Withyham, Hartfield, TN7

In a wonderful, elevated position and surrounded by lovely Buckhurst Estate farmland, an exceptionally atmospheric and attractive, unlisted country house believed to date from the seventeenth century, together with later additions. Taking full advantage of its position, the views are truly exceptional, being both dramatically far reaching and panoramic. Exteriors are a charming blend of red brick and tile hanging to the first floor, under a pitched tiled roof, whilst internally the house retains period features and exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout. With characterful accommodation extending to in excess of 2,820 square feet (excluding a cellar of approximately 190 square feet) laid out over two floors, ceilings are of good height, some with exposed oak beams and the large windows perfectly frame the marvellous outlook. The current owners have carried out a programme of restoration and refurbishment during their tenure including replacing windows across the rear with leaded light, double glazed casements and French doors, upgrading the bathrooms and commissioning the well-thought of kitchen design company, Neptune, to design and refit the kitchen/dining room. Reception rooms have grace and charm and include the double reception room which enjoys a triple aspect has space for a sitting area in front of the fabulous inglenook fireplace and for either formal dining or a study area. The attractively furnished, open plan kitchen/breakfast/dining room is a fabulous sociable family space with a comprehensive range of wall and floor cabinets along with a large central island in light oak, black granite work surfaces with integrated appliances including a Rangemaster oven and hob. There are French doors opening out to the rear terrace and the dividing wall to the family room is partly formed by a large internal fish tank. Laid out across the first floor are five, well-proportioned bedrooms, each enjoying the far-reaching views and supported by two bathrooms with separate shower cabinets. The principal suite has a walk-in dressing closet and a large en-suite bathroom plus separate shower cabinet, whilst two of the other bedrooms have wash basins.

Outside

The surroundings are wondrous with truly magical far-reaching views and glorious, beautifully tended farmland peppered with majestic oaks. Approached via long, private access drive, to the front is a large parking and turning area leading to the detached, outbuilding where there is covered parking, storage and a workshop/tractor store. Extending to in total approximately 2.56 acres, the gardens have been landscaped keeping in mind the natural beauties of the adjoining countryside. Sweeping lawns are well-tended, herbaceous borders are bursting with colour, there are specimen shrubs such as rhododendron, camellia and magnolia, fruit trees including apple, pear, peach and walnut, hedging of white dog rose and a kitchen garden with raised beds and a greenhouse. The all-weather tennis court is by Savannah and the swimming pool has its own terracing.

Situation

In a tranquil, slightly elevated position, while offering the serenity of a fully rural setting with gorgeous views in all directions, the house is situated to the south of Groombridge, approximately 1.7 miles and equidistant to the hamlet of Withyham and perfectly positioned for all that village life has to offer as well as for access to the lovely Ashdown Forest and local countryside via the network of public footpaths nearby. The thriving village of Groombridge has an active community with a local store, post office, bakery, various hostelries including The Crown in Old Groombridge and a village cricket ground. The Spa Valley Steam Railway also stops at Groombridge. Withyam has a local village hall and the historic Dorset Arms public house. The sought-after Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells is about 5.7 miles (The Pantiles) where there are fabulous boutique stores, nationally known shopping, cafes, bars and restaurants, theatres and art centres. Tunbridge Wells mainline rail station has services to the City of London and the West End in under an hour. There are many highly regarded schools in the area including the village primaries in Groombridge and Hartfield, prep schools such as Holmewood House and Rose Hill in Tunbridge Wells, Brambletye in East Grinstead and Michael Hall School in Forest Row, as well as public schools in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Eastbourne

Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains gas, electricity and water;
private drainage - Klargester.
Local Authority: Wealden District Council.
Council Tax – Band F