5 bedroom equestrian property for sale

A charming 'mini country estate' set in this fine location, away from other properties, in about 26 acres.

Description

Thought to date from the 16th century, with later additions, this extended and renovated Grade II listed house exudes charm and great character inside and out, occupying an excellent position on its own land, raised up and away from neighbours. The property is also supported by a range of useful ancillary buildings, including the detached one bedroom cottage and quality stabling, together with a generous land holding of gardens and grounds, ancient woodland and paddocks, giving the feel of a mini country estate.

The Furnace is thought to be the former Ironmasters house, and is the site of the original Waldron Furnace . The blast furnace began operation by 1560 and continued for some 200 years. It smelted locally sourced iron ore with charcoal sourced from the ancient woodland to make cast iron, cannon balls and later, guns. It is believed that The Furnace was owned by the prominent Pelham family until the 18th century.

Features inside include exposed brick and natural oak stud work, together with beamed ceilings and polished oak flooring. There is also a variety of attractive fireplaces, some fitted with wood burning stoves. The bathrooms are modern and well appointed, the majority of fittings by Chadder & Co with some also benefitting from electric under floor heating, while the kitchen/dining room is an exceptional space and design, focused around a large recessed Lacanche range cooker and fitted with bespoke, painted Chalon base cupboards and a very large Maple topped island unit, all finished in a combination of timber, topped with marble worksurfaces. This room, combines with the modern garden room through a wide opening, creating an overall length of approximately 46 feet, making for an exceptional informal, family living space. Both these areas benefit from central heating under the extensive tiled limestone flooring and the garden room takes full advantage of the fine views over the grounds through oak, full height windows and triple sliding doors, which open out onto the rear terracing.

Outside, the gated drive approach leads up from the lower garden and grounds to the house, past the cottage and the orchard planted with rare varieties of English Apple and Pear, up to a turning circle and large garage. Mature specimen trees here form a wonderful park-like setting and include an impressive mature oak to the turning circle, a prominent weeping pear, large Magnolia, Japanese Maple and a fine mature mulberry tree. There is also wisteria over part of the house and beyond the terrace to the rear, there is a feature boxed hedge parterre, which is shielded on the flank by an impressive row of pleached lime trees.

The six paddocks are a short distance from the impressive Oak framed stable block and have access to water and three of them have field shelters. They are also serviced by a separate road access in from the lane.

The ancient woodland leads off from the garden and paddocks, with about 15 acres, made up of Hornbeam and Ash coppice with a large number of Oak standards. The woodland makes for delightful private walking or riding, with a network of pathways and complete with a large secluded pond. There is also a wood store and another gated lane access, complete with a generous hard standing area for heavy vehicle access.

At the entrance, on the lower front, there is an extensive, picturesque pond fed by three streams, with the tennis court beyond here. This front area has a footpath running through the land as illustrated on our site plan. However, the main garden behind the house, onto the woodland and paddocks is all private.

Location

The Furnace is located in a semi-rural position within the High Weald National Landscape, off a small country lane just outside of Horam village.

Horam is reached within approximately 1 miles, with good local amenities including a butchers, a pharmacy, a post office and Co-op supermarket and for wine-lovers Hidden Springs Vineyard has a shop on Vines Cross Road.

Heathfield lies approximately 2.5 miles to the north offering a wider range of shops including a Waitrose, Tesco, Co-op and Sainsburys, cafes, restaurants, opticians, Italian deli and an animal feed store, whilst Tunbridge Wells is approximately 17 miles to the north and Eastbourne approximately 14.8 miles to the south.

Private and state schools: Maynards Green Community Primary School is approximately reached within approximately 0.9 miles and there is further choice in Heathfield. At secondary level, options include Heathfield, Wadhurst and Uckfield Community Colleges and independent schools include Skippers Hill Preparatory School (Five Ashes), Bedes Senior School in Upper Dicker, Mayfield School for Girls and Brighton and Eastbourne Colleges.

Mainline rail: Buxted railway station approximately 7.6 miles London Bridge from 1 hr 16 mins (Southern), or Stonegate station approximately 9.4 miles with regular commuter services to London Charing Cross from 1hr 13 mins (South Eastern).

Local leisure amenities include the picturesque Cuckoo trail, accessible from West Street Lane, which is part of the National Cycle network running from Heathfield to Shinewater Park, Eastbourne (passing through Horam, Hailsham and Polegate), Horam tennis and football clubs, Isenhurst Country Club and rugby and tennis clubs in Cross in Hand, and a cricket club and the Star Inn in Old Heathfield.

Square Footage: 4,456 sq ft


Acreage: 26.64 Acres

Additional Info

Situated in the High Weald National Landscape.

Please note there is a tree protection order to a collection of Oaks along the south boundary.

Services: Mains water and electricity. Oil Central Heating. Private Drainage. We are unaware if the private drainage system meets current regulations, buyers to make their own investigations.

Agents note: Please note that there is a public footpath running through the land to the West boundary as per the land plan.

Outgoings: Wealden District Council

The Annexe Council Tax Rating: A