The Woodhouse, Blackboys, East Sussex

This extraordinary four-bedroom house is nestled in Blackboys, East Sussex, a tranquil village surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Low Weald. Geometric lines, larch cladding and tall glazed panels form its striking exterior, embraced by expertly landscaped gardens. A swimming pool, pool house and sauna are found at the rear of the house, and a self-contained annexe and garage to the front. The popular towns of Lewes and Royal Tunbridge Wells are both close by, and trains run from nearby Uckfield to London Bridge in approximately one hour and 20 minutes.



The Tour



A gated entrance provides access to a gravelled driveway, lined by stately silver birch trees. The plot is embraced by mature trees on three sides, creating a sense of privacy and remove.



A wide, obscured glass door opens onto a welcoming entrance hall with tiled flooring underfoot. From here, the broad hallway flows into a voluminous kitchen and dining area. The room is filled with light from a series of glazed panels that extend up to the top of the building, and the dining area is set within a wonderful double-height space. From here, bifold doors open out onto the lawned front garden.



Exposed green oak beams frame interiors here and throughout the house, while engineered oak runs underfoot. Kitchen walls are adorned with smart green metro tiling, punctuated by wide aluminium-framed windows that capture leafy views of the trees beyond. Hand-painted Plain English cabinetry provides plenty of storage space and is paired with a poured concrete countertop. There is a Bertazzoni range oven, a Franke boiling water tap, and an island with space for bar seating.



The kitchen flows seamlessly into the sitting room. Bifold doors to the front and to the rear create a light-filled space that effortlessly melds indoor and outdoor living. On this floor, there is also a private study, a boot room, a utility room and a guest WC.



A spectacular spiral floating staircase ascends from the dining area to the first-floor gallery landing. Here, full-height glazing provides captivating views, and additional light pours in through two recessed skylights.



Four double bedrooms are found on this floor, each with full-height glazing and Juliet balconies. The principal bedroom has a private decked balcony surrounded by greenery; the perfect spot for enjoying a morning coffee. It has an attached dressing room, and a spacious en suite with bathtub, walk-in shower and brass tapware.



The second bedroom also has an en suite, and a shared bathroom with a rainfall shower and bright tiling completes the main plan.



A separate annexe sits near the entrance to the plot, illuminated by tall glazed panels on three sides. The space is currently used as a studio, but could also be used as guest accommodation. It has a kitchenette and a shower room.



A garage is attached to the annexe, with Hormann electric doors, parking for two cars and storage space.



Outdoor Space



To the rear of the house, a heated swimming pool with a pool house and sauna is nestled within landscaped gardens by Fern & Pine. A large paved area surrounds the pool, providing ample space for summer barbeques or for lounging after a refreshing dip.



A loggia with a log burner is perfect for warming up on cooler evenings, and an attached pool house has a kitchenette, sauna and a shower room.



Terraces close to the front and rear of the house provide further opportunities for enjoying its magnificent gardens, which are planted with perennials, long grasses and ornamental trees.



The Area



Blackboys is a pretty village nestled among the verdant landscapes of the Low Weald. It has a primary school, a village hall and a coffee shop, as well as The Blackboys Inn, which dates from the 14th century and is often cited as one of the prettiest pubs in the South East. It is within walking distance and is known for its wonderful menu.



The highly regarded Tyler’s Ground restaurant is located at nearby Dower House Farm, and serves a seasonal and locally sourced menu. There are also well-regarded vineyards in easy reach, including The Bluebell, which lies within Sheffield Park, as well as Rathfinny and Artelium. Other favourites in the surrounding area include The Hurstwood and The Ram in Firle.



There are almost endless opportunities for walks in nature in the area. The house lies on the Wealden walkway and is opposite Kiln Wood, an ancient woodland with a variety of flora. Other options include the 6,500-acre Ashdown Forest, perhaps best known as the place where A.A. Milne set his ‘Winnie the Pooh’ books, as well as all the brilliance that the South Downs encompasses.



Lewes and its castle are a short drive away to the south, while to the east is National Trust-maintained Bateman’s, once home to Rudyard Kipling. For coastal endeavours, Brighton lies just beyond Lewes, while Eastbourne and Hastings are both within an hour’s drive of the house. Royal Tunbridge Wells is approximately a 30-minute drive north.



Highly regarded schooling options in the area include Blackboys CofE Primary School, Uckfield College, Mayfield, Bede’s Senior School, and Cumnor House.



Uckfield rail station is a 10-minute drive away and provides services to London Bridge in approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Alternative stations within easy driving distance include Tunbridge Wells and Lewes.



Council Tax Band: G