Pelican Farm (1969)

A description of Pelican Farm in 1969, prepared for the auction of the farm, is part of several documents kindly donated to the Society by Sue Collins.

This is a brief summary of the document which includes a photo of the farmhouse (Pelicans) on the front of the catalogue. Unfortunately a related plan is referred to but is not included.

The fruit farm had been in the ownership of the Mitchell family for 50 years and was for sale in 9 lots as freehold. The total area was 258 acres and consisted of the Farmhouse, Farm Manager's House, 11 cottages, extensive farm buildings (including Gas Fruit Store for 14,000 bushells, young and matured fruit orchards and valuable chestnut plantations.

Lot One: Pelican Farm, Wateringbury

Soil described as free draining loam over ragstone. 125 to 300 feet above sea level. Fully planted with young and matured Apples, Pears and Cherries.

"Lovely Period Farmhouse" with "beautiful exterior of cream washed plaster, part weathertiled and with a fine ragstone chimney breast." Accommodation described in detail. Large lawn at front surrounded by flower beds. Partly walled garden at rear.

3-bed detached residence on 2 floors built about 1955 for farm manager. Occupied rent free.

"Forge Cottage" : modern detached 2-bed bungalow.Occupied rent free

"Pelican Farm Cottage": adjoining farmhouse, brick built, 2 floors; 3 beds. Occupied rent free

"Orchard Cottage" :detached brick and roughcast on 2 floors; 2 beds; outside closet. Occupied rent free.

"Phoenix Cottages": block of 5 cottages (each 2 or 3 beds) near North end of lot. 3 Occupied rent free; 2 vacant. Cesspool drainage.

Extensive Farm Buildings: former oasthouse converted to fruit store with 13,910 bushell capacity in 9 chambers. Packing shed. Garage and oil store. Tractor Shed. other stores. Former Stabling with loft and large 2-storey Store, formerly a Malt House. Kentish Barn.

In total this lot is 82 acres including 4 Cherry Orchards (47 acres), Apple Orchards (24 acres), Pear Orchards (8 acres), buildings (3 acres).

The total tithe for this lot is £31 16s. 8d.

Lots 2 to 9 are not part of what is regarded as the Pelicans Farm and although their general location is stated without the plan their exact location is not sure.

Lot 2 is an area of 38 acres (11 acres grass; 27 acres apple orchard) south of Tonbridge Road with a frontage to the road of 670 feet.

Lot 3 is a river meadow of 7 acres (with river frontage of 780 yards).

Lot 4 is a plum orchard of 7 acres, adjoining lot 2 on the west, and close to the village centre.

Lot 5 is an apple orchard known as "Machins" on Red Hill.

Lot 6 is a 27 acre cheshnut plantation with a long road frontage to North Pole Road.

Lot 7 is a 76 acre block of fruit orchards, pasture and woodland with road frontages to Livesy Street and North Pole Road with 2 cottages ("Keepers Cottage" and "Parkwood Bugalow" ) near Teston Corner.

Lot 8 is a freehold thatched cottage known as "North Lodge" in Livesey Street.

Lot 9 is a 13 acre parcel of Orchard and Woodland on a cul-de-sac on the old North Pole-Offham Road.