Oldlands, Herons Ghyll, Uckfield

Dare to live the dream in this delightful home, an enchanting former coach house, nestled within the historic Oldlands country estate; enveloped in circa 17 acres of private garden and grounds, and with direct access to forest trails.

Storybook setting

Unseen from the main road, courtesy of a screen of trees, a sweeping driveway, swathed to either side with acres of greenery grazed by deer, separates you from the wider world, revealing a vision of this prestigious estate upon approach.

Built in 1869 by Alexander Nesbitt, Oldlands Hall presides over its rural estate, offering phenomenal far-reaching views to the south, from an elevated position. Designed by the architect Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt, the estate was sold to Nesbitt's godson in 1900. Latterly, the home and its contents were auctioned off and purchased by a partner in a sherry merchants in 1905. In the 1940s, the estate was divided into various freeholds.

Its kerb appeal unquestionable, this home, festooned in ancient wisteria and located on the little courtyard where once coachmen would have drawn in, is handsomely set, overlooking the prestige of the main house.

Enchanting arrival

Ample parking is available around the large turning circle, with a lush lawn to the centre, alongside further parking outside the home itself.

Wreathed in wisteria, the ancient studded front door opens to the entrance hall, clad in limestone and warmed by top of the range radiators, handpicked to resonate with the heritage of the home.

Dainty windows invite light in, edged in jade as sunlight picks out the leaves of the wisteria framing the glass. To the left, a glazed door provides access to the terrace from a boot room, currently housing the tumble dryer.

Freshen up in the quaint cloakroom, furnished with wash basin, heated towel radiator and WC and revealing the live edge of the wooden shelving and window sills, bringing the outdoors in.

Savour the moment

Textured limestone flooring continues through into the kitchen, a dynamic and sociable space, preceded by a dining area, where a table is set before tall sash windows, overlooking the verdant surrounds. Soft, sage green tones gently harmonise with the nature that abounds.

Warmth emanates from the contemporary dual fuel log burner, nestled beneath a sturdy wooden mantel.

Glazed green tiles coat the wall behind the cream Rangemaster cooker, nestled beneath an extractor hood. Marble worktops provide plenty of preparation space, with views out over the leafy surrounds from the window above the sink, furnished with chef's tap. A range of Samsung appliances feature in this country-contemporary kitchen, where the wooden cabinetry provides space also for an American-style fridge freezer.

Homely warmth

Bohemian décor pervades throughout, with an abundance of pendant lights and antique style radiators. Stepping down from the kitchen, embrace the comfort of the snug, where underfloor heating adds a cosy warmth.

Fitted bookcases feature to the walls, whilst handmade, handstitched cotton curtains, bespoke fitted to the French doors and windows enhance the homeliness of the room. Take morning coffee outside on the patio of the private garden and savour the serenity of the setting.

Ascend the carpeted stairs from the entrance hall up to the first-floor landing, where wooden flooring captures the authentic country vibes of this wonderful home.

Turning left, refresh and revive in the family bathroom, part panelled to the walls and featuring plenty of storage, with glorious views out over the mature trees and landscaped borders of the surrounding estate.

Soothe your senses

Soak away the aches in the elegant rolltop bath, fitted with showerhead attachment; a wash basin also features. There is a separate WC with heated towel radiator also to be found off the landing.

Soothing shades of blue embellish the sitting room on the left, where a period fireplace houses a multifuel stove, and large windows provide phenomenal views out over towards Oldlands Hall in one direction and the lush green lawns in another.

High ceilings, dressed in ornate coving hint at the heritage of the home once more.

Serene spaces are a hallmark of this home, with a light-filled bedroom also nestled off the lounge; its high ceiling and impressive sash windows amplifying the airiness. Bespoke curtains feature throughout, and there is plenty of room for a double bed and wardrobes.

Blissful bedrooms

Next door another spacious double bedroom overlooks the courtyard via a beautiful sash window. The stone fireplace is an attractive feature, with elegant handmade curtains and so much space for wardrobes and a double bed.

Back on the landing, wooden stairs ascend once more, passing a sash window overlooking the lawn and hedging, before arriving at the second-floor landing, where ceramic tiles flow out underfoot and light streams in through the Velux window in the high ceiling above.

