Tanyard Manor

GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000 - £3,000,000. NO CHAIN. PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO TOUR AND NAVIGATE THE 3D VIRTUAL TOUR. Have you ever wanted to own a spectacular character family home accompanied with a genuine historic past?

An absolutely stunning Grade II listed fifteenth century manor house which spans over 9,800 sq ft, including a self-contained annexe and various outbuildings. The grounds extend to over 8 acres and includes a four car open bay garage, heated outside swimming pool, all weather tennis court, six hole practice golf course, croquet lawn or putting green, fishing lake, pond, stream and paddock.

This unique historic home has been in the same family for almost 50 years with many key features lovingly restored. Nevertheless, a new owner may wish to modernize some parts according to taste. The cost of this could well be offset, if desired, by the sale of the three agricultural barns which have full planning permission and listed building consent granted to convert to a three bedroom detached dwelling.

The History

Tanyard Manor is steeped in history. The original part of the house was built in the mid 1400’s and was used as a medieval tannery run by the monks of St Pancras in Lewes. The original tannery pits and well, used in the tannery process, are still in evidence. There were later half timbered additions to Tanyard Manor in the 16th and 17th centuries. Tanyard Manor became one of the two manor houses in the area. There is rumoured to have been a hidden tunnel between Tanyard Manor and Broadhurst Manor where church treasures were hidden during the Cromwell era in the mid-1600s.

The house also boasts royal connections, as Queen Victoria once stayed here on her way back from Brighton to London.

The owner of Tanyard Manor is a member of the Historic Houses Association and was active in helping to shape tax legislation to protect the heritage in the 1970s. Tanyard Manor used to be open to the public on a limited basis, with multiple historic exhibits demonstrating its early history as one of the first tanneries in the middle of an oak forest.

The house certainly offers a genuine connection with English medieval history.

The House

You enter the house through the main original front door and into a light entrance hallway with casement window to the side. To the left of the hallway is the main dining room and to the right is the main drawing room both accessed by old oak doors. The main drawing room dates back to the 1400s. It is an absolutely stunning room being double aspect with three casement windows facing over the grounds beyond. It truly packs a genuine ‘wow’ factor. The room is 24’11 x 16’4 and is large enough for an array of living room seating and other free standing furniture. It has a wealth of original beams including a large bressummer beam and a very impressive inglenook fireplace. The fireplace also has the original bread oven still in existence one side and an indented storage shelf the other. The space either side of the fire grate is large enough for the storage of logs and seating. There is an unseen staircase from the drawing room which provides private access to certain bedrooms and bathrooms above. This drawing room is wonderfully cool in the warmer months and yet extremely cosy in the colder months. It would also make the most fantastic room at Christmas with the family tree taking pride of place.

From the drawing room one can pass through an old oak door leading to an inner hallway with ancient dark oak flooring, and an external door leading out to the stone terrace with the original well and outline of the old tanning pits. At the end of the inner hallway is the study/sitting room with thick stone walls dating from the 1600s, with original beams and bressummer beam. It is a very light room with five stone mullion casement windows, and a large inglenook fireplace with attractive carved stone surround. The fireplace has two wooden settles either side of the fire grate providing a unique seating position close to the fire. This wonderful historic room measures 18’3 x 14’5 and can be very versatile in its use; currently it is being used by my client as a study.

Retracing your steps along the inner hallway takes you back into the drawing room with an old oak latched door to the right leading into the family room/snug. This unique vibrant room has a hunting scene fresco covering all four walls, recreated by a famous French artist, in the style typical of great houses in the early Tudor period. The room boasts the original massive bressummer beams from the 1400s with a large inglenook fireplace and two casement windows.

Continuing forward is another inner hallway with access to a downstairs cloakroom with storage cupboard, and the main stairs which lead to the first and second floors. The hallway also provides access to the kitchen/breakfast room and to the dining room. The kitchen/breakfast room is a large room which measures 20’3 x 18’7. It is a light room with three large casement windows affording double aspect views over the grounds. There is an impressive 4 oven AGA which creates not only a unique cooking experience, but also warms the kitchen throughout the year. The kitchen comprises stone tiled flooring, built in seating bench, numerous storage cupboards and drawers, stainless steel sink and drainer and circular prep sink, space and plumbing for a dishwasher, space for an undercounter fridge and a large walk in pantry. Another oak latched door takes you to a storage larder, separate toilet and laundry room. The laundry room has space and plumbing for a washing machine, a dryer and freestanding fridge/freezer, and two sinks. The kitchen/breakfast room also leads into a useful utility/boot room, containing a double sink and drainer with storage cupboards and drawers underneath. There are two large double built in storage cupboards and the external oak door most often used as the access for family and friends.

The dining room completes the downstairs layout, and measures 18’8 x 18’8 with two casement windows offering a double aspect view over the grounds. This room again has the original oak beams and large bressummer beam, and a fireplace with an attractive stone carved surround. The room can easily accommodate a selection of large dining room furniture. Although my client uses this as their dining room, it could serve many uses according to taste. The second door from this room leads back to the main entrance hallway and thus provides a circular thoroughfare around the ground floor of the house.

