Whitelands, North Trade Road, Battle

Nestled in the heart of historic 1066 Country, Whitelands House is beautifully positioned on the fringe of the historic market town of Battle.

Surrounded by mature borders and an abundance of rare and exotic tree specimens, the main residence is an elegant and handsome detached country home, discreetly positioned within extensive, manicured yet low-maintenance gardens.

Whitelands House occupies a prized position on North Trade Road, just outside the heart of Battle, one of East Sussex’s most celebrated historic market towns. The property is surrounded by a wealth of exquisite ‘chocolate box’ villages and lies within a short drive of the wonderful South Coast beaches, Wealden vineyards and heritage fruit farms.

The main residence is an impressive double-fronted Georgian-style house, offered unlisted and arranged to provide generous, well-balanced accommodation across three principal floors. Stylishly decorated in neutral tones throughout and beautifully curated by the current owners, the house retains character and grandeur through its high ceilings, decorative mouldings, elegant sash windows and period fireplaces.

To the rear, a superb family kitchen/breakfast room forms a natural hub of the home, with bi-folding doors opening directly onto a large flagstone terrace, perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining. The lower ground floor provides a wealth of ancillary space, including a utility room, boot room and wine cellar.

The first floor is centred around a generous principal bedroom suite, complete with a large en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Two further bedrooms and a shower room are also arranged on this level, while the second floor offers two additional bedrooms, both with en suite facilities.

Separate from the main house is a substantial detached annexe, ideal for guests, extended family, working from home or leisure use. The annexe includes a welcoming reception hall, study, dual-aspect room currently arranged as a gym, a bedroom and an en suite shower room. Upstairs, there is an expansive open-plan studio/games room with a bar area.

The property is approached via automatic security gates leading onto a sweeping gravel driveway, which leads to the rear of the house and continues towards the annexe, garage, stables and parking area. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with sweeping lawns, mature trees and established shrubs creating a strong sense of privacy and seclusion.

To the rear of the house, the Indian sandstone terrace links the living space with an excellent outdoor entertaining area. This includes a kidney-shaped saline swimming pool, heated via an air source heat pump. The pool area also boasts a wonderful BBQ/outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and dining area, in addition to a detached pool house with sauna, shower and WC. There is also a productive vegetable garden with a large greenhouse. In total, the property extends to approximately 1.57 acres.

The property benefits from an app-controlled CCTV system and remote-controlled security gates, creating a secure compound feel and offering peace of mind whether at home or away.

For a house of this period, the EPC is excellent. This is due to a combination of meticulously considered upgrades, including heritage double-glazed sash windows throughout the main residence, two new boilers, large solar harvesting units with battery storage and an air source heat pump to heat the eco-friendly saline pool.

Believed to date from the 1860s or 1870s, Whitelands was once connected with Beech Estate and has evolved over time from a working rural property into a substantial private family residence.

The main house is deceptively large, with grand and graceful proportions, period character and a strong sense of privacy, while remaining within easy reach of Battle’s independent shops, cafés, traditional country pubs and restaurants.

Furthermore, the house offers a substantial annexe/cottage, providing the potential for further accommodation, revenue generation such as holiday lets, office space or independent living, (subject to the necessary planning permissions and consents).

Battle is extremely well served by a range of excellent local schooling, including Battle and Langton CofE Primary School and Claverham Community College, both rated Good by Ofsted. Independent options include Battle Abbey School in the town centre, as well as highly regarded prep schools such as Marlborough House Vinehall near Robertsbridge, St Ronan’s in Hawkhurst, Claremont School at St Leonards-on-Sea and Bede’s Senior School at Upper Dicker. Slightly further afield, yet still within reach, are Eastbourne College, Benenden School and Tonbridge School.

Despite its peaceful and historic setting, Whitelands House is well connected. Battle station offers direct services to London Charing Cross, with typical journey times of approximately 1 hour 18 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, while the nearby A21 provides road access north towards Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, the M25 and London, and south to Hastings and the coast. Local bus services connect Battle with Hastings, Hawkhurst, Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages, making the property well placed for commuting, schooling and everyday amenities.

Battle and the surrounding area offer an excellent range of sporting and lifestyle facilities. Nearby options include Sedlescombe Golf & Country Club, with padel courts, Beauport Park Golf & Country Club and Cooden Beach Golf Club, with the historic links courses at Rye Golf Club also within easy reach.

Public tennis courts are available at Battle Recreation Ground, while Battle Area Sports Centre on North Trade Road, Crowhurst Park Leisure Club, Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Hastings, and further swimming and leisure facilities in Hastings and Bexhill provide a strong range of local fitness options. The nearby Craft at PowderMills, a luxury boutique hotel and members club offering a gym, padel and tennis courts extensive wellness and spa facilities in addition to a delicious choice of eating and dining all within a delightful retreat setting.

The blissful peace of Bewl Water reservoir just off the A21, offers fresh water sailing, windsurfing and rowing clubs, an adventure playground and exciting activity camps for all ages.

The setting is exceptional: Battle is world famous as the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, with Battle Abbey and battlefield forming one of England’s most important historic landmarks. The abbey was founded by William the Conqueror on or near the battlefield site, giving the town a unique place in national history.

Whitelands also has a distinctive cultural connection: it was once the home of the esteemed actor Desmond Llewelyn, best known for playing Q in the James Bond films. Llewelyn is reported to have bought Whitelands in 1957 and lived there for nearly three decades, adding a memorable film-history footnote to the property’s story.

Today, Whitelands House offers a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial home with period appeal, notable provenance and a highly desirable location in the High Weald countryside, close to the amenities and heritage of Battle.