park lake and woodland is situated in a glorious stretch of unspoilt countryside. It includes an extremely attractive block of mixed woodland with an exceptional nine acre lake with islands and three further ponds – in all about 104.5 acres.
Batcheller Monkhouse offers this very rare opportunity to acquire a combination of high quality woodland, both broadleaf and coniferous, and a nine acre lake, both of which offer commercial and amenity potential.
The woodland dates back to the 1600s and a pinetum was established in the 1800s, with beautiful trees remaining, including a superb wellingtonia. There is also a fine mature lime avenue together with some adjoining mixed crops which are understood to date back to circa 1900, which is believed to have been planted as a folly.
During the 1980s and 1990s small areas were cleared, following the 1987 storm, and re-stocked or naturally regenerated. The planting included oak, cherry, sweet chestnut, Corsican, Scots and lodge pole pine. Naturally regenerating birch has been accepted in some areas.
Re-stocking took place in 2020 with a mixture of commercial conifer – fir, cedar and spruce – and English oak. The woodland has been carefully managed in recent years.
Of particular note is the outstanding nine acre lake, which offers enormous amenity value for both fishing and boating/sailing. It was created by the construction of a substantial retaining bank/dam with a concrete spillway along the southern end. The spillway enables the water level to remain constant.
Due to the substantial nature of the lake, its water capacity brings it under the scope of the Reservoirs Act 1975/Flood and Water Management Act 2010. In compliance with this act, an annual inspection is undertaken by a qualified engineer. The most recent inspection occurred in December 2024.
The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale. The fishing rights over the lake are currently let to the Sussex Piscatorial Society under a fishing agreement with a rent payable annually in advance of £7,500 per annum. The shooting rights are not let.
This woodland could qualify for 100% relief from inheritance tax under business property relief up to the value of £1 million. In order to qualify for this relief the woodland would need to be owned for two years or more and be commercially managed.
The woodland is sold subject to a claw-back on future non-woodland development. This is effective for 30 years from March 2018.
For an appointment to view please contact the Batcheller Monkhouse Battle Office, telephone 01424 775577
