A substantial Modernist-style house set in delightful gardens and grounds.

Description

Medlars is a substantial and striking house of an unusual and interesting multi-level design, built by the architect Michael Twigg. In 2009 the architect Rodger Fincham was appointed to extend the property, with the interior design embracing the Modernist style of the house. The result is a striking and spacious five bedroom house, offering generously proportioned rooms extending in total to nearly 4,000 sq ft, as well as a heated, detached triple garage/gym.

Dating from the early 1960s, Medlars is typical of the Modernist style of architecture, with the materials used in its construction, such as glass, wood and steel accentuated as features throughout. The huge expanse of glass features large picture and porthole windows, optimising natural light and framing the views over the grounds and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the north. There is fine dark wood joinery throughout the house, including a wide mahogany staircase.

The floor plan offers an excellent overview of the accommodation, and should be referred to for a comprehensive overview of the full extent and layout of each floor; points of particular note include full height, glass double doors open to the elegant reception hall, which is laid with natural marble flooring and features a stunning two-storey light well, flooding the room with natural light.

The impressive drawing room features a curved natural stone wall with spot lights over. The south-western wall is almost entirely glazed, with sliding doors opening to a raised paved terrace, cantilevered over the pond and opening onto the garden. The morning room has two large picture windows taking in the views to the north, French doors opening to the south-east facing terrace and swimming pool, and is fitted with a kitchenette which is ideally placed to serve the pool area. Adjoining the morning room is a utility room.

The kitchen has an excellent range of units and central island, complemented by Corian worktops and two inset sinks. There is a good range of high quality integrated appliances. French doors open to a balcony which has space for a table and chairs, and from which there are wonderful uninterrupted views over the countryside to the north.

The kitchen is partially open plan to the large dining room, with its expanse of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the grounds, creating an ideal space for entertaining.

The substantial master bedroom suite comprises the entire upper first floor. The south-western wall comprises a number of glazed sliding doors which open to a decked terrace facing out to the garden. The bedroom has been designed in an Oriental style, with features including mahogany Chinese-style tracery screens and panelling, dark wood vaulted ceiling and a raised, open steel fireplace which offers a striking and unusual focal point. A concealed door opens to a walk-in wardrobe and there is an en suite bathroom with suite comprising a bath, twin basins and WC.

A hall beyond the dining room leads to two first floor bedrooms, one en suite and one served by a separate shower room.

There are two further bedroom suites lying off the reception hall, one of which is currently used as a study. French doors open from one of the bedrooms to its own private terrace, conveniently allowing the option for the rooms to be utilised as a self-contained suite.

Outside
Medlars is approached from Lewes Road by a tree and shrub lined driveway, leading to the house and then onto the detached triple garage (which has also been used as a gym), which has automatic doors and is heated by an electric radiator.

The well-established gardens and grounds are extensively stocked with trees, flowering shrubs and evergreen shrubs to give colour throughout the year, together with a high degree of privacy.

The swimming pool is ideally located on the south eastern side of the house, enclosed by mature hedging and surrounded by a sandstone terrace.

In all, about 1.23 acres.

Agent’s Note
The driveway is owned by Medlars. The neighbouring properties Oasted House East and The Laurels have a right of access.

Ancillary Accommodation
An additional four bedroom, 1,516 sq ft house, The Laurels, is available, offering the opportunity for ancillary accommodation if required. Guide £715,000.

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Location

Medlars is situated on the southern side of the market town of East Grinstead, benefitting from uninterrupted views over the High Weald to the north, yet only half a mile from the centre of the town with its excellent range of shopping facilities, amenities and mainline railway station. There are further shopping facilities at Tunbridge Wells (14 miles) and Crawley (10 miles).

Sussex and its environs offer many excellent sporting opportunities with golf at Royal Ashdown, Haywards Heath and Piltdown, and many other courses across the county. There is racing at Lingfield and Plumpton, and sailing at Ardingly Reservoir and the coast. Spa and country house hotels include Alexander House, Ashdown Park Hotel, Gravetye Manor and Ockenden Manor. Royal Tunbridge Wells, Lewes and the City of Brighton & Hove offer a range of theatres, cinemas, shops and restaurants

Mainline rail service: East Grinstead railway station to London Bridge/Victoria from 57 minutes.

Schools: There are many highly regarded schools in the area, both state and private, including Brambletye, Cumnor House, Worth, Sackville, Imberhorne, Lingfield College, Michael Hall School (Rudolph Steiner) and Ardingly College.

Communications: Gatwick (via A264 / M23) is just 10 miles distant. Both the A22 and the A/M23 link to the south coast and the M25 orbital motorway to the north, and in turn other motorway networks and Heathrow airport.

Square Footage: 3,877 sq ft


Acreage: 1.23 Acres

Directions

From the centre of East Grinstead, follow the A22 south, in the direction of Ashurstwood. Pass Woodbury Close/Avenue on the left hand side, and then a row of houses fronted by a low brick wall. After a short distance, the entrance to Medlars can be found on the left hand side, flanked by high hedgerows.

Additional Info

Services
Gas fired central heating, wirelessly controlled in three zones. Underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage.

Outgoings
Mid Sussex District Council,[use Contact Agent Button]. Council tax band C.