Old Orchard Lewes Road | Blackboys | Uckfield | East Sussex | TN22 5LG Old Orchard.indd 1
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Seller Insight Tucked neatly back from Lewes road stands this outstanding, spacious, family home. Sitting amidst its stunningly landscaped garden, it is a house which offers comfort and luxury and has been a much treasured family home for Robert and Margaret for the past 18 years. Conveniently, the house is on the edge of the friendly village of Blackboys which contains a highly rated primary school, an active village community and a proper country pub, all just minutes from the house. The impressive towns of Uckfield and Heathfield are equidistant from the house, both offering a wealth of amenities from quality supermarkets, alongside traditional high streets containing many independent, artisan, food shops. Education establishments for older children are located here, together with the opportunities to pursue a wide range of interests. The local stations offer a choice of journeys into the capital and, of course, it is easy to travel to LeShuttle, or the channel ports, for trips to the continent. Brighton is very close, as are other delightful towns and villages and, with the South Downs being easy to access it is, indeed, a dream location. “We did not live far away and, for some time, had been looking for a larger family home, one located in a rural spot. We had almost given up until we stepped over the threshold of Old Orchard and both knew, at once, that this was to be our future home. It was built in 1976 for his own occupation by a local builder, in a timeless, classic, design and, of course, constructed to a very high specification. The house was in good order when we moved in but, throughout the years, we have replaced and refurbished for it to become such a brilliant property. It is a true family home in every sense of the word, one which has enabled us all to enjoy personal space to pursue hobbies and pastimes.” “We really do like all of the rooms, but the light and airy reception room is delightful. Great all year round but special in the winter with a log fire.” “Our garden has been very special for us and we have given it as much love and care as we have to the house. It provides colour and interest throughout the year. It is a place where we can relax to enjoy al fresco dining, or to relish quiet times and take pleasure in the sights and sounds of the fabulous surrounding local environs”. “We have hosted so many happy events here, whether for family BBQs, or large sociable occasions the house and garden are ideal no matter how many guests.” “It is purely for logistic reasons that we must say farewell to what has been a magnificent for home for us all. Its size, design and wonderful location make for a high quality of life”. * 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 Old Orchard
We are pleased to offer to the market for the first time in nearly twenty years ‘Old Orchard’. Set in an elevated position in the sought after village of Blackboys sits this fantastic four bedroomed family home. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and mature trees this secluded property offers everything a growing family could ask for. As you turn off the road, the house is situated at the end of a private drive which serves two other properties. Passing by the garage and wood store, ample parking is provided on the gravelled drive with a turning circle. Set well back from the road and in an elevated position the house comes into sight as you make your way up the path, passing by attractive shrubs and flower beds well tended by the current owners. Access is granted to the house via an enclosed double glazed glass porch which offers plenty of natural light which in turn flows through into the hallway. Its great to have this space to allow for coats and shoes to be taken off before stepping into the entrance hall. The moment you do you realise this house has great proportions, with all rooms leading off the hallway plus the staircase rising to the first floor. If you take a right you enter the lounge which benefits from occupying the full depth of the house. Windows face out to the front and rear allowing a good transfer of light into this main reception area. One of the great benefits is the open archway leading through into a secondary reception area which has served a multitude of purposes in the time the sellers have been here, this includes a music room and study. Double doors also lead out from here to the rear creating a very sociable space in the summer months. A further feature of this large L-shaped lounge is the open fireplace with hand selected Italian limestone surround. The kitchen occupies the other rear corner of the property and is also accessed back from the hallway. A range of fitted wall and base units are complimented by the Turkish Granite work surfaces and what’s really surprising upon entering the kitchen is how much dining space there is here too, with a table and chairs comfortably sitting four to six people. In addition to the ever useful
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pantry you will find a very sizeable utility room beyond the door leading out into the garden; here the boiler as well as further amenities can be found. Finally at the front of the house, with windows over looking the front garden and views over the protected Woodland Trust across the road, is the dining room. Whilst utilised as a formal dining space it could be used for in a number of guises depending on your needs. With the benefit of having dining space in the kitchen this room could be used as a snug, playroom or office. Before stepping up to the first floor your attention should be drawn a large coat cupboard opposite the front porch and the downstairs cloakroom complete with WC and wash hand basin; occupying the space underneath the dog leg staircase, with a window allowing natural light in from the front garden it is surprising how large it is. The first floor landing mirrors the expansive space of the hall below and benefits from light flooding in from a large window over the stairs which helps bathe the hall in light too; from here four large bedrooms and a two bathrooms can be found. The first double bedroom occupies the space above the dining room and benefits from a large wardrobe unit with sliding doors plus views over the front garden and across to the protected woodland trust. Bedroom two sits above the kitchen and makes for a great guest double room with views out to the rear garden beyond. Bedroom three is also a double although is currently utilised as a home office again benefitting from windows overlooking the rear garden; a built in wardrobe has proved useful, and a similar cupboard accessed from the landing holds the hot water tank. The family bathroom is next; a complete suite comprising of bath, separate shower cubicle, wash hand basin and WC. Lastly the master suite is above the lounge; not only is it a good double with plenty of built in wardrobes, there is also a secret door leading through to the private en-suite shower room. The house is already a good size, but due to its unique design lends itself to further extensions either in the form of a loft conversion or a conservatory at the rear; it is always good to know further growth is possible which in turn would add value moving forwards.
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Step outside Old Orchard
Externally, I have already mentioned the garage and driveway. The rear garden is made up of a large patio, a bank with flowering shrubs and roses plus a portion of lawn, whilst the boundary lines are made up of established trees. Surrounding the house is a paved patio which extends out at the side of the kitchen and dining room, offering a good space for al fresco dining. The concealed oil tank and subtly sited sheds complete what I would consider to be a truly wonderful garden; large enough to entertain and for the children to play but manageable throughout the seasons. Blackboys is an area known for its relaxed rural lifestyle while still being close enough to local towns and train stations so as not to inhibit work and social lives. You are equidistant between the towns of Uckfield and Heathfield which offer all the amenities one would need on a daily basis including five supermarkets. Further afield you have the towns of Lewes (10 miles), Eastbourne (19 miles) and Brighton (20 miles), also mainline train services to London can be found from Buxted, Uckfield and Stonegate stations.
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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 26.07.2018
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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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