Spread your wings at farm in hills

Address: Bells Forstal Farm, Bells Forstal, Throwley, near Faversham Guide price: £1.2m Agent: Hobbs Parker

A six-bedroom farmhouse for sale on the North Downs has its own special place in British aviation history.

During the first world war, airmen were taught to fly the biplane fighter aircraft, the Sopwith Camel, over fields around Bells Forstal Farm, their officers billeted in the farm itself. Introduced on the Western Front in 1917, the Sopwith Camel became one of the best known fighter aircraft of the time.

Today, Bells Forstal Farm, at Bells Forstal, Throwley, near Faversham, is a comfortable home that’s for sale with Hobbs Parker, with a guide price of £1.2m. It has high ceilings, oak beams, stone fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

The house sits in a two-acre plot and comes with a covered swimming pool, paddock and period outbuildings including stables, barn, a former forge and an inhabited bat house.

Alex Davies, of Hobbs Parker, says: “This handsome period property, having been owned by the current vendors for over 50 years, has been a much loved and comfortable home.

“It is believed to date back to the 16th century, evidenced by its jettied front elevation with later Georgian additions. The accommodation enjoys good ceiling heights and an abundance of character.

“This historic home was requisitioned as an officers’ mess until 1918, while the land in the area was acquired by the Royal Flying Corps.”

Ring the agent on 01233 506260