An extraordinary space, this converted 19th-century greenhouse lies in Hawkhurst, Kent, on the former Lillesden Estate. It was reimagined by celebrated designer Peter Leonard, whose exacting eye transformed the space into a light-filled, two-bedroom home. Exquisitely tended gardens surround the building, with open areas to entertain or private pockets to seek solitude. Within the High Weald National Landscape, Hawkhurst lies close popular Cranbrook. Robertsbridge station, which services to London Bridge in around 70 minutes, is under 15 minutes' drive away.



The Estate



The Lillesden Estate, now a conservation area, was originally owned by a banker, Edward Lloyd, in the mid-19th century. It was initially associated with Lillesden House, a large mansion that served as a school until the turn of the millennium. Extensive parkland surrounds the estate, filled with a variety of flowers, shrubs and mature trees.



Converted in the early 00's, the house's generous banks of glazing and angled roofline stand as reminders of its early life.



The Tour



The house takes full advantage of its site to carve out two levels. Entry is via a courtyard, into an entrance hall that leads to a bedroom with an en suite bathroom in the east, and a kitchen/dining room in the west.



The latter has underfloor heating and beautiful Corian countertops. Integrated appliances, including a fridge freezer and dishwasher, are concealed in charcoal-grey units. White-washed walls are a refined counterpoint to the darker hues and amplify the natural light that enters through windows along one side. There is plenty of room for a large dining table at the far end of the space.



At the far end, steps lead up to the living room; a low-level brick wall between the two spaces provides unobstructed lines of sight. At the furthest end, a wall of angled glazing draws in plenty of light and provides easy passage to the outdoors. Bookshelves here provide plenty of display space for books and/or art. Save for the kitchen, limed oak floors ground here and throughout.



Steps lead down to the second bedroom, which also has an en suite bathroom as well as bespoke storage units and full-height glazed doors that lead to a sunken garden - a delightfully quiet spot to sit and read.



The south-facing side of the house is still occupied by the original greenhouse. This is an elegant 19th-century wood, brick and glass structure, which Peter Leonard had restored and fitted with industrial lighting and a reclaimed brick floor.



There is also a separate studio building, designed to be of a piece with the primary plan. It could serve as a particularly atmospheric home office.



Outdoor Space



Gardens surround the home, with a larger lawn to the west side, a courtyard garden to the north, and a smaller lawn to the east. To the south is an attractive flower walk with arches and espaliered oak, yew and fruit trees. Lovingly cultivated, the garden erupts with established roses and a handsome palm tree.



The Area



Hawkhurst is a large village that is divided into two distinct areas known as The Moor and Highgate. This home is in The Moor area, which centres around a pretty village green on which can be found The Eight Bells Pub.



The Highgate area incorporates Hawkhurst High Street; its distinctive colonnade includes a good selection of independent shops. There is also a small supermarket and public library nearby, as well as several other pubs and restaurants - most notably The Great House and The Queen’s Inn. There is also a Waitrose in Hawkshurst.



Further afield are the larger towns of Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells and Rye. Lewes, the setting for Charleston, is also close, and as are the characterful towns that stud England's south-easterly coast.



There is an excellent choice of good schools in the area, including the renowned Cranbrook School, St Ronans, Marlborough House, Dulwich Prep and Benenden School for Girls.



Rail links to London run from Etchingham Station or Staplehurst. There are also good road connections via the A21, which goes to the coast in one direction and joins the M25, providing access to London in the other.



Council Tax Band: C