Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, TN19

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by lovely countryside, an exceptionally atmospheric and handsome, Grade II Listed country house believed to date from the sixteenth century, together with later additions. With wonderful exterior elevations of Ashlar stone and tile hanging – some decoratively curved – under a pitched, tiled roof with stone mullioned, oak framed leaded light windows, the house retains many exceptional period features and exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout. With characterful accommodation extending to in excess of 4,580 square feet (excluding a cellar of approximately 252 square feet) laid out over three floors, ceilings are of good height, some with exposed oak beams, elsewhere some of the original oak framing can be seen. There are a variety of fireplace styles including two inglenooks and some with carved stone surrounds, timber latch doors, wooden floors and wall panelling. Reception rooms have grace and charm and include the drawing room which was originally used as a ballroom and has a barrel vaulted ceiling and the dining room with its large inglenook and woodburning stove. The kitchen/breakfast room has a range of timber wall and base units together with an Aga inset into a small inglenook and quarry tiled floors. Leading immediately off the kitchen is a cosy snug/family room again with quarry tile floor and inglenook fireplace which also has a woodburning stove. Laid out across the first floor are five bedrooms from where the views become even more far reaching, supported by five bath/shower rooms, all en-suite. The principal suite has a large en-suite bathroom opening through to a dressing area. The second floor is given over to two further bedrooms, a shower room and the playroom.

Outside

The gardens and grounds are wondrous and truly magical, extending to in total approximately 3.37 acres. The property is approached via a pair of tall and handsome brick pillars with a pair of wooden gates opening onto a large, gravelled parking and turning area with ample space for a number of vehicles. The gardens are a magnificent feature of the property with exceptional planting arranged in ‘stories’ in keeping with the tradition of English country gardens but at the same time keeping in mind the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Very many varieties of herbaceous plants, roses, climbing plants, majestic indigenous trees and colourful, specimen shrubs create stunning and fragrant gardens. There is a wildflower meadow, an avenue of fruit trees, well-tended expansive lawns, a handsome Edwardian pond, a natural pond, stone terracing adjoining the house and a Ha-Ha. A swimming pool has its own stone terrace and is heated via a heat exchange system, whilst beyond is a tennis court.

Situation

In a tranquil yet not isolated location, while offering the serenity of a fully rural setting with gorgeous views at the back to the south, Ticehurst village is just over 2 miles away and has a quaint selection of every day shops and artisan cafes. Wadhurst (approximately 5.3 miles) has a larger selection of shops and cafes and was voted the most popular place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times in 2023, whilst the popular and fashionable Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells is within 13 miles and has an excellent selection of large department stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, antique shops and galleries. The Trinity Art Centre has a marvellous programme of live shows, a comedy club and arts courses.

Rail links to the City and West End of London can be accessed either from Etchingham (about 2 miles) where there is a marvellous bistro within the former ticket office and waiting room (journey time to London Bridge in just over an hour) or Wadhurst stations and there are good road communications via the A21 which joins the M25 at Junction 5 providing access to London and the airports.

There is an excellent choice of good schools in the area including primary schools in Etchingham, Burwash, Ticehurst and Stonegate, public schools such as Benenden, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, Mayfield School for Girls and prep schools including Vine Hall at Robertsbridge, St Ronans and Marlborough House in Hawkhurst and Holmewood House in Tunbridge Wells. Besides the walking and outdoor opportunities afforded by its location, recreational facilities in the area include Dale Hill Golf Club at Flimwell, a variety of tennis, rugby and hockey clubs with sailing and fishing at Bewl Water.

Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold

Services: Mains electricity and water; oil fired central heating; private drainage.

Local Authority: Rother District Council. Council Tax – Band G