Flimwell, Wadhurst, Kent, TN5

A grand and substantial unlisted period country house set in an elevated position and benefits from spectacular views across open countryside overlooking Bewl Water and within an area of outstanding natural beauty.

This elegant family home provides well-presented accommodation with impressively proportioned rooms arranged predominantly over two floors with high ceilings and beautiful period features including attractive fireplaces, decorative ceiling arches and sash windows.

The reception rooms, morning room and four of the bedrooms are all south-west facing with large sash windows looking out across the parkland and countryside beyond.

The ground floor front entrance porch leads into grand reception rooms offering an abundance of natural light and excellent entertaining and living space. The main rooms comprise of an impressive partpanelled drawing room, an adjoining reception/ sitting room (with staircase to the spacious first floor landing with leaded light oriel window with window seat), an impressive formal dining room with parquet flooring, ornate plaster ceiling oval with decorative gilt scrolls, a large marble fireplace with marble slips, inset decorative tiles with musical motifs and a tiled hearth. There is also a study which is accessed from the dining room.

The 34ft kitchen/breakfast room provides an attractive and comprehensive range of bespoke fitted units with a two oven oil fired Aga with electric oven companion. There is a central island with granite top, sink and a further double butler sink together with various integrated appliances. Further features include a large wood burning stove, a working butler’s call box, and views over the swimming pool and terrace. From the kitchen there is a secondary enclosed staircase which leads to the first and second floors of the house and was historically used by staff. There is a ground floor cloakroom with attractive wall to wall marble topped fitted unit with undercupboards and sink. There is also a large cellar consisting of two separate rooms and an additional area being the coal-store.
On the substantial first floor there are six double bedrooms and four bathrooms (two en suite) and a separate WC. The principal bedroom suite is a stunning room with two large sash windows, fitted wardrobes, fireplace with attractive tiled slips and over-mantle. There are French doors leading out to a large balcony with fretwork balloon shaped balustrades which overlooks the gardens and adjoining fields. The en suite bathroom has a jacuzzi bath, free-standing shower, separate sauna cabin and under floor heating.

Further accommodation is available in easterly wing of the house incorporates a flexible self-contained annexe with ground floor sitting room and bathroom with a staircase up to two bedrooms. The property has been built in an elevated position overlooking its 16 acres of parkland and enjoys glorious south-westerly views.

There is a (40ft x 16ft) heated outdoor swimming pool and allweather tennis court. The property is approached through electric wrought iron gates. There is a sweeping gravel drive, flanked by trees and culminating in a substantial parking area to the front of the house. There is also parking with hard-standing at the side of the property and two double garages. The front aspect of the house enjoys wonderful far-reaching views over the expansive gardens, marquee lawn and undulating countryside beyond.

The house provides a delightful and private setting. The gardens feature an abundance of varying types of mature trees including oak, sweet chestnut, monkey puzzle and Scots pine and together with seasonal shrubs which give colour and interest throughout the seasons. An unusual feature is an original brandy vat which is now used as a pool house/storage area.

Heated outdoor swimming pool measuring some 40ft x 16ft with semi-circular feature on one side with steps into the pool. All weather tennis court.
The house also benefits from magnificent sunsets due to its orientation.

Outbuildings include a substantial 60ft x 40ft hangar with roller door and a vehicle inspection pit. This building lends itself to various uses and was, until very recently, used for the storage of classic cars. There is a detached unconverted barn which overlooks the former vineyard, together with the park-like gardens and grounds totalling over 16 acres.

Due to the orientation of the property this family home benefits from not only good natural sunlight but also breathtaking sunsets.

Location
The property is conveniently situated within the parish of Goudhurst and Kilndown close to Bewl Water Reservoir which offers a wide range of activities including sailing, rowing, fishing and wonderful walks. Bedgebury Pinetum is close by which also has excellent local walks, cycling paths, horse riding and, at certain times of the year, occasional open-air concerts and seasonal events such as Christmas lights in the forest. The property is approximately 3.8 miles to the west of the popular village of Hawkhurst which offers local shopping and amenities including a Kino digital cinema, Waitrose, Tesco supermarkets and a variety of independent shops and restaurants. There are also a number of wonderful country pubs within a short driving distance of the house.

There are good train connections from Etchingham (5.3 miles), Wadhurst (6.3 miles) which have frequent services to London via London Bridge and Waterloo East. Tonbridge mainline station has services to both London, the south and east coasts including Hastings, Canterbury and Ashford.

There is an excellent choice of schools in the area both primary, secondary, state and private. The property is near Goudhurst and Kilndown Church of England primary school and is within the catchment area for Cranbrook school. Grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Maidstone including Tonbridge Girls Grammar School (TGGS), the Weald, Maidstone Grammar School and the The Judd school. There are also a number of local pre-prep and prep schools being Marlborough House, Vinehall School and Saint Ronans. Private secondary schools include Tonbridge School, Sevenoaks School, Benenden and Bethany school.