Wayside Vines Cross Road | Horam | Heathfield | TN21 0HE Wayside.indd 1
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Seller Insight Situated in an enviable semi-rural location on the edge of the thriving village of Horam is Wayside, a very handsome period home that sits in around one and a half acres of beautiful grounds. “In terms of what attracted us to this property when we came across it twelve years ago, I’d say it was the whole package,” says the owner. “We had been looking for a really good example of a large Edwardian house in a location that was peaceful yet not isolated, and with Wayside we found it all. I remember the very first viewing: we drove up the road, turned into the driveway and that was it, we were totally sold even before setting foot inside.” “The house was definitely in need of a fair amount of TLC when we came here and over time we’ve ended up doing rather a lot, but all in a very sympathetic manner. We added an extension, which gave us a large kitchen and we transformed what would have been the original servants quarters into a guest suite – which is so nice that visitors often comment that it’s like staying in a luxury hotel – and we updated the décor throughout. The house retains lots of lovely original features, so it still has a great deal of character, but the work we’ve done has brought it all up to a really good state of repair, so not only does it look just lovely throughout, but everything is in excellent working order. In short it’s a house that I’d say combines modern living with Edwardian charm.” “The garden is another really splendid feature of the property and is so large that we decided to add pathways that meander from front to back to create different areas,” continues the owner. “But the garden still has a very open feel – it backs onto a vineyard - and there are numerous really impressive old trees that give it the feel of parkland. It’s a very peaceful space, totally private and it’s a place where you can sit out, relax and feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.” “Our lovely big country kitchen is where we tend to spend a lot of our time,” says the owner. “We have a huge dining table and an island that we can all sit around, so it’s a very sociable space, and it also has French doors that open onto the garden, so when the weather is warm we can fling them open and create a really nice connection between inside and out.” “I think what makes the location so special is the combination of the peaceful seclusion of our immediate surroundings and the convenience of being just a short walk from the all of the shops and amenities of the village,” says the owner. “And as we both work extremely hard, to be able to come home at the end of the day to utter peace and tranquility has been wonderful.” “I’m a classic car enthusiast so as well as a double garage – which has my home office above – we also had a cart shed built which can accommodate two more cars,” says the owner, “and it would be possible to fit ten or twelve cars on the driveway, so we’re definitely not short of parking.” “Our children have left home now and this house really needs a family to fill it and enjoy all it has to offer, so we have decided the time has come to downsize,” says the owner. “It’s a beautiful house and it’s been the most wonderful family home and so in terms of what I’ll miss I’d have to say absolutely everything.” * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
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Step inside Wayside
We are pleased to offer to the market this recently extended and restyled detached Edwardian Family Home. Set in a plot of approximately 1.5 acres of park like gardens and grounds, the house offers an expansive and flexible array of accommodation arranged over three floors. On the outskirts of the village of Horam, ‘Wayside’ can be found on a peaceful residential street, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of daily life providing the owners with an oasis of calm yet within walking distance of all local amenities. Lived in by the current owners for the past twelve years, great care has been taken to bring what was an ageing home through to the very pinnacle of the 21st Century. Whilst retaining many original features the house has benefitted from two and three storey extensions to the side and rear, creating a perfect juxtaposition of the old and the new. The end result being a beautiful and exquisite homage to the Edwardian era but with every modern touch you could ask for. No stone has been left unturned in the recreation of this property and any family would be lucky to call ‘Wayside’ their home. As you turn off Vines Cross Road you pass through the property’s old Edwardian iron gates upon entering the driveway. The original Edwardian façade remains and it is this view that the current owners first fell in love with. The driveway is expansive offering parking for 10-12 vehicles, and for the car enthusiasts not only is there a double garage but also a Roundwood double oak framed cart shed custom built to accommodate larger cars. The house is completely screened from the street and neighbouring properties by established and mature trees, so the moment you step out onto the drive and walk up to the front door you could quite literally be anywhere. Ground Floor: Stepping up to the front door, a little covered veranda greets you, sheltering you from the rain in the winter months. The door opens into the original entrance hallway, to the right a space for coats just before the dog leg staircase which leads up to the first floor. To the left you will find the first of two reception rooms. The drawing room is situated at the front of the house and benefits from original working bay windows overlooking the front and double doors which open out onto the side decking. This room is your first glimpse of the quality which is evident throughout; decorated with ‘Farrow & Ball’ colours this room is a light, bright and comfortable space in which to relax. The high ceilings and original working fireplace are enhanced by the fitted bookcases on either side of the
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chimney breast, additionally the old servants bell push has been retained reminding you of the history of the property. Beyond the drawing room is the snug, similar in size to the first reception room but designed with a different purpose in mind. The same attention to detail is evident in the feature Art Deco Fireplace and servants bell push. Bay windows and doors lead out onto side decking allowing a great deal of flexibility in social situations connecting these two rooms in the summer months. The final room on the ground floor prior to the 2008 extension is the old kitchen; now being utilised as a multi purpose space in which the pantry can be found and the new Rayburn Boiler, the latter fitted within the old fireplace as part of the renovation. Features here include original cupboards, windows and the Servants Room Bell Call Box. The rear hallway separates the front of the house from the large kitchen/dining room at the rear. A personnel side door leads out to the driveway and garaging which has been commonly used on a day to day basis allowing quick access to the heart of the home. Not only is there plenty of space to hang your coat and place your shoes but the hallway leads to the downstairs cloakroom which features a ‘Geberit’ loo and ‘Kohler’ sink. The hallway is separated from the kitchen by internal windows allowing light to flow naturally from the kitchen. The big country kitchen really is quite incredible and occupies the same space as the previous reception areas combined. A complete space including a full range of fitted Mark Wilkinson base units, kitchen island, crockery cupboards, seating areas with storage under and a slightly separated utility area including a large butler sink and washer/dryer. The current dining table can comfortably sit eight, however it is feasible that an even larger table could reside. Additional features here include underfloor heating, the Falcon Range Master Cooker plus two sets of double doors which open out onto the rear garden.There is a rear staircase which mirrors that at the front of the house leading up to the first floor, but more about that a little later.
