Coldharbour Lane, Bletchingley, RH1

Adjoining pretty, local countryside and set along a quiet, private access lane, a fine country house of character and great charm. Approached by a sweeping drive with its gardens and grounds spreading out before it, the house is a spacious and light-filled home with elegant reception areas and sociable family living and entertaining space alike. Possibly originating from the eighteenth century, the property has had various additions over time, but more recently has been expertly extended and refurbished by the present owners. Exteriors are of white painted brick and tile handing under a pitched, tiled roof, whilst windows are very attractive leaded light casements with those on the upper level being of an earlier, single glazed vintage. The bright and spacious accommodation is laid out over two floors, extending to approximately 4,191 square feet – together with 2,552 square feet of outbuildings - and features sophisticated styling throughout. Warm, honey coloured oak has been used for the internal doors, staircase and architraving with large, marble floor tiles laid throughout the reception and lower halls, as well as in the kitchen/breakfast room and utility having electric under floor heating. Leading off from the reception hall with vaulted ceiling and galleried landing, reception areas are gracious and include a fine double reception room - where there is a double-sided wood burning stove shared with the dining room and a fabulous orangery, with under floor heating and is the perfect spot to take in the views over the grounds. The characterful dining room has floor to ceiling oak book shelving which contains a concealed door opening to a side hall with access to bedroom 6 (with a separate access) and a further smaller reception room. Handmade cabinetry and a large central island in the kitchen/breakfast room is in light oak with substantial, bevelled edged granite work surfaces and integrated appliances by Neff. Arranged over the first floor are five bedrooms supported by four well-fitted bath/shower rooms, three of which are en-suite. The principal bedroom is a large space enjoying a dual aspect and has a walk-in closet along with the en-suite shower room.

Outside

The property is set back from a quiet access lane and approached by a sweeping drive that passes through the parkland to the parking area where there is ample space for a number of vehicles. The detached, oak garaging provides covered parking for three cars and has an external staircase leading up to a first-floor studio with kitchenette. The gardens and grounds extend in total to just over 5.25 acres and are landscaped to reflect the beauty of the local Surrey countryside, as well as more formal and outdoor entertaining areas. To one side is a paved courtyard with Renaissance style water fountain, capturing the morning sun and an ideal spot for breakfasting in good weather. Here there is also a kitchen garden with raised beds and a greenhouse. Adjoining the rear of the house is stone terracing with steps leading down to wide expanses of well-tended lawn, a waterfall feature, a second Renaissance style fountain and a formal pond with small fountain. The terracing extends to a fenced pool terrace with a magnificent, heated swimming pool and an attractive, cedar summer pavilion where there is an infrared sauna. The park-like grounds have some wonderful indigenous and specialist tree and shrub varieties include a majestic eucalyptus, oaks, fir, azaleas and rhododendrons. The fenced paddock is bordered by spreading oak trees forming light woodland through which dappled sunlight cascades through and where there are carpets of bluebells in the spring. Adjoining the parking area are stables with three loose boxes with a lockable area behind where there are further storage sheds and a secure barn.

Situation

Just a mile away, the charming and historic village of Bletchingley has a wonderful array of period buildings along with traditional public houses, an antique auction house and a convenience store with post office. There are fast rail connections from Redhill station just over three and a half miles away with direct trains to London Victoria (39 mins), London Bridge (31 mins) as well as London Blackfriars and St Pancras. The vibrant towns of Oxted and Reigate are each about six miles away, east and west along the A25 with both having Everyman cinemas and excellent selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, whilst Gatwick airport is about ten miles. There is an excellent variety of schools in both the state and private sectors including Hawthorns and Hazlewood prep schools, Caterham School, Reigate Grammar and Woldingham School for Girls, along with village primary schools.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-57935

Additional Information

Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains gas, electricity and water; Private drainage.
Private road contribution: Approx £50 p.a.
Local Authority: Tandridge District Council. Council Tax Band H