The outstanding principal portion of a fine 18th century Grade II* listed mansion with splendid alterations by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Description

2 Framfield Place, also known as Lutyens House, forms the major portion of an elegant Grade II* listed mansion house, believed to date from 1765. Framfield Place benefits from splendid additions by Sir Norman Shaw and Sir Edwin Lutyens, and is mentioned in Pevsners Buildings of England.

Noted for its magnificent period features, the mansion was divided into six homes in the 1970s.

Internally, the property is beautifully presented, with the emphasis on attention to detail and authenticity, resulting in exceptional accommodation arranged over three floors, together with a two room cellar/utility room.

There are many superb period features, including high ceilings with intricate cornicing, painted panelled internal doors, metal door furniture and deep architraves, multi-paned windows with working shutters and some with period draft excluders, beautiful oak flooring to much of the ground floor, some attractive period radiators designed by Lutyens (not in service), a wood-burning stove and many period working fireplaces.

Situated on the ground floor are two generously proportioned reception rooms, which offer excellent areas for formal entertaining. The impressive reception hall was remodelled by Norman Shaw in 1892 and is open to the first floor galleried landing.

The beautiful drawing room was designed by Lutyens, and features ornately carved neo-Jacobean painted wood panelling to the walls, an open fireplace with an impressive carved overmantle, whilst the ceiling boasts painted beams arranged in a unique chequerboard pattern, described by the Lutyens Trust as 'remarkable'. A wide bay window and a set of French doors frame the lovely views over the garden to the pond, and give access to the Doric pillared terrace and gardens.

The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with a comprehensive range of bespoke handpainted wall and floor cupboards with granite work surfaces. Appliances include a Smeg range cooker with six ring gas hob and extractor over, an integral microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. An attractive feature is the marble fireplace with tiled slips reputedly by William De Morgan.

Stairs lead down to the cellar where there is a utility room and a storage room which incorporates six wine bins, a coal store and wood store both with delivery chutes. A fine staircase with polished oak handrail and wrought iron balusters leads to the galleried first floor landing which overlooks the reception hall.

The light and airy master suite has a wide bay window offering south westerly views across the grounds, and an en suite bathroom.

A further well proportioned bedroom, currently used as a study, with bay window, together with a separate shower room complete the first floor accommodation.

The second floor landing has space for a sofa and TV and has a light well, ensuring natural light streams through. There are four bedrooms (three with basins), and a bathroom situated on this floor.

The floorplans give an excellent overview of the full layout and extent of the accommodation.

Gardens, Grounds & Outbuildings
Framfield Place is approached via a long sweeping gravel driveway leading to a gravelled parking area to the front of the house.

Located to the north east is a private detached double garage with electronically operated up and over door, with power and light connected.

A superb feature of the property are the private gardens which lie to the south and comprise sweeping expanses of lawn interspersed with an abundance of coniferous and deciduous shrubs and trees. A number of the trees have preservation orders including a Wellingtonia (Sequioadendron Gigantieum) which is the world's largest known species of tree. The gardens border a substantial lake which is in separate ownership.

To the end of the private section of garden lies a five bar gate giving vehicular access to Brookhouse Road, and providing access to the Cottage.

Formerly the pool house, the Cottage is a detached single storey building comprising sitting room, kitchen area, bedroom and shower room. Attached to the Cottage is a greenhouse and workshop with power and light connected, and there is also a separate greenhouse and adjoining storage room.

To the rear of the Cottage is a fully enclosed and deer-fenced formal garden, a shingled garden on the site of the former swimming pool, and a croquet lawn. The swimming pool has the potential to be reinstated as the machinery and pipe work are still connected.

The landscaped gardens back onto open fields and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside.

Location

Framfield Place is situated in an attractive rural location on the southern edge of Framfield, in the heart of East Sussex. Framfield has a primary school, a church and a pub; the market town of Uckfield (1.7 miles) offers a wide range of independent and high street shops, a leisure centre and two supermarkets, including a Waitrose. Lewes 10 miles; Haywards Heath 13 miles; Tunbridge Wells 18 miles.

Sussex offers a huge range of leisure activities, with sailing at the south coast and Bewl Water, golf across the county and many local clubs for football, rugby and cricket. Framfield is set in beautiful countryside, just south of Ashdown Forest which offers superb walking and off road riding (for which a permit is required), and close to the South Downs National Park.

There is a vibrant cultural scene in Sussex, with world-class opera at Glyndebourne, theatre at Royal Tunbridge Wells, the nearby historic County town of Lewes has an independent cinema and theatre, and the annual Brighton Festival presenting a huge programme of theatre, dance, classical music and literary events.

Rail services: Buxted (London Bridge from 63 minutes), Uckfield (London Bridge from 70 minutes), Lewes (London Victoria from 70 minutes), Haywards Heath (London Bridge/Victoria from 42 minutes).

Schools: There are a number of state and independent schools and colleges in the local area, including village primary schools in Framfield and Blackboys, Uckfield Community Technology College, Cumnor House, Great Walstead, Brambletye, Michael Hall, Mayfield School for Girls, Benenden, Bede’s, Eastbourne College and Brighton College.

All distances and journey times are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,757 sq ft


Acreage: 2.35 Acres

Directions

Travelling south on the A22, proceed past Uckfield towards Halland and turn left signposted to Framfield. Continue along this lane over a bridge and take the next right also signed to Framfield. Continue straight over at the crossroads to a T junction, turn left onto the B2102 and the property will be found after about 200 yards on the left hand side. Proceed down the driveway and the property, with its main pillared doorway to the house, will be seen straight ahead.

Additional Info

Services: Calor gas fired heating. Mains water and electricity. Shared private drainage leading to mains drainage system, separate private drainage system for Cottage.

Outgoings: Wealden District Council,[use Contact Agent Button]. Council tax band G(i).