Sandhurst, Cranbrook, TN18

In a wonderful, semi-rural location, set at the head of a quiet, private access lane surrounded by and with views over glorious countryside, an exceptionally fascinating and atmospheric Grade II Listed conversion of a former oast house and two barns. With an extraordinary blend of architectural influences, the original structures date from the eighteenth century and formed part of nearby Boxhurst Farm. During the 1930s this was in the ownership of the then ‘Master of the Rolls’ – Wilfred Greene - who prevailed upon a pupil of Edwin Lutyens, Oliver Hill, to undertake an imaginative conversion into an entertainment complex. Subsequently in the 1980s, the current owners – engineers of repute – continued the conversion, forming it into a family home. However, the transformation didn’t stop there as respect for the historic structure, combined with appreciation of the skills of Oliver Hill, influenced a strong desire to ensure a continued reimagination of the space with stunning, contemporary additions which remarkably highlight the evolution of this wonderful building across the ages. This has resulted in a home that not only keeps to the forefront the marvellous location and fabulous views, maximising the - at times - cathedral-like proportions of the oak frame, but at the same time exuding warmth and a vibrant use of colour. Exteriors highlight the architectural journey with the original brick and oak of the agricultural structures, medieval style leaded light windows, a beautiful arched colonnade entrance that perfectly frames the views, to the modernist glass and steel contemporary additions. Extending to over 6,700 square feet (including the indoor pool complex but excluding outbuildings) the accommodation is laid out laterally over two floors with the magnificent oak frame of the central barn with galleried landing above, forming the principal reception space.

Detail and design are the driving factors behind the contemporary additions including programmable, motion-controlled lighting design by Delmatic, air conditioning to the principal bedroom, full height, powder coated aluminium glazed windows and sliding doors, contemporary designs to bath/shower rooms, a four-person passenger lift and a living roof to the pool/leisure complex. The single roundel of the oast, towers to the kiln above and has a sweeping, easy rising staircase leading from the Portuguese tiles of the ground floor area to the first floor. Approached via a glazed link and furnished in a chic, modern style with units and a large central island by Leicht and integrated appliances by Miele and Quooker, the kitchen/breakfast room has sliding glazing to two sides that perfectly highlight the juxtaposition of the period and contemporary architecture, as one side opens to the courtyard garden adjoining the beauty of the eighteenth-century barn exteriors, whilst the other opens to show the lovely gardens and views over the countryside beyond. Elsewhere on the ground floor is a guest bedroom suite and domestic offices.

On the first floor, a large sitting room/library with wood burning stove has a Juliet balcony and a door opening to the minstrels’ galleried landing with a stunning view of the dining area below. The principal bedroom has gorgeous views and retains its 1930’s atmosphere with an Art Deco inspired built-in bed surround, whilst an adjoining en-suite bath/shower room is distinctively styled with dark wall and floor tiles and a 1980’s, retro bath. There are two further double bedrooms, one with an en-suite WC, a family shower room and a fourth single bedroom that presently acts as a dressing room to the principal suite.

With wall to wall sliding doors on two sides and a living roof, the indoor pool complex is a fabulous, well-planned addition. The open plan space is designed to provide a pool with safety cover of over forty feet in length, food preparation facilities, eating and seating areas both inside and out, as well as an ingeniously designed shower room.

Outside

The house is set at the head of a long, private access drive that passes a large pond – in the ownership of the property - with a spur off to the gravelled drive leading to a parking/garaging courtyard. Extending to just over two acres, the gardens are wonderful with large swaths of sweeping lawn, colourful herbaceous borders stocked with bee and butterfly attracting species, a wildflower terrace, ornate fountain, terracing in various locations to capture the sun as it moves around the property and also the views and a charming, lightly wooded area, while a paved path meanders through the grounds. There are various plant and storerooms and detached garaging

Situation

In a tranquil yet not isolated location, while offering the serenity of a semi-rural setting with gorgeous views, the house is set at the edge of the popular village of Sandhurst (0.7 miles) where there are local amenities such as a convenience store, petrol station, primary school and medieval church. Hawkhurst (3.6 miles) has a larger selection of supermarkets – including Waitrose – cafes, public houses and an independent cinema, as does the quaint town of Cranbrook about 7 miles away with its marvellous array of local stores, antique and interiors shops. For commuters main line train links to London and the coast can be found at either Staplehurst (12 miles) or Etchingham (7.9 miles) and access to the A21 at Flimwell is 6.6 miles. The area is renowned for its excellent selection of state and private schools including local village primary schools, Cranbrook School, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks public schools, Kent College for Girls, St Ronan's, Benenden School, Dulwich Cranbrook, Marlborough House/Vinehall and Sutton Valence. The property lies within the priority catchment area for Cranbrook School.

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Additional Information

Agents Note: The Foam Insulation in the loft (not attached to tiles) is in the process of being removed.

Tenure: Freehold

Services: Mains electricity and water; Oil fired central heating; Air source heat pump; Private drainage.

Local Authority: Tunbridge Wells District Council. Council Tax – Band G