Edenbridge Road, Hartfield, TN7

Set towards the far end of a private access drive, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a handsome and intriguing former castle gatehouse enjoying lovely far reaching views to the south. With origins back to the sixteenth century and reputedly one of the earliest brick built buildings in Sussex, this exceptional home has been created from what was once the gatehouse to the former Bolebrook Castle. The castle was claimed to have been used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge for his extensive hunts through the Ashdown Forest, including those he made with Anne Boleyn from Hever Castle during their courtship. The gatehouse itself was likely designed for use as a viewing gallery for those wishing to follow the hunt. Now Listed Grade II as being of historic and architectural interest, the property consists of two, tall octagonal brick turrets surmounted by ogee-shaped cupolas with stone mullioned, leaded light windows and a studded oak door, together with a later, single storey brick addition under a pitched, tiled roof. The characterful accommodation extends to 3,068 square feet and is arranged primarily over one level together with two large turret bedrooms, laid off from a winding oak staircase. The principal living space is within a large, open plan, double reception room with a beamed, vaulted ceiling, stripped oak flooring, a wide, brick fireplace with timber surround, as well as two sets of French doors and bi-folding doors leading out to the terracing. Elsewhere on the ground floor, there is a study and a playroom, as well as two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen/breakfast room is comprehensively furnished with painted timber wall and floor cabinets, granite work surfaces and integrated appliances by Neff. From here, there is an open arch in to the historic part of the building where the ground floor is given over to a dining room with utility room and a stairway turret, which in turn leads to the two upper levels, each with a large bedroom with

Outside

The property is ideally positioned to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the wonderful location, yet is not at all isolated. Approached by a private access drive of about half a mile, which services various properties, The Gatehouse is surrounded by lovely, south-backing gardens, one of which is walled. There are well-tended,level lawns, herbaceous borders with colourful planting, neatly trimmed topiary, brick and gravel paths and terracing, one of which has a pergola over with fragrant wisteria providing shade. Storage is provided by timber sheds, within one is the mechanism and storage tank for the borehole. There is also a private parking area.

In total 0.56 acres (0.23 h).

Situation

The house occupies an enviable position a short drive north of the picturesque village of Hartfield, which has local shops and hostelries and is famous for being the setting of the fictional 100 Acre Wood in the Winnie the Pooh stories. The historic Royal Spa town of Tunbridge Wells is about 8 miles away with its excellent range of shops, department stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. East Grinstead is just over 6.5 miles and has an excellent range of facilities. Both towns have fast rail links to London in under an hour. The surrounding area has lovely countryside ideal for walking and riding with various areas of outstanding natural beauty. There are various educational choices in both the state and private sectors, at primary and secondary levels including Holmewood House Prep School in Langton Green, Hartfield Primary School, Brambletye Prep School in East Grinstead as well as Sevenoaks and Tonbridge public schools.

Additional Information

Historical Note:
The first mention of Bolebrook was apparently in 1272, when records of John de la Lynde’s death showed he had previously paid a rent of 10 shillings yearly for it. It was subsequently in the ownership of a number of illustrious families, including the Dukes of Dorset, the Earls of Thanet and the Sackville family. Although unsubstantiated, it is reputed locally to have been used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge, perhaps because of its proximity to Anne Boleyn’s home at Hever Castle. By coincidence, it was also one of the filming locations for ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, a film directed by Justin Chadwick in 2008.

Local Authority: Wealden District Council - Band G