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First floor: Back to the front door and the dog leg staircase leads up to the first floor landing. Originally three bedrooms and the bathroom could be found, but as part of the renovation now you will find a large bedroom with a balcony overlooking the front lawn. The smallest bedroom has been turned into a dressing area/walk in wardrobe and sole access is granted to the bedroom. The character features have been retained with a pretty fireplace whilst a modern radiator with bespoke cover has been installed. Bedroom number two sits above the snug and like the rest of the house has been decorated in light ‘Farrow & Ball’ colours; a good sized double bedroom with feature fireplace and an original bay window overlooking the side garden. The main family bathroom is stunning; the suite is by ‘Villeroy & Boch’ with ‘Porcelanosa’ fittings and is complemented by an American walnut bespoke basin stand and cupboard. From here a staircase leads up to the 2nd floor, the original servants quarters, but first a door can be found connecting the first floor landing at the front of the house with that of the rear. Occupying the space above the kitchen is the master suite, exquisitely designed to cater for even the most demanding of couples, complete with en-suite bathroom, walk in wardbrobe and dressing area plus two sets of double doors opening out onto the rear balcony which overlooks the garden beyond. The en-suite is by ‘Villeroy & Boch’ with a ‘Porcelanosa’ bath and fittings and boasts a ‘Gessi’ walk in shower, ‘Alessi Laufen’ basin and underfloor heating. The walk in wardrobe is the size of a small bedroom and features built in wardrobes with sliding doors, well organised to accommodate both his and hers clothing and shoes. Finally the first floor is completed by the home office; the biggest ‘bedroom’ in the house in which the current owners run their business. Occupying the space above the double garage it is clear the current owners spend a lot of time in the rear of the house supplemented by the secondary staircase giving direct access back to the kitchen below. Second Floor: Finally, as you return to the original landing, a staircase leads up to the top floor. Formerly the servants quarters but now converted into the guest floor some have likened to a hotel suite. Prior to the three storey extension at the rear, two small bedrooms occupied this space. However now we have one large bedroom at the front, a ‘Rocket’ bathroom suite by Lefroy Brooks just behind and lastly the ‘sixth’ bedroom which has been set up as a full gym, with plenty of additional eaves storage.
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Step outside Wayside
Outside the gardens wrap around the house on three sides and include over 70 mature trees including a 120 year old Oak, Portuguese Laurel, Scottish Pine, Ash, Hornbeam, Weeping Willow, Oak & Yew. Younger fruit trees can also be found in the rear including apple, cherry, plum & quince. The gardens have been landscaped and different sections created using a Breedon Bonded Gravel pathway (as used by the National Trust). These paths lead to a fully powered and heated summer house with log burner and decked area; a large Greek styled pergola; and Dutch style Barn in which to keep all your gardening equipment and logs. The garden has been fenced on all sides and is fully dog proofed, however a five bar gate still provides vehicular access to the rear. Locally I have already mentioned the village of Horam which caters for your everyday needs; doctors, dentists, pharmacy, school, cafes and a Co-Operative. Also occupying the land behind Wayside is the ‘Hidden Springs Vineyard’ which is a favoured place for a spot of lunch in the summer months. Further afield you have the towns of Heathfield, Uckfield, Crowborough & Tunbridge Wells, and also the coastal towns of Eastbourne, Battle, Hastings, Bexhill & Brighton.
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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright Š 2017 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 06959315 Registered Office: Morgan Alexander Kent Ltd (formerly Fine & Country Kent Ltd.) 36 King Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1BS. Printed 25.07.2018
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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1825 767575 uckfield@fineandcountry.com 160 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AT
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