3 bedroom character property for sale

A truly rare opportunity to acquire such a distinctive and individual home. Dating back to around 1860, Gate Lodge was originally built as the entrance lodge to The Abbey — a grand Victorian residence commissioned by a South African art and diamond dealer and later owned by Sir Abraham Bailey, another prominent South African diamond magnate.

This beautifully presented, link-detached period home forms part of the historic Abbey Estate and still retains much of its original charm and character, sensitively updated to suit modern living. The Original Estate also comprise the Main House, a Chapel, Stables and Clock House all now converted into residential dwellings.

The accommodation includes an entrance hall, a spacious open-plan living and dining area, a modern fitted kitchen, a family bathroom, including bath and separate shower cubicle and a versatile study or third bedroom on the ground floor. Underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathroom. On the first floor are two double bedrooms; bedroom 1 has views to the rear towards The Abbey and Ashdown Forest, the second bedroom is above the floating arch with views to the front of the property, looking out to woodland and fields.

A particularly unique feature which we believe may have been the original school tuck shop window, cleverly hidden behind elegant Gothic arch doors — a delightful reminder of the property’s mid-20th-century role as part of The Abbey School.

Outside, the home enjoys a south-facing garden with a paved patio, pond, and fully insulated summerhouse office with heating for the winter and aircon for the summer with several power sockets and lighting, along with two private parking spaces to the rear and an additional private lawn with potential to create further parking.

Perfectly positioned near the start of the Vanguard Way, Gate Lodge offers a rare opportunity to own a distinctive and characterful home that beautifully blends Victorian heritage with contemporary comfort in a peaceful village setting.