This charming, pet-friendly house dating back (in part) to the 17th century sits on a 300-acre working sheep and cattle farm in Heathfield, in the beautiful Sussex countryside. If you can drag yourself away from the house’s South Downs views and luxuries (including a pool and sauna!), head into the surrounding countryside for peaceful rambling via two footpaths that cross the farm. Fancy a day trip? Visit the impressive, historic Battle Abbey (11 miles), built on the site of the Battle of Hastings, or the coastal town of Eastbourne (11.5 miles) with its beach, pier, fun seaside amenities and picturesque cliff, Beachy Head (13 miles). If you’re holidaying with kids, they’ll love Knockhatch Adventure Park (5 miles), where there’s a play park, petting zoo and waterslides.
A long, private driveway leads to this house which immediately impresses, outside and in. The entrance porch has two chaise longues and leads to the long hall room, with impressive vaulted ceilings and classic furnishings. The space has been made cosy with armchairs, a TV and classic accessories. Continue to the dining room, lit brightly, thanks to the tall, south-facing window showcasing greenery to admire as you dine. There’s a large mahogany table to seat eight to ten, plus another six-seater table should you need it. A TV and bookshelves provide entertainment, and furniture can be switched with that in the hall room, depending on preference. A bar area connects to the dining room, where you’ll find basic facilities and plenty of crystal glassware to aid your socialising. The main sitting room is grand with elaborate, vintage-style furnishings, ceiling beams and an impressive inglenook fireplace. You’ll benefit from plenty of seating choices and comforts like the throw, as well as the TV that’s classily hidden behind oak panelling. The spacious, rustic, brightly-tiled kitchen was designed with groups in mind, with plenty of cooking space and facilities, including the oil-fired four-oven Aga and the Belling Range triple oven. The central island with three stools is an ideal place to relax. Pass through stable doors into the delightful, bright conservatory with rustic tiled floors and exposed brick walls. Fitted, cushioned window seating lines the edges, and there’s a round, eight-seater dining table. For added fun, the conservatory also boasts a child’s football table and access to the covered outdoor swimming pool. You’ll appreciate the luxury of the private sauna. The ground floor also has a utility room, a fully-tiled shower room, and a family-sized bedroom accessed via one step. Here, you’ll find a super-king bed and a single bed. A further step leads to a large, en-suite quadrant shower room. Head through the hallway (where there are desks and chairs) up to the mezzanine landing with a pendant light. The first floor has a bedroom with a king-size bed, and a daybed for a child and two single beds with a privacy curtain to help separate the areas. The bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom with a shower over a bath. The third bedroom holds a super-king bed with views over the garden. It also has a semi-circular en-suite shower room with a drench shower head, in-shower seating and intricate mosaic tiling. This en-suite is shared with the twin bedded room. Finally, there’s a super-king-size bedroom accessed via an original spiral staircase with rope handles leading from the sitting room. This bedroom also has an en-suite shower room. Enjoy garden and farm views from both floors of the house.
Make more memories in the spacious, lawned grounds, with treasures like the ancient oaks and unfenced ponds (children to be supervised outside). There’s a south-facing terraced area with garden furniture, a charcoal BBQ, an open garage with table tennis, and an enclosed, heated pool (from April until October), with a gradual entry for children.