Edenbridge Road, Hartfield, East Sussex

A beautiful and unique grade II listed 16th century gatehouse which commands attention, is steeped in history, in a tranquil green setting down a private lane, with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, in one of the most beautiful counties in England.
Hall, Sitting room, Garden room, Study, Office, Kitchen, Dining room, Utility room.
Principal bedroom with ensuite shower room, 4 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
Drive for parking, Garage, Attractive gardens, Outbuildings.

About ½ acre
History
Built in the 1550s while Queen Elizabeth 1 was on the throne, the Gatehouse was one of the earliest brick buildings in East Sussex and was the entry into a walled manor house complex which has largely disappeared now, with only the Gatehouse still surviving, along with parts of the original outer walls.

The Gatehouse retains many original features including the main oak door that has a siege door within it, small slit windows high in the wall on each side of the main door through which arrows or guns could be fired to repel attacks and, the oak spiral staircase providing access to the upper floors, which is for the most part original. There is also one original fireplace on the top floor and there are ancient oak beams etched in history throughout the tower itself.

The modern extensions added from the 1960s include a kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms featuring oak doors, windows and door frames, with the most recent addition being a spacious reception room built with oak beams in the Sussex barn style, with south and east facing views to the garden.

Property
The front door opens into a hall, with tiled floor and French doors to the garden. The sitting room has generous proportions and is open to the eaves with exposed beams. It has an oak floor, open fireplace and French doors to the garden. Beyond is the garden room which is also very light with French doors to the garden. An inner hall which could be a study has stairs to the office. There are also 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the ground floor. The kitchen is fitted with wall and floor units, granite worktops, 6 ring gas hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, island unit with wooden work top, window seat, door to garden and access to the tower.

The kitchen moves seamlessly into the tower, with the dining room on the ground floor with exposed beams, tiled floor and glazed doors to the garden and a utility room off. A timber spiral staircase leads from the dining room up the tower to the principal bedroom on the first floor. It has fitted wardrobes, glazed door to roof terrace and an ensuite shower room. The spiral staircase continues up to the second floor where there is a further bedroom (5) with exposed beams into the vaulted ceiling, fireplace and an en-suite cloakroom.
Outside
A wooden gate opens to a brick paved parking area which is enclosed by walls. A gate leads to the walled rear garden which is laid to lawn with garden store, garden shed and private water supply plant. The main garden is to the south and is beautifully laid out with a large expanse of lawn. It has a gravelled seating area, a flagstone terrace with pergola over clad with a vine, herbaceous border with trellised walk way running alongside it, well clipped yew hedges and rose beds with box hedges. Within the garden are a number of trees including fig, apple, cherry and walnut. Further up the drive is a 4-bay garage.

Local Amenities & Surrounding Area
Hartfield is renowned for its connections to Winnie the Pooh and its local amenities including a village shop, tea-room and public house. For a more extensive range of shopping, educational and transport facilities Forest Row, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough are close by. Nearby Ashdown Forest is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside. There is an extensive selection of excellent schools, both in the state and private sectors, including the village primary, Michael Hall, Cumnor House, Greenfields, Homewood House and Brambletye, in the area.

Tenure, Local Authorities and Services
Freehold. Wealden DC: . East Sussex CC: . Council Tax band G. EPC exempt.
Mains electricity. Private water and share private drainage. LPG under floor heating.
Communications
There are mainline railway stations at East Grinstead (Victoria/London Bridge) and at Tunbridge Wells (Cannon Street/Charing Cross) as well as Cowden and Ashurst. Gatwick is about 17 miles distant and the M25 is about 19 miles.

Directions
From Forest Row head into Hartfield on the B2110. At the end of the High Street turn left onto the Edenbridge Road. After about 1 mile turn left just before the farm shop. Continue along the drive, past the first house on the right and take the next right. The house is then the first on the right.