An impressive family home in a sought-after position on the Ashdown Forest, together with ancillary accommodation, stables and paddocks.

Description

Bordered by the open spaces of the historic Ashdown Forest in the delightful hamlet of Colemans Hatch, Forest Gate is a most attractive unlisted six bedroom character home.

Known to most as the home of Winnie the Pooh, the Forest covers some 6,500 acres of rare and protected heathland habitat, and Forest Gate enjoys direct access to the many trails available to walkers and riders.

Set within superb established grounds with a south-westerley aspect, the property has many character features and has been thoughtfully extended over the years to create an ideal “package” for those aspiring to a rural life-style, but requiring the practicality of a daily commute to schools and stations.

The light and spacious principal reception rooms enjoy a lovely outlook over the grounds and “flow” around a well-appointed country-style kitchen/breakfast room, complete with the essential Aga. The accommodation is further enhanced by a substantial detached annexe with accommodation and office space and, for those with equestrian interests, excellent facilities lie within easy reach of the house.

The new incumbents of Forest Gate will be entitled to the inherent Commoners’ Rights to keep livestock and to ‘estovers’, (the cutting of birch, willow and alder) on the Forest.

Further points of note include:
- character oak joinery including window frames, wall and ceiling beams, balustrade staircases with carved newel posts, and drop-latch internal doors;
- characterful reception hall with oak flooring and a wide brick and stone inglenook fireplace fitted with a wood burning stove;
- a snug study area with doors out to the garden;
- practical domestic space comprising a fitted utility/boot room opening out to the garden, and with a shower room off;
- first floor accommodation accessed from a large oak-framed landing offering useful study/sitting space and comprising five individual bedrooms with a lovely outlook over the grounds (all with fitted wardrobes and two with en suite facilities) and a well-appointed family bathroom;
- delightful second floor suite allowing for a good level of privacy, ideal for teenagers or guests, and comprising a well-proportioned bedroom with a view to the South East, and a bathroom;
- further useful second floor attic/studio room.

Outside:
The park-like grounds are a major feature of the property, lying mostly to the rear and bordered by mature trees and high mixed hedging to all sides.

A large level lawn stretches from a wide flagstone terrace, studded with many mature shrubs and trees including azalea, rhododendron, oaks and a graceful weeping willow alongside a pretty lily-filled pond. The swimming pool lies within easy reach of the house, with a decked covered seating area alongside.

High hedging to the East side shields the house from the drive way, and there is a pretty approach via a flagstone path to the front door, with a good mix of colourful herbaceous borders and shrubs.

Equestrian facilities:
For those requiring accommodation for horses, the compact and functional facilities are conveniently placed a short distance away from the house and comprise a fenced manège and six dual aspect stables, a wash area and a tack room, enclosed within a timber American barn-syle block.

Three level and fenced paddocks, amounting to about 7.72 acres, lie beyond with a gate in the far field providing direct access to the Forest and the exceptional off-road riding opportunities.

The Annexe:
Accessed off the main driveway entrance is a detached two-storey annexe comprising an open plan kitchenette/living room, shower room, first floor bedroom and a ground floor gym.

A large level lawn stretches from a wide flagstone terrace, studded with many mature shrubs and trees including azalea, rhododendron, oaks and a graceful weeping willow alongside a pretty lily-filled pond. The swimming pool lies within easy reach of the house, with a decked covered seating area alongside.

Location

Forest Gate is approached via an impressive driveway through wrought iron automatic gates and located in the small hamlet of Colemans Hatch, with The Hatch Inn and cricket pitch near-by, and within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The popular village of Hartfield is just over two miles away, offering a good range of local amenities, including a general store, church, gift shop, tea rooms, medical centre, tennis club and several public houses. Forest Row (2.3 miles) also has a wide range of small shops and services.

The nearest major shopping centre is East Grinstead (5.3 miles), which also offers a good service for commuters from its mainline station, enabling London Bridge to be reached from around 57 minutes, or London Victoria from just over an hour. Cowden (6.5 miles) provides an alternative convenient mainline station, with journey times to London Bridge from about 51 minutes.

State and private schools: Hartfield has its own playschool and primary school, Preparatories include Brambletye (East Grinstead),
Cumnor House (Danehill) and Eastbourne College, Mayfield School for Girls, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks public schools.

Square Footage: 6,435 sq ft


Acreage: 12.14 Acres

Directions

From our offices in Tunbridge Wells proceed out of town on the Langton Road (A264). Continue into Groombridge village and at the roundabout take the second exit (B2110). Stay on this road through Hartfield village and up the hill through Upper Hartfield. Turn left into Coach Road signposted Wych Cross and West Hoathly, remain on Coach Road as it bends to the left, and the entrance to Forest Gate will be found after a few yards on the right-hand side. If you reach The Hatch Inn, you have gone too far.

Additional Info

Agent's Note: Planning permission for an extension to the house, increasing the size of the Drawing Room and upstairs, creating a new large principal bedroom - see the Wealden District Council Planning website and application - WD/2019/0496/F

Services: Oil-fired central heating. Mains water and electricity. Private drainage.

Outgoings: Wealden District Council:[use Contact Agent Button]. Tax Band G.