Back into the hallway is the staircase to the first floor. On this floor can be found six double bedrooms and three bathrooms (all of which could provide en-suite configuration). There are two potential master bedrooms on this floor, each with distinct character and style.

The first (1) is a stunning triple aspect room with five stone mullion casement windows, original beams and a large bressummer beam. This is another ‘wow’ room with brick hearth fireplace and original beam above. The bedroom has an inner hallway which leads to an en-suite bathroom if so selected, and a second bedroom (2) currently used as a large dressing room. The en-suite bathroom has two casement windows which overlook the vegetable gardens, orchard and fields beyond. It also has a Jacuzzi/bath with shower over, a large sauna, W/C, wash basin, heated towel rail, and an attractive decorative fireplace with black iron grate. The second bedroom/dressing room measures 16’10 x 10’9 and has four built in wardrobes. On the other side of the room are triple mirrored built in wardrobes and a large brick fireplace faces the window overlooking the grounds. This whole wing provides considerable flexibility as to use depending on the owner’s preferences and requirements.

From the first floor landing one can take five steps to another landing and access to the west and south-west wing. A sharp right leads to two double bedrooms, a large double linen cupboard with an independent water heater, and a bathroom with a power shower, WC and hand basin. These bedrooms (3 and 4) are bright and breezy, and can provide privacy with the bathroom as guest bedrooms, or indeed for older children to have their own space.

Back out on the landing and to the right is the bedroom (5) which my client uses as the master bedroom. It is a hugely impressive room measuring 19’5 x 19’0 and commanding double aspect views to the south and west over the grounds. It has the original beams and huge bressummer beam with a large vertical beam support. There is a large brick fireplace which provides an attractive focal point and completes the feel of a wonderful historic bedroom, which leads to an en-suite bathroom containing a bath, WC, bidet and wash basin. A second door from this bathroom leads to a small landing and the bedroom/dressing room (2), plus one further south facing bedroom (6) and a private staircase leading down into the main drawing room. This allows for considerable flexibility as to the use of the bathroom, whether en-suite as now or otherwise. The south facing bedroom is another large oak beamed room with double aspect views over the grounds to the south and east.

From the first floor landing the stairs rise to the second floor. There are three rooms on this floor which provide exceptional versatility regarding their uses. The largest room measures 16’2 x 14’11 and could be a great guest bedroom (7), although equally could be a games room, a teenage den or even a studio. The second room (8) provides a wonderful vantage point over the swimming pool, tennis court and grounds beyond. This room is again versatile in its use, as it could be a double bedroom, games room or again perhaps a studio. The other room on this floor has limited natural daylight, but could readily be a small study/library, or an au pair’s room, or turned into a bathroom for the two bedrooms on this level. By doing so, this could create in effect a self-contained area on this floor with bedroom, bathroom and living room. Together with the self-contained cottage in the grounds, and the site with planning permission for a three bedroom house, this would create a genuine opportunity for muti-generational living with defined separate spaces.

This completes the accommodation for the main house of Tanyard Manor.

Cottage/ Gym / Office

This additional detached building offers a four car open bay garage, two offices with full internet connectivity, a completely self-contained cottage, a gym or games room, three store rooms and a large workshop.

The cottage is a perfect space for a member of staff, an elderly relative, an older child wanting their independence from the main household, or as guest accommodation. It consists of a kitchen on the ground floor with enough room for a dining room table and chairs. There is an electric oven and hob, sink, wall and base units, and plumbing and space for a washing machine. There are stairs from the kitchen to the first floor where there is an open plan space used as a living area, a bathroom, and a bedroom measuring 16’4 x 9’11. There is a door from this bedroom which leads to another room measuring 16’4 x 12’4. My client uses this room and the next adjoining room as an office for himself and his PA. These rooms have impressive vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, with lovely elevated views over the grounds beyond. The offices have separate access via an external staircase from ground level. Again, depending on requirements, there is considerable flexibility in the future use of this space.

The gym/games room measures 21’3 x 13’9 and has a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, three skylights letting in natural daylight and a large wall mounted mirror. This room comfortably fits a table tennis table, pool table and a selection of gym equipment. Adjacent to the gym/games room can be found a log store, general store room, workshop with power and light, outside toilet and yet another room, presently used for office storage, but could easily become a den or study or similar.

The Grounds

Tanyard Manor occupies an elevated position with a long, sweeping driveway leading to the house. The driveway offers a striking vista across the extensive park-like grounds, set in some 8.5 acres of rural gardens dotted with magnificent oaks to remind one of its early history.

There is plenty to enjoy within the grounds, including a heated outdoor swimming pool with diving board, a tennis court, a six-hole practice golf course, and a fishing lake on the eastern side fed by a natural stream that runs throughout, not to mention the gym for fitness enthusiasts.

Also to the east is a large pond fed by the stream, with a walkway to a small central island. This feature has an array of water plants, and is encircled by rhoededendrum bushes and gunnera plants. Several pathways meander through the woods, which are awash with a carpet of bluebells and wild garlic in the spring.

