Hawkenbury Road, Bells Yew Green, TN3

With lovely far-reaching views and set towards the edge of the small village of Bells Yew Green, a handsome, detached, Victorian of grand proportions, believed to date to 1861 when the house was built by the Marquess of Camden as part of the Bayham estate. Now in need of a measure of updating, nevertheless the beauty of the original architecture remains with exteriors typically evocative of the period and are of painted render under a tall, slate tiled roof with distinctive chimneys, whilst internally features include high ceilings, decorative fireplaces and large sash windows which perfectly frame the views, along with servants bells. The house has the grace of the mid-Victorian period, together with elegance, charm and warmth, yet is unlisted and has extensive accommodation primarily laid out over two floors together with a good-sized annex and a cellar, totalling over 7,200 square feet (excluding outbuildings). Adjoining the fine reception hall, the two principal reception rooms each have bay windows and handsome fireplaces with ornately carved painted timber surrounds and mantles, whilst the dining room also has a fireplace. The large kitchen/breakfast room has tiled flooring and is fitted with a range of wall and floor cabinetry, wooden work surfaces and an oil-fired Aga. From here, a pair of glazed, double doors open through to the conservatory, which also has a tiled floor together with a woodburning stove. An easy rising staircase leads to the first floor where there are in total seven bedrooms, all with fireplaces and supported by four bath/shower rooms. Once again, the principal bedrooms are of marvellous proportion and could easily be rearranged to create luxurious suites. Accessed via the rear hall, the self-contained annex is ideal either for dependant relatives or for staff and has flexible accommodation providing two reception rooms, two bedrooms serviced by a bathroom and a shower room, as well as a kitchen.

Outside

The property is approached by a sweeping gravel driveway, providing ample parking and turning for multiple vehicles, leading on to the various outbuildings and car port. Taking full advantage of its location, the gardens surround the house and include many magnificent, mature trees and colourful shrubs of many varieties including wisteria and rhododendrons. Adjoining the south side of the house is a wide terrace with steps down to one of the expansive lawns. Elsewhere is a tennis court with pavilion and a former kitchen garden. Outbuildings are of the period and very attractive, in particular the octagonal former dairy, which has a domed ceiling and attractive lattice windows.

Situation

Perfectly positioned to enjoy the charms of Bells Yew Green and the Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells, the property has a sought-after location being both secluded yet not isolated. Bells Yew Green has a village shop, public house and Frant, Station with direct services to London in just under an hour and also to the Sussex coast. Nearby Frant village with its stunning local architecture, village green, church and primary school, local shop and two excellent pub/restaurants is about 1.3 miles. The ever-popular and vibrant Tunbridge Wells with its marvellous and eclectic selection of shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities is 2.7 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, The Nevill and Dale Hill. There is an excellent choice of sought-after schooling in the area at primary and secondary levels, in both the state and private sectors including primary schools in Frant, Lamberhurst and Wadhurst, private prep schools such as Sacred Heart at Wadhurst, Holmwood House, Rose Hill and The Mead in Tunbridge Wells, Marlborough House and St Ronan’s in Hawkhurst with senior schools including Tonbridge public school, Mayfield for Girls, Uplands Community College in Wadhurst and Bede’s in Lower Dicker.

Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains electricity and water; oil fired central heating; Solar panels; Private drainage.
Local Authority: Wealden District Council. Council Tax – Band G