Lake Street, Mark Cross, TN6

The House.
Dating from the 17th century, this Grade II listed timber-framed house has much of its history still clearly visible inside. Exposed oak framing, wide floorboards, leaded light windows and substantial fireplaces give the house enormous character.

The accommodation extends to approximately 3,504 sq ft and begins with an impressive entrance hall, with a flagstone floor, exposed timbers and a wide oak staircase leading to the striking galleried first floor landing.

The principal reception rooms are notable for their unusually generous ceiling heights, giving them a sense of space and proportion not always found in a house of this age. The double aspect drawing room is an atmospheric space, with exposed ceiling timbers, wide oak floorboards and a magnificent inglenook fireplace with a substantial timber bressummer. Across the hall, the dining room has another large fireplace combining brick, stone and timber.

A further sitting room/study connects through to the utility room, which also links directly with the kitchen and has access outside. To the rear is the kitchen/breakfast room, with space for a central table and an excellent walk-in pantry. A cloakroom and useful ancillary areas complete the ground floor.

Upstairs are six bedrooms, including two particularly generous rooms enjoying long countryside views, together with a family bathroom, shower room and separate WC.

After 41 years in the same ownership, there is now an exciting opportunity for the next owner to update the house in their own way while retaining the fabric and individuality that make it so special.

The Outbuildings.
What really sets the property apart is the exceptional collection of buildings gathered around the large courtyard beside the house. Together they extend to almost 4,900 sq ft and provide an unusual amount of useful and versatile space.

At its heart is the substantial weatherboarded tithe barn. Separately Grade II listed and dating from the 18th century, it is a striking timber-framed building beneath a hipped tiled roof. The main barn is an impressive full-height space with its old frame and roof structure exposed, together with a mezzanine level and adjoining garage.

Above the garage is a useful studio of around 335 sq ft, with independent external access from both the courtyard and the house side. This gives the space a good degree of separation and could work extremely well as a home office, studio or place from which to run a business.

Along the opposite side of the courtyard is a long brick-built range of stables and garaging. There is also the separate bull pen and a substantial open tractor shed. The tithe barn, stable range and bull pen have all benefited from roof works in more recent years.

For horses, cars, collections, workshops, storage or working from home, the possibilities are considerable. Some of the buildings may also offer scope for alternative uses, subject to the necessary consents.

Outside.
The house and buildings stand in grounds of approximately 2.2 acres.

The house sits centrally within its plot, with a particularly private and usable garden to the front. A broad lawn is crossed by an old paved path, with established trees, mature shrubs and stone walls. The front garden is notably secluded and enjoys long views across the rolling countryside beyond.

To the side and rear are further areas of garden together with an outdoor swimming pool, currently requiring recommissioning. Beyond the formal gardens are areas of rough grass and paddock, offering scope for more active use.

The outbuildings are arranged around a substantial hardstanding courtyard, which also provides the main vehicular access, with excellent parking and turning.

Situation.
The property occupies a lovely position on Lake Street, a highly regarded country lane known for its individual and often substantial properties, between Mark Cross and Mayfield in the rolling landscape of the High Weald.

Mayfield, approximately two miles away, is one of East Sussex’s most attractive villages, with a historic High Street and a good range of independent shops, cafés, pubs and everyday amenities. Wadhurst, Rotherfield and Mark Cross provide further facilities, while Royal Tunbridge Wells is approximately seven miles away.

The surrounding countryside is particularly good for walking and riding. Wadhurst station is approximately five miles away, with mainline services to London, while the A267 provides straightforward access north towards Tunbridge Wells and south through the Sussex countryside.

The property is for sale with no onward chain.

Tenure: Freehold
Council Band Tax: H
Local Authority: Wealden