Thorndale Farm

Believed to date from the 18th century or possibly earlier, Thorndale Farmhouse is an attractive part weatherboarded traditional farmhouse offering light-filled accommodation, arranged over two floors. Nestled in the High Weald AONB, it combines the amenities of modern living with retained character features including casement windows, exposed wall and ceiling beams and inglenook fireplace. The ground floor accommodation flows from a porch into a large 28 ft. dual aspect reception room with feature inglenook fireplace and a door to a rear hall/boot room, with further doors to the rear terrace. There is also a fitted utility room with a cloakroom and a well-proportioned rear aspect kitchen with a range of wall and base units, a Belfast sink and spaces for appliances. The ground floor accommodation is completed by a spacious 20 ft. dual aspect breakfast/dining room with a range of wall and base units, an Aga and walk-in storage.

The first floor landing leads to a spacious front aspect principal bedroom with exposed wooden flooring and built-in storage, one further well-proportioned double bedroom with open fireplace and a large modern family bathroom.

Thorndale Farm is 57.5 acres of mixed farmland, predominantly pasture with about 19 acres of arable, 2 acres of woodland, and the remaining comprises ponds, shaws and tracks. It is a particularly attractive block of farmland,
bisected by a public footpath, that would appeal equally to the smallholder, equestrian or established farmer. At present, most is down to grass. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries as to water supplies and
fencing but we understand some of the pasture is serviced by mains water.

Historical Note:
Thorndale Farm is part of the historic Ashburnham Estate and is offered for sale for the first time on the open market. Nearby Ashburnham Place was the family home of the Ashburnham family from the 12th Century. The family prospered through their land holdings in Sussex, Suffolk and Wales. John Ashburnham, the Cavalier (1603 – 1671) and his brother William were Grooms of the Bedchamber to King Charles I. John’s son was created Baron Ashburnham by William III in 1668 and his son, also John, was created Earl of Ashburnham in 1730. The Earldom became extinct on the death of Thomas the 6th Earl of Ashburnham in 1924 and the Ashburnham Estate is today owned by his sister’s descendants.

Located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the thriving village of Ashburnham includes St Peter's Parish Church, the Ashburnham Chapel, Village Hall, sports pavilion, the renowned Ash Tree Inn, as well as The Orangery Tea Room at Ashburnham Place and its 220 acres of Capability Brown grounds. Nearby Dallington (2 miles) has a post office, and within a short drive is the historic town of Battle (7 miles) with more comprehensive local amenities. The major town of Royal Tunbridge Wells (20 miles) and the county town of Lewes (22 miles) both offer extensive shopping, services, transport links, and recreational and leisure amenities. The beaches at Bexhill-on-Sea, Eastbourne and the South Coast (within a 15 mile radius) provide a wide range of activities for water sports enthusiasts. Battle station offers regular direct trains to central London in less than 80 minutes, while the A21 at Battle links to the M25 and M26 and gives easy access to the national road and motorway network and to London and its airports. The area offers a good selection of state primary and secondary schools, together with a number of well regarded independent schools including Battle Abbey, Vinehall, Mayfield, Skipper’s Hill Manor, Bede’s, Marlborough House, Eastbourne College and Tonbridge.

The property is approached from a long driveway to the side providing parking for numerous vehicles and giving access to extensive hardstanding with a range of outbuildings. Near the driveway you come to a timber stable block with three loose boxes. Behind this is a larger 74ft steel framed building. Nearby are two other buildings, one subdivided into 4 units and one 28ft general purpose building. All have development potential, subject to all necessary planning consents.

The mature garden surrounding the property is laid mainly to level lawn bordered by cottagestyle planting, mature shrubs and trees and features block-paved front and rear aspect paved terraces, ideal for entertaining and al fresco dining. Completing the garden is an attractive traditional weatherboarded building in the rear garden. The property enjoys far reaching views over the 57.5 acres of land.

Marketed by: Strutt & Parker, Lewes