Bush Barn House, Robertsbridge, East Sussex

This marvellous Arts and Crafts house sits surrounded by around eight acres of private land, encompassing a field, a large private garden and a fruit-filled orchard. Inside, a meticulous transformation has upheld the home’s early character whilst restoring the windows, reroofing using the original or period tiles, and updating the heating and plumbing. Spanning some 4,000 sq ft, the home is generous and versatile, with five spacious bedrooms and a set of atmospheric living spaces.



Setting the Scene



Built around 1910, Bush Barn House embodies much of the Arts and Crafts movement’s architectural style, which married earlier, traditional forms and craftsmanship with local materials. Nature was a preeminent concern too, with strong connections forged between inside and out - something facilitated here by generous windows on each aspect of the home.



Acutely aware of the home’s history, the current owners undertook a sensitive yet thorough renovation of the home, creating rooms that are at once true to their lineage and well-equipped for modern living. There are some incredible original details which have been preserved, from the cast-iron door and window handles to the wood and brick fireplace and hearth.



The Grand Tour



A private road, which the home’s two neighbouring houses, have access along, winds up to Bush Barn House, with plenty of space to park in front. Its stone and red hung-tile frontage is a beautiful contrast to the greenery that surrounds it on each side.



Entry is to a wide hallway laid with quarry tiles, On one side is a large sitting room with a cherry-red log-burning fire; on the other, a sublime dining room with green walls, exposed beams, a large open fireplace, and tall leaded glazing that opens directly to the garden.



Next door is an open farmhouse-style kitchen, complete with a sage-green Everhot cooker. There is a well-positioned sink below a window that faces the orchard. The room has plenty of space for an informal dining table along with a seating area.



The original timber staircase leads to the first floor, where an additional living room takes in elevated views. With a wonderfully tall, north-facing window and high ceilings, the space would make an incredible artist's studio.



On the first and second floors are five bedrooms, all with original floorboards and carefully chosen colour schemes. The principal is a superb space with a large window seat set in its wide box bay of windows. Another bedroom is lined with pretty wallpaper and has a bank of original cabinetry. There are three bathrooms finished in a charmingly traditional style.



Accessed from the top-floor bedrooms, a large eaves space provides plenty of room for long-term storage. There is also large attic space above the principal guest room. Another guest bedroom is accessed from outside, via a lovely glazed porch.



The Great Outdoors



Eight acres of land surround Bush Barn Farm, divided between a thoughtfully planted, formal garden, a vegetable garden, an orchard, lawn, a paddock as well as a large natural and bucolic pond.



A wild hedge runs along the perimeter with the neighbour - an organic elderflower farm - which will create an enhanced sense of privacy.



Outbuildings attached to the house house a mahogany-floored utility room, a garage used as the boiler room, a freezer room and the coal store used for wine storage.



Out and About



Bush Barn Farm lies in the heart of the High Weald National Landscape, almost equidistant from the Georgian grandeur of Tunbridge Wells and the expansive beaches of Hastings. There are plenty of excellent walking routes nearby, as well as some fantastic historic properties and gardens, including Great Dixter, Bodiam Castle, Sarah Raven Perch Hill Farm, and the National Trust’s Bateman’s.



Nearby Robertsbridge is a pretty village believed to date back to 1176 when a Cistercian Abbey was founded there has a train station, and is home to a café/bakery, florist, grocery shop, doctor's surgery, chemist, vet and two good pubs.



The local area is home to several notable restaurants. The Small Holding in Kilndown is run from a former village pub and delivers fare that celebrates local produce. Tillingham, a beautiful vineyard with a hotel and restaurant, is worth a visit as much for its delicious food as for its wine. Both establishments hold the much-coveted Michelin green star.



There are some excellent schools nearby, in both the state and independent sectors. Stellar road connections bring the likes of Tonbridge School, Battle School and Sevenoaks School within easy reach. Travel to central London is quick and convenient from Robertsbridge station, a mile from the house, via the Southeastern line to Charing Cross/London Bridge.



Council Tax Band: G