Church Road, Barcombe, Lewes, East Sussex

Only the third time the property has been on the market since 1918, The Beeches is believed to date to C16 with extensive C17 Queen Anne additions and C19 Regency modifications, with distinctive characteristics which include a stately entrance porch. High-ceiled rooms and a plethora of charming fireplaces will be found inside the generous accommodation, which is arranged over three floors, with a cellar at basement level providing extensive storage including a designated wine cellar. Mellow-toned parquet flooring offers a warm welcome in the central reception hall where a stairway rises to a half-landing giving access to a bright sitting room with bay protrusion including French doors to the garden terrace. Across the hallway there is a drawing room offering a second reception space with a doorway linking to the formal dining room. The spacious breakfast room has an Aga stove recess at its heart with a door leading through to the kitchen. Fitted with modern wall and base level cabinetry, the kitchen is supported by an adjoining large pantry with a link to a useful boot room. The lower level accommodation is completed by a utility room, astorage room, study and cloakroom facility.

A majestic staircase rises to the bedroom accommodation which is situated over the three upper levels. The first floor landing gives access to four splendid bedrooms, one en suite and one with French doors to a west-facing balcony. An immense family bathroom has a link to a dressing room, whilst there is a separate shower room. At the top of the house, there are two further bedrooms, one of which currently serves as an Art Room. The property also benefits from a versatile use detached cottage, previously the 18th century stable block, featuring two generous double bedrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen with utility and a bathroom.

The gardens and grounds at The Beeches are especially noteworthy, being skilfully landscaped and beautifully maintained. Design features include a formal rose garden with central fountain and topiary shrubs; expanses of lawn interspersed with specimen and majestic mature trees, a natural pond attracting birds and bees, and a magnificent 18th century walled garden incorporating two greenhouses and potting shed. A paved terrace adjoins the rear of the house offering opportunities for al fresco dining. At the front, the property is approached via a gravelled driveway providing extensive parking provision in addition to the detached double garage. A splendid ancient yew tree demarcates vehicular passage.

Barcombe is three villages in one, with the original settlement surrounding the church; slightly larger Barcombe Cross to the north being home to a convenience store, post office and primary school, and Barcombe Mills to the east which is a popular fishing spot. Historic Lewes has a vibrant High Street and a mainline railway station which offers services to London Victoria (1hr 14mins), as well as to the coastal towns of Brighton and Eastbourne. The town provides an eclectic collection of shops, as well as eateries and public houses, with cultural and recreational facilities including a cinema and theatres; golf, sports and football clubs, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. The A27 lies just to the south of Lewes and provides fast access to the A23/M23, Gatwick Airport and the national motorway network. World-class opera is offered at Glyndebourne and the annual Brighton Festival presents a programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events. Well-regarded schooling in both the state and independent sectors is on offer in the vicinity.