5 bedroom house

A charming Grade II listed farmhouse in need of updating located on the fringes of the Ashdown Forest with gardens, paddock and woodland.


Description

A delightful timber framed Grade II listed farm house, full of character and nicely presented, but now in need of updating having been occupied by the same family since the 1960s.

The property enjoys a tucked away semi-rural position on the outskirts of Crowborough and benefits from a beautiful mature garden with a fine outlook to the rear and a good landholding of about 13 acres in total, including a paddock of about two acres and woodland of about ten acres providing a tranquil haven for wildlife.

Hoadleys Farm House is a fascinating house, believed to have been the Game Keepers Lodge to the Buckhurst Estate, probably dating back to the late 14th or early 15th Century. According to the listing, “the property has a good example of an inserted smoke-bay and stack in an open hall which clearly illustrates the evolution of a small medieval house” and it is likely that there was a dwelling here in 1151.

There are many other character features including impressive exposed timbers, an inglenook fireplace and leaded light windows. The house was sold off by the Estate in the 1930s and has evolved over time with later extensions added to create a lovely family home.

The garden is a particularly stunning feature, stretching mostly to the rear and beautifully planted with trees and shrubs including camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias and with swathes of under-planted spring bulbs providing wonderful colour.

The magnificent old Yew tree is believed to be around 500 years old and forms a wonderful focal point. There is a covered seating area, two ponds and well stocked borders providing screening.

The field beyond the garden is hedged and fenced and extends gently down to the woodland access, over to the left. This is an idyllic natural environment with wild flowers including bluebells and attracting an abundance of wildlife.

The woodland is bounded by a stream, neighbouring woodland and a public footpath, which traces around the two far sides to the southern boundary (see plan) and is included within the land. This enables a walk through to the Ashdown Forest which lies to the west.

Location

Hoadleys Lane is a narrow lane running between London Road and St Johns Road on the western edge of Crowborough.

The property is within about 1.2 miles of Waitrose and other shops and supermarkets in the town centre and about 3.8 miles from Eridge Station (Southern Rail) providing commuter services to London.

Tunbridge Wells is the principal town in the area, lying to the north and reached within about 8 miles. This also has a mainline station serving London (South East trains) and extensive shopping, leisure and entertainment amenities.

Schools in the area include primary schools in Crowborough, including one at St Johns, and The Beacon Academy secondary school. Private schools include Holmewood House preparatory in Langton Green and co-ed senior schools in Sevenoaks, Eastbourne, Upper Dicker (Bedes) and Brighton as well as Tonbridge for boys and Mayfield for girls.

The historic Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of open heathland extending to about 6500 acres in all and occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, the Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public spaces in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying the spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the "home of Winnie-the-Pooh."

Square Footage: 2,412 sq ft




Acreage: 13.2 Acres

Directions

TN6 1TH: From Tunbridge Wells, take the Langton Road (A264), then down the hill to Groombridge village. On reaching the roundabout take the second exit onto the B2110. Remain on this road for about 2.4 miles and then bear left onto the London Road. After a further 1.3 miles, turn right into Hoadleys Lane and at the junction turn right and the entrance to Hoadleys Farm House will be seen almost immediately on the left.


Additional Info

Agent’s note: The existing double garage has been demolished in anticipation of replacement with a new garage as agreed by the planning permission granted Reference: WD/2020/1587/FR, dated 21/01/21.

Lot 2: An area of orchard measuring 1.26 acres lying to the east of Hoadleys Farm House is available by separate negotiation. See plan.

Marketed by: Savills, Tunbridge Wells