Gibbs Barn, Mayfield, East Street

This exceptional modern home in Mayfield, East Sussex, was recently completed by FARO Creative. With a meticulous approach to materials, finishes, and energy efficiency, the house and its gardens occupy an exquisite position looking out onto open countryside. The internal living space extends to more than 3,000 sq ft across its two generous storeys, with each room optimising far-reaching views. While the location feels wonderfully rural, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a 20-minute drive away. Its position within the High Weald National Landscape brings a wealth of walking and cycling routes into easy reach.

Environmental Performance

The house was conceived with sustainability at its forefront, resulting in energy efficiency and low running costs. There is a 5.65kw solar panel array, 5.5kw battery storage, an air source heat pump, a rainwater harvesting tank, and single-zone underfloor heating. The parking space is equipped with an electric charging point.

The Tour

Gibbs Barn is set back from the street, hidden from view by a dense canopy of mature trees. Entry is via an electric gate and driveway, with parking for five cars.

The house consists of two main volumes: one spans a single storey, while the other is set across two storeys and is characterised by a durable steel portal frame with timber frame infills. The façade is balanced by a combination of sleek vertical Siberian larch cladding and oversized glazing, complementing the building’s solid form and clean lines. Ultra-slim profile aluminium sliding doors and well-integrated picture windows provide seamless connections between the house and the landscape.

Entry is to a light-filled space, with direct line of sight through the dining room to the opposite end of the plan and back into the garden. The reception area is arranged in a versatile open-plan layout, with hardwood-and-glass sliding doors, porcelain tiles and underfloor heating. The spaces are wired with super-fast 900mb fibre broadband, practical for remote working.

With soaring ceilings, a bright neutral palette, and abundant south-facing glazing throughout, the interiors combine an exceptional sense of verticality and openness, framing views of the surrounding landscapes from nearly every angle of the house.

The plan naturally unfolds to the central seating area with a wood-burning stove, gently bathed in natural glow pouring from the roof lights. Beyond are the expansive kitchen and dining areas. A spectacular grey stoneware island is positioned centrally, and bespoke kitchen units are topped with stainless-steel counters. Integrated appliances are from Miele include conventional and multifunction ones, fridge freezer and dishwasher.

From the hall, a contemporary timber and glass staircase with a hardwood handrail ascends to the galleried mezzanine. While remaining private and quiet, this space, used as a sleeping platform, has immersive views over the landscape. Awash in natural light pouring from glazing on the roof, an adjacent bathroom is impeccably finished with Domus-tiles and flooring, and fitted with a bathtub, a shower, and a large marble wash basin.

There are three more serene bedrooms (one with an en suite), accessible from the hallway. The remaining rooms are served by a smart shower room. There is also a utility room, with access to a separate WC, plant room and the garden.

Outdoor Space

A raised paved terrace wraps around the southern elevation of the house, bordered by flower beds and a wide variety of flowering plants that bloom in spring, including echinacea, alliums, chocolate cosmos lavender and many others. The space is organised with several areas for outdoor dining, cooking, and lounging, acting as an effortless extension to the internal spaces. At one side, a well-appointed greenhouse allows for year-round growing.

Beyond are two and a half acres of grassy fields and meadows, set against a mesmerising bucolic backdrop. Planted with over 500 trees, shrubs and hedge whips the gardens feel quiet and private.

There is also planning permission in place for a 420 sqft garden building; more information can be provided on request.

The Area

Gibbs Barn is set at the edge of Mayfield, a sought-after 15th-century village in East Sussex, known for its biennial festival dedicated to music and the arts. Centred around its welcoming high street, Mayfield is home to several picturesque historic buildings.

A short walk from the house, the Rose and Crown is a dog-friendly country pub serving food all days of the week in a warm atmosphere. Close is The Middle House, a hotel and an award-winning restaurant in a Grade I-listed Elizabethan house. Lakedown brewery and tap room is also within reach in nearby Burwash.

Nestled in the High Weald National Landscape, the house offers easy access to miles of country walks and cycle routes across historic villages and green expanses inhabited by a diverse mix of wildlife.

One of the most popular towns in the south-east, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a 20-minute drive away, with a wide range of excellent restaurants, cafés and shops. Local favourites include Momentum, St Kilda, The Ivy and Thackeray’s. The Pantiles are a particularly lovely part of the town shaped by elegant, Georgian architecture. The Forum is a lively local music venue attracting varied music acts.

The village has a well-regarded primary school and outstanding catholic girls independent school.There are excellent state and private schooling options in the surrounding area. These include Burwash CofE Primary School, Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School, and Bennett Memorial Diocesan School.

The house is a 15-minute drive from Wadhurst railway station, which runs direct links to London Bridge in under an hour, or to Tunbridge Wells in seven minutes. Gatwick Airport is less than an hour away by car. The national motorway system can be accessed via the A21.

Council Tax Band: G