6 bedroom semi-detached house for sale

The west ‘half’ of this exceptional country house division, set within grounds between Hartfield and Cowden and within approximately 8 miles of Tunbridge Wells.

Description

Formed out of this impressive and substantial country estate, built around the late nineteenth century for Frederic Herbert Maugham, 1st Viscount Maugham and Lord Chancellor from 1938-39. His brother, the writer Somerset Maugham was said to be a regular visitor and it may well be the case that Churchill met and lunched at the house, not living far away himself at Chartwell and being a former Chancellor himself. Churchill had also recommended Somerset for the Companion of Honour award in 1954. The property was later believed to have been used by the Canadian military during the war and then converted into two homes by two sisters, a short time after the second world war. The imaginative division provides Tye House West with extensive, character family accommodation over three floors, plus a useful cellar.

Our selling clients have been in residence since 2013 and have undertaken considerable upgrades to the fabric and cosmetics of the property to provide a very fine and interesting, character family home, which is well appointed, complete with generous gardens and grounds, still providing much of the feel of the original estate, with the long approach drive, the views and its impressive park-like gardens and grounds, with a total landholding of about 3.94 acres.

Details include a stunning, well proportioned country style kitchen/ breakfast room with Aga and direct access to the rear entertaining terrace and to the original dining room, again with fireplace, oak flooring and decorative panelling. The sitting room also has good proportions and features a fine period style fireplace, as does the principle bedroom, which also features the renovated, original wardrobes. The bathrooms are all spacious, individually designed and feature separate showers.

Outside the property, there is a long, shared approach drive, past the lodge house at the road, with parking in front of the house and access to the detached, double garage.

A secluded side patio with built in barbecue leads around to the rear entertainment terrace, accessed from the hall and kitchen. This is attractively finished in trellised fencing and decorative, brick block paving, with access out to the gardens and grounds, to the west. There is also an outside access room, integral to the house, with a further room housing the boiler and pressurised water cylinder. This is currently storage although has other potential.

The lined, park-like gardens and grounds feature impressive and substantial mature trees, woodland with bluebells, shrubs and bushes and there is ample room for the renovated tennis court. Other features include an orchard, a pond and a paddock, with a somewhat. dilapidated brick stable block - offering potential for a variety of uses, subject to any required permissions. There is also good external security lighting and a functioning alarm system which can be operated remotely via a mobile application.

Location

Situated approximately 1.9 miles outside of Hartfield and within approximately 2.5 miles of Cowden, the property benefits from a wonderful countryside outlook and yet the main south eastern town of Tunbridge Wells is reached nearby, within approximately 7.9 miles. Here, there are major shopping and entertainment amenities, whilst Hartfield itself is a famous Ashdown Forest village, with connections to the 'Winnie the Poo’ writings of AA Milne, the area is complete with its picturesque period buildings, Church and Primary School and local shopping, an award-winning butcher, pub, cricket club and children’s playground, whilst Perryhill Farmshop and Team Rooms is found just outside of Hartfield, only a walk (0.7 miles) from Tye House West. The Forest itself covers over ten square miles and is one of the largest open access areas in the South East of England. Situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its lowland heathland and woodland is home to many rare species. Forest Way, part of the National Cycle Network, can be accessed approximately 1.6 miles from Tye House West, with cycle routes into Forest Row where you can find a range of pubs, cafes, a fish and chip shop and much more.

There are excellent local schools in the area, both state and private and of particular note, there is good access to Holmewood House preparatory school in Langton Green (approximately 6.1 miles), on the way into Tunbridge Wells. Other schools include Brambletye Boarding/Day School, Cumnor House, Ardingly, and Tonbridge. Public schools on from here include Tonbridge and Sevenoaks to the north and Mayfield and Upper Dicker, Eastbourne and Brighton, to the south. In addition, the Beacon Academy at Crowborough is growing in status and popularity.

Rail services run on Southern Rail from Cowden (approximately 2.5 miles) and from south East Trains from Tunbridge Wells (approximately 7.9 miles), offering good alternative services into London.

The Dorset Arms at Withyham is a popular destination gastro pub and East Grinstead to the west is an alternative major town destination (approximately 7.1 miles) and Forest Row beyond Hartfield (reached in approximately 6.2 miles) is another charming, smaller option with some interesting shopping.

Golf at Royal Ashdown in Forest Row, or at The Nevill in Tunbridge Wells, riding and walking on the Ashdown Forest and racing at Lingfield Park, to the north of East Grinstead.

Square Footage: 4,539 sq ft


Acreage: 3.94 Acres

Additional Info

Shared driveway

Services: Oil-fired central heating, mains water and electricity. Shared private drainage.

Outgoings: Wealden District Council[use Contact Agent Button]), Tax Band G. Approximately £150 pa for septic tank maintenance.

Agent comment: Please note, a flying freehold is present at this property.