About this property

SOLD BY HAMPTONS. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with views over and surrounded by lovely rolling Kent countryside, a strikingly handsome, detached Victorian country house of elegant proportion, nestled within approximately 5.25 acres (2.12 h)

Surrounded by lovely countryside and set at the end of a long, private access drive, a fine and handsome, mid-nineteenth century former farmhouse of elegant and substantial proportion. With red brick external elevations and stone quoin detailing under a pitched, slate tiled roof, the architectural features are typical of the period. Large sash windows afford very pleasant views over the grounds and the countryside beyond, whilst other features include tall ceilings, dado rails, ornate fireplaces, wooden floors and panelled internal doors – some with original door furniture. The current owners have carried out a sympathetic yet sophisticated programme of restoration, which focused on enhancing the marvellous period detailing yet at the same time creating a magnificent home for modern families. The accommodation is arranged over two floors and extends to just under 6,000 square feet, plus cellars. A truly exceptional open plan living room with dining area and superb kitchen has air conditioning and, with bi-folding doors on two sides framing the views, the space is extraordinary and with natural light. Expertly designed by Charlotte Williams, bespoke wall and floor cabinetry provides many storage solutions, including a large central island, a breakfast/drinks servery and a fully fitted side room currently designated as a baking room. Work surfaces and upstands are quartz, floor tiles have under floor heating and are in Italian limestone, whilst integrated appliances are by Aga, Miele, Quooker, Neff and Fisher Paykal. The adjoining utility/laundry room and boot room are similarly appointed, again with excellent storage. Elsewhere on the ground floor are elegant reception rooms such as the drawing and dining rooms, together with a more casual sitting room, all of which have fireplaces, while a conservatory adjoins the drawing room. The large cellar is ideal for storage and has a dedicated wine store. Laid out across the first floor are seven bedrooms from where the views become even more far reaching, supported by five bath/shower rooms. The principal suite has a dressing area with mirror-fronted wardrobes and a large en-suite bathroom and separate shower cabinet with tiles and fittings by Fired Earth, while the guest suite also has en-suite facilities. There are five further bedrooms serviced by two bathrooms and a shower room.

Outside
The property is approached via a long, private access drive leading to a pair of electric gates opening on to a sweeping gravelled drive, continuing on to the detached garaging. Extending to approximately 5.25 acres, the gardens and grounds surround the house and are perfectly placed to take in the views. There are large, level lawns, colourful herbaceous borders and wide terracing traversing the rear of the house that opens on to a part walled garden and a swimming pool, which has its own terrace and is heated by a heat exchanger, whilst the all-weather tennis court is fully fenced. To one side is the home office/annexe with kitchen, shower room and studio/office. The detached garage has enough space for four cars and is exceptionally well appointed with LED lighting, roll up doors, race deck tiling, a large storeroom and kitchen area. At the far end of the plot, a series of solar panels have been installed with cabling connecting to battery storage and there is a timber barn.

Situation
In a tranquil yet not isolated location close to Bayham Abbey and the Kent/Sussex border, Frant station is under 2 miles away offering commuter services to London Charing Cross or Cannon Street via London Bridge with access to the national motorway network via the A21 at Lamberhurst in 3.9 miles. The ever-popular Royal Spa Town of Tunbridge Wells with its marvellous and eclectic selection of shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities is 4.3 miles to The Pantiles. The area is renowned for walking, sailing and equestrian facilities with the famous Bewl Water Reservoir and Bedgebury Pinetum close by, whilst local golf courses include Lamberhurst and Dale Hill. There is an excellent choice of good schools in the area at primary and secondary levels, in both the state and private sectors including primary schools in Lamberhurst, Wadhurst and Frant, Sacred Heart at Wadhurst, Holmewood House, Marlborough House and St Ronan’s prep schools with senior schools including Tonbridge, Uplands Community College in Wadhurst, Mayfield and Bede’s in Lower Dicker.

Additional Information
Services: Mains electricity and water; oil fired central heating; Solar panels with battery storage – planning permission applied for; Private drainage – treatment plant.
Directions: From Tunbridge wells, proceed south on the A267, turning left after approximately 0.6 miles on to Bayham Road, B2169. Follow this road for about 3.2 miles, until reaching Bartley Mill Road on the right. Turn here and the property will be found on the left hand side, up a private access drive after about 0.5 miles.

Handsome early Victorian house of stature

Glorious far reaching views over the Kent countryside

Substantial accommodation extending to just under 6000 square feet

Lovely nineteenth century features

Stunning open plan kitchen/dining/living room

Annexe home office

Swimming pool and tennis court

Solar panels with battery storage

In all approx 5.25 acres

Additional information

• Handsome early Victorian house of stature
• Glorious far reaching views over the Kent countryside
• Substantial accommodation extending to just under 6000 square feet
• Lovely nineteenth century features
• Stunning open plan kitchen/dining/living room
• Annexe home office
• Swimming pool and tennis court
• Solar panels with battery storage
• In all approx 5.25 acres

Key information

Council Tax Band: 6

Tenure: Freehold

Energy Performance Certificate