Tidebrook, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5

This handsome unlisted country house has real presence and provides light, spacious and beautifully presented family accommodation, set within about 1.43 acres of established gardens in the peaceful rural hamlet of Tidebrook.

Originally part of a Jacobean estate, Little Tidebrook has since been sensitively remodelled and refurbished and is now a detached, exceptionally comfortable and welcoming home, combining period character with generous, light-filled modern living spaces overlooking the surrounding gardens.

At the heart of the house is the impressive triple-aspect kitchen, dining and sitting room with underfloor heating. The bespoke handmade kitchen is arranged around a large granite island and includes integrated appliances and an electric Aga, while the adjoining dining and sitting area opens through French doors onto the front terrace and gardens. Together, these spaces create a relaxed centre to the house, equally suited to everyday family life and entertaining.

There are two further reception rooms. The elegant double-aspect drawing room has an open fire and French doors leading directly onto a sheltered rear terrace, while the separate sitting room, also with an open fire and French doors to the garden, provides a more intimate place to relax. A generous utility and boot room completes the ground-floor accommodation.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom enjoys views across the formal gardens and has a particularly spacious en suite bathroom incorporating a wet room shower and underfloor heating. There are three further generous double bedrooms, each overlooking the gardens, together with a family bathroom and a separate study area.

The gardens are an important part of the property and provide a wonderful backdrop to the house. Immediately outside is a choice of terraces, with lawns extending beyond and steps descending to an attractive sunken garden, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining. Mature trees, established shrubs and planting give the grounds privacy and tranquillity throughout the seasons.

The house is approached initially by a shared drive before reaching its own private driveway, with ample parking and a double garage. The drive continues around the property to a second gated private entrance and further garaging, providing considerable flexibility.

Wadhurst station 3 miles (London Bridge from 54 minutes). Mayfield 2.5 miles. Tunbridge Wells 8 miles (London Bridge from 44 minutes). Gatwick airport 31 miles. London 49 miles. (All times and distances approximate)

The property occupies a delightful setting within the small hamlet of Tidebrook, close to the popular town of Wadhurst and Mayfield village. Wadhurst was recently named by the Sunday Times as the 'Best Place to Live in the UK' and is well served with shops and amenities for everyday needs as well as a mainline station providing an excellent commuter service to London. The pretty 16th century village of Mayfield also provides a good range of local shops, post office and pubs. A more comprehensive range of amenities are available at nearby Tunbridge Wells.

There is an excellent choice of schooling in the area, in both the state and private sectors, including Mayfield School (girls), Holmewood House Preparatory at Langton Green, Marlborough House Vinehall at Robertsbridge, St Ronan's at Hawkhurst, Uplands Community College at Wadhurst and grammar schools (boys and girls) in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.