Marley Lane, Battle

A Grade II listed home whose title instils a sense of the history that courses through its timbers, with its origins dating back centuries, inexorably linked to the arrival of William the Conqueror, this historic barn - now home to a productive and picturesque vineyard and glamping site - is a world away from the commuter battles of the modern world. More than an idyllic home; it represents a wholesome lifestyle away from the flurry and fuss.

Sublime setting
The original barn, dating back to around 1310, would once have stood in the grounds of Battle Abbey, founded in 1094 in fulfilment of a promise made by William to provide a place of prayer for 'the salvation of you all...especially those who fall'.

Rebuilt following the Great Ashburnham Tornado of 1729, this spacious barn now sits favourably on the cusp of the local woodland, yet within a pleasant half hour's walk into the town via woodland or road.

Leaving the wider world behind, pull up along the gravel driveway, where plenty of parking is available. Beautifully landscaped borders edge the lush green lawn, with mature trees in the backdrop of the stable block, where the winery is housed.

Historic home, renovated and restored
A home renovated and reloved by its current owners over the last two decades, the characterful 1700s charm of this barn is more than matched by its contemporary comforts, which include heating served by Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps.

Rethatched in the last 18 months, and with updates made to three of the bathrooms and the kitchen, you can enjoy a modern standard of living here.

The arched and oversized front entrance is the perfect portal for the journey through the past which awaits within, where stained-glass windows in the entrance hall depict scenes reflecting the outdoor living that is at the heart of life at this delightful family home. Polished brick flooring features underfoot in the entrance hall.

Enchanting arrival
Oak flooring replaces the brick through to the right, in the warm and welcoming, central snug, where tapestry scenes and exposed beams combine, alongside an impressive Inglenook fireplace, housing a wood-burning stove, providing instant heat in the winter months. Original marks can be spied in the impressive timbers which feature throughout the home.

Light serenades through the window, where there is plenty of space for a dining table, as you make your way through from the snug and onto the cosily carpeted floor of the drawing room.

Character and comfort
Exposed brick mingles with robust oak beams in the drawing room, where impressive windows take in the views, showering the room in light. Spacious and bright, a large inglenook fireplace with an open fire provides a cosy focal point.


Turning left from the front door, make your way through to the formal dining room, where polished brick flooring flows through and large windows overlook the greenery of the surrounding garden and trees. Beams bedeck each room, infusing character, making this the ultimate entertaining home.


Feast your eyes
Next door, the rustic brick flooring continues through into the kitchen, where country-style wooden cabinetry harmonises with the heritage and setting of the home, providing plenty of storage. Appliances include a built-in dishwasher and Rangemaster cooker, with space for a freestanding fridge freezer.

Beautifully cool in summer time, courtesy of high ceilings and thatched roof, the Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps provides constant warmth in winter. Two sets of doors open out from the breakfast room, beyond the kitchen, onto the terrace, where you can sit in the warmth of the sunshine and enjoy views out over your own vineyard.


Also accessed off the kitchen is the practical boot room, with plumbing for a washing machine and access out to the garden.

A view from every room
Returning to the snug, take the handsome stairs up to the landing, where you can admire the view over the vineyard through the tall windows, with ample space for bookshelves and an armchair.

Along the landing to the left, arrive at the first of the bedrooms, where timbers dress the walls and vaulted ceiling, and views extend out over the gardens.

Opposite, the stone-tiled family bathroom features a spa bath, perfect for a relaxing soak after working the vines.

Sweet dreams
Continuing along, emerge into the spacious sanctuary that is the principal bedroom. Bright and airy, the cathedral-style ceiling is embellished by incredible trusses whilst an array of wooden built-in wardrobes provides plenty of storage. Wake up to the most sublime views out over your vineyard, before freshening up in the ensuite, tiled in stone and furnished with an enclosed shower pod with massaging water jets.

Each bathroom retains the characterful sense of the home's antiquity whilst offering a taste of modern luxury.

Returning along the landing, from the stairs, turn right along an inner landing, noting the deep storage in the linen cupboard on the right, before spying a handy alcove on the left, the ideal size for an office desk. Furnished with superfast broadband and with easy access out to the surrounding cities, there is plenty of scope for those working from home.

Freshen up in the shower room ahead, tiled in stone and featuring another shower pod with jets.


Room for all
Next, arrive at a third double bedroom, currently utilised as a nursery and with floor level windows inviting views of the glorious gardens. Stairs lead up to a mezzanine level, where there is space for another double bed, or perhaps a desk or wardrobes for a teenager.

A further double bedroom awaits next door, light and bright, embellished by exposed timbers and high vaulted, beam-bedecked ceiling.

Along the landing arrive at the final double bedroom, where floor to ceiling windows invite the garden views in and beams line both the walls and high, vaulted ceiling.

Vineyards, gardens and glamping
Indoor and outdoor living is inseparable at this family home, where 1.5 acres of formal garden extends directly from the home, alongside a further 5.5 acres of vineyard and paddocks.

Overlooking the peaceful and private garden, wine and dine alfresco on the terrace, which steps down to a large area of lovingly mown, striped lawn, where mature trees including palm and olive trees provide shelter and shade.

With plenty of space for marquees, why not host your own wedding here, serving your own wine...

Nestled on the grounds of the former Battle Abbey, one of the first places to plant vineyard in the UK back in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, the current owners have brought back the 1000-year-old practice with their own passion project.

Set over an acre, the vineyard has been planted with around 1000 vines over three seasons, producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier: the three main grape varieties of the Champagne region.

For those wishing to elevate this vineyard operation to the next level, there is potential to grow and plant at least another 0.5 acres of vines, with part time courses available on the subject of viticulture available in nearby Plumpton, around an hour's drive away.

A series of former stables and piggeries host the winery, accommodating all the equipment you need from harvesting to bottling, alongside general store rooms and a bin store.

Those preferring to keep horses to wine can always revert the stable block to its original purpose, with direct access into Battle Great Wood - brimming with footpaths for dog walks and bridleways offering miles of hacking.

A stream runs through the fields with a field at the top that could be ideal for housing horses or ponies.

Nestled on the site of the UK's second richest abbey, prior to its dissolution, Jacobean clay pipes have been uncovered in the garden, who knows what else you may discover...

Extending to around three acres on the opposite side of the stream is a large field that is home to three glamping safari tents, wine tours and tastings, offering the potential for additional revenue or further development (subject to the relevant permissions).

Out and about
Walk into the nearby town of Battle, via the woodland or along the roads. Call in at one of the local pubs, serving food and live music on the last Friday of the month.

Sample the rival vintages in the nearby wine shop, which offers tastings throughout the week.

With all the amenities nearby, including shops, schools, cafes, pubs and restaurants, just 15-20 minutes from this home you can access Battle Station, with direct links connecting you with Charing Cross within 90 minutes, should you require commuter links to the City.

Of course, that element is optional. The beauty and bliss of life allows you to fully immerse yourself in the fruits of your own labour. With all the foundations for a productive future laid by the current occupants, the vineyard is now ready to be taken to the next level.

For those who relish indoor-outdoor living, and who seek the friendly camaraderie of the English winemaking community, this home offers a rewarding way of life, immersed in nature, and enveloped in history


** Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the fixtures and fittings mentioned throughout, items included in sale are to be discussed at the time of offering **

** There is a 1 acre plot of land next to this home with potential to develop which is also for sale by separate negotiation**

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

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: G
Tenure: Freehold