Retreat to the sanctuary of the main bedroom, where the vaulted ceiling adds an airiness and the large window offers elevated views out over the rooftops and greenery. As the evenings draw in, underfloor heating adds a cosy warmth. Fitted storage offers ample storage behind the bed.

Refresh and revive in the marble tiled ensuite, where a rolltop bath, with showerhead attachment, is on hand for muscle-soothing soaks. There is also a separate shower and hidden cistern WC with wash basin.

Embrace the outdoors

With acres of communal estate to explore, seek out solitude in the peace and privacy of your own private garden, accessed via a wrought iron gate.

A long lawn, flanked by mature foliage is your outdoor oasis, with a private pond dappled with lily pads.

A colourful haven, with mature trees fringing the entrance to a private stone patio, accessed via steps.

The ultimate barbecue terrace, stoke up your wood fired pizza oven with logs sourced from the woodland, and wine, dine and entertain alfresco until late.

Also nestled off the lawn, live the Good Life in the kitchen garden, with greenhouse and raised beds. A secret outdoor sanctuary, a paved pathway wends its way through gravel borders to reach a garden office, hidden away like a fairytale cottage in the woods. With sliding doors, insulated and prewired, there is the potential to create your own garden getaway here.

Communal grounds

Overseen by the garden committee, the shared grounds are available for the enjoyment and entertainment of residents. Practical bonuses include a communal bonfire area for green waste, managed by the estate gardeners, whilst communal bins mean no bins beside the back door.

Natural, spring-fed water runs to the estate, whose on-site UV water treatment plant is managed by the Oldlands Estate and provides residents with year-round dechlorinated water.

Landscaped lawns invite exploration via paved pathways fringed in lavender and which pass by formal ponds and fountains.

Initially designed under the direction of head gardener Edward Luckhurst, the gardens have evolved over the years, with an enchanting azalea walk guarded by stone lions, planted with azalea and rhododendrons leading to local woodland. There is also a pet cemetery enclosed within yew hedging to spark curiosity, dating back to the 1920s.

Follow the railway line walk, carpeted in bluebells in springtime, and admire the lake, where evocative stone ruins remain and frequented by breeding deer. Nature abounds, with the lake and ponds home to more than ornamental lilies, but with great crested newts to be found swimming their depths. Formal stone terraces offer phenomenal views out over the grounds and woodland.

The impressive croquet lawns are the perfect place for parties or hosting a wedding, with abundant space for marquees, set in the sublime surrounds of Oldlands Hall.

Out and about

At Christmas, gather on the lawn for carols around the Christmas tree, warming your hands around a mug of mulled wine. In summer, walk down the road to join in the festivities at the annual village fete.

On the fringes of Ashdown Forest, walk through the bluebell trail, past the stream and waterfall to a secret bridge leading to a bridle path and delivering you into the ancient woodland.

Head into Hartfield for coffee and cake at the tea room by Pooh Bridge, a tea room, gift shop and museum all rolled into one, on the cusp of the forest. In nearby Uckfield you can also enjoy such delights as home cooked ham and tea and scones at Duddleswell Tea Rooms.

Crowborough is only four miles away, home to a series of shops and supermarkets including Waitrose and Morrisons, whilst shopping centres can be found around 12 miles away in Tunbridge Wells, alongside cinemas and theatres.

Families are well served by a range of local state, primary and independent schools, whilst commuters can stay well connected to the capital via mainline stations at Jarvis Brook, Buxted and Eridge.

For international travel, Gatwick Airport is only 20 miles away by road.

Retain links to the wider world from the Wind-in-the-Willows country comfort of this home, with all the prestige of country estate living, cossetted away from the wider world in a cocoon of nature. Where vistas, views, and grounds galore come without the hard work of maintenance, this property is an elegant and homely refuge surrounded by the safety and security of friendly neighbours, in the sublime surrounds of Oldlands Hall.

Book your viewing today or for a brochure of this home call the Bees Homes country office.

Viewing by appointment with Bees Homes.

If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.

Please Note:

Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.

Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.

Floor plan measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.

For a brochure of this unique home please call the Bees Homes country office.

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Council Tax Band: F
Tenure: Freehold