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The outstanding principal portion of a fine 18th century Grade II* listed mansion with splendid alterations by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
2 Framfield Place, also known as Lutyens House, forms the major portion of an elegant Grade II* listed mansion house, believed to date from 1765. Framfield Place benefits from splendid additions by Sir Norman Shaw and Sir Edwin Lutyens, and is mentioned in Pevsners Buildings of England.
Noted for its magnificent period features, the mansion was divided into six homes in the 1970s.
Internally, the property is beautifully presented, with the emphasis on attention to detail and authenticity, resulting in exceptional accommodation arranged over three floors, together with a two room cellar/utility room.
There are many superb period features, including high ceilings with intricate cornicing, painted panelled internal doors, metal door furniture and deep architraves, multi-paned windows with working shutters and some with period draft excluders, beautiful oak flooring to much of the ground floor, some attractive period radiators designed by Lutyens (not in service), a wood-burning stove and many period working fireplaces.
Situated on the ground floor are two generously proportioned reception rooms, which offer excellent areas for formal entertaining. The impressive reception hall was remodelled by Norman Shaw in 1892 and is open to the first floor galleried landing.
The beautiful drawing room was designed by Lutyens, and features ornately carved neo-Jacobean painted wood panelling to the walls, an open fireplace with an impressive carved overmantle, whilst the ceiling boasts painted beams arranged in a unique chequerboard pattern, described by the Lutyens Trust as 'remarkable'. A wide bay window and a set of French doors frame the lovely views over the garden to the pond, and give access to the Doric pillared terrace and gardens.
The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with a comprehensive range of bespoke handpainted wall and floor cupboards with granite work surfaces. Appliances include a Smeg range cooker with six ring gas hob and extractor over, an integral microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. An attractive feature is the marble fireplace with tiled slips reputedly by William De Morgan.
Stairs lead down to the cellar where there is a utility room and a storage room which incorporates six wine bins, a coal store and wood store both with delivery chutes. A fine staircase with polished oak handrail and wrought iron balusters leads to the galleried first floor landing which overlooks the reception hall.
The light and airy master suite has a wide bay window offering south westerly views across the grounds, and an en suite bathroom.
A further well proportioned bedroom, currently used as a study, with bay window, together with a separate shower room complete the first floor accommodation.
The second floor landing has space for a sofa and TV and has a light well, ensuring natural light streams through. There are four bedrooms (three with basins), and a bathroom situated on this floor.
The floorplans give an excellent overview of the full layout and extent of the accommodation.
Gardens, Grounds & Outbuildings
Framfield Place is approached via a long sweeping gravel driveway leading to a gravelled parking area to the front of the house.
Located to the north east is a private detached double garage with electronically operated up and over door, with power and light connected.
A superb feature of the property are the private gardens which lie to the south and comprise sweeping expanses of lawn interspersed with an abundance of coniferous and deciduous shrubs and trees. A number of the trees have preservation orders including a Wellingtonia (Sequioadendron Gigantieum) which is the world's largest known species of tree. The gardens border a substantial lake which is in separate ownership.
To the end of the private section of garden lies a five bar gate giving vehicular access to Brookhouse Road, and providing access to the Cottage.
Formerly the pool house, the Cottage is a detached single storey building comprising sitting room, kitchen area, bedroom and shower room. Attached to the Cottage is a greenhouse and workshop with power and light connected, and there is also