Closer to the main house is a walled vegetable and fruit garden with three brick base glasshouses. One houses three long established grape vines which produce regularly every year. The other two are for general vegetable and fruit growing. There is a small orchard and fruit plants just next to the glasshouses and these produce the following; strawberries, blueberries, apples, cherries, pears, figs, redcurrants, blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberries and white raspberries.

To the northern boundary of the grounds is a large paddock which has in the past been used for horses, with mains water connections for a trough etc.

From the swimming pool one can walk into the sunken garden with an abundance of shrubs, which takes you down to a secluded summer house, and the woods beyond.

The large terrace outside the drawing room and study is a great spot for summer entertaining, with its own external access. Wired for its own sound system, one can relax next to the original well from the 1400s used for washing the hides during the tanning process, and visualize a bygone era whilst enjoying tranquil elevated views of the grounds to the south and east.

The Barns….With Planning Permission Approved

There are three agricultural barns within the grounds of Tanyard Manor which front onto Horsted Lane with vehicle access. The barns sit behind the garden wall and cottage, and are not readily visible from the main house, even at higher elevations.

My client has obtained full planning permission and listed buildings consent for conversion of these agricultural barns to a c.1,345sq ft three bedroom detached luxury contemporary dwelling. The planned conversion draws inspiration from the original agricultural nature and style of the existing buildings. The proposed plans briefly comprises; entrance hall, reception room, open plan living/kitchen, office, two ground floor bedrooms, bathroom and a first floor principal bedroom suite. Full plans can be viewed on the Mid Sussex District Planning Portal Reference: DM/20/1518.

The intention is to sell this valuable site with the estate as one lot, but it could be sold off independently if the new owners determined that it was not required.

The Location

Tanyard Manor is situated in the conservation area of Sharpthorne, which is a pretty village surrounded by beautiful countryside in the high weald area of outstanding natural beauty. Sharpthorne has a village convenience store and a coffee shop. Sharpthorne leads directly into the village of West Hoathly which has a village primary school, various village sports clubs, two pubs (The Cat and The Fox), and the renowned Gravetye Manor Country House Hotel with its Michelin-starred restaurant. West Hoathly is only 2 miles and a five minute drive from Tanyard Manor. There is a vast network of footpaths and bridleways which criss-cross their way over the nearby countryside to Tanyard Manor, ideal for dog walking or running.

From Tanyard Manor the main high streets of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath are only a short drive away. They are both thriving commuter towns, with a range of High Street and independent shops, bars, independent and chain restaurants, schools, parks, library, leisure centre and major brand supermarkets including Sainsburys and Waitrose. Haywards Heath is neighboured by attractive villages including Lindfield and Cuckfield both with popular High Streets and East Grinstead by the villages of Copthorne, Crawley Down and Forest Row. The South Downs National Park is also close by.

The nearby West Hoathly village primary school has an excellent reputation, and the local area is well served by a number of other primary schools. Nearby secondary schools include Oathall Community College in Haywards Heath, Warden Park in Cuckfield, and Sackville and Imberhorne in East Grinstead offer both secondary and sixth form education. There are also a number of private prep schools in the local area including Brambletye, Great Walstead, Handcross Park and Cumnor House, together with public schools Ardingly, Hurstpierpoint College, Worth and Burgess Hill Girls. These and some of the County's other excellent schools including Brighton College, Roedean, Lancing College and Bedes. All run a school bus service with pick up points close by. There is a sixth form college in Haywards Heath as well.

The area offers excellent transport links; Haywards Heath mainline railway station is 15 minutes (5 miles) away, and offers fast and frequent commuter services to London Bridge/Victoria/St. Pancras International, journey time from 42 minutes. The A23 lies just over 10 miles to the west providing a direct route to the M23 motorway network with the M25 being only 16 miles away. Gatwick Airport is just over 12 miles to the north, the cosmopolitan city of Brighton and the coast is 20 miles to the south.

The towns of Haywards Heath and East Grinstead and surrounding villages offer a range of leisure activities at youth and adult levels, including football, rugby, cricket, dance and local theatre. There are golf courses at Haywards Heath, Lindfield, Ditchling, Piltdown, Royal Ashdown, and many other courses across Sussex. There is horse racing at Goodwood, Lingfield and Plumpton, and sailing at nearby Weir Wood reservoir, Ardingly reservoir and the coast. The surrounding area is picturesque countryside with the South Downs and Ashdown Forest national parks and numerous historic and charming villages close by. The National Trust Gardens of Wakehurst Place and Nymans are both a short distance from Tanyard Manor. The Bluebell Railway (1 mile away to Horsted Keynes station) runs steam locomotive journeys on its 11 mile line between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead and is a popular local attraction.

Nearby spa and country house hotels include; Ockenden Manor, Alexander House, Gravetye Manor, Ashdown Park and South Lodge. Lewes and the City of Brighton and Hove offer theatres, cinemas, shopping and restaurants, and there is the world renowned Opera House at Glyndebourne.

Come and have a look around Tanyard Manor and you will experience its charm and unique history, and see its potential as an extremely versatile home that will serve a growing family for many years to come. Modern life is always changing - this home can change with you, and give you the perfect balance of peaceful countryside living, with easy access to London and its major airports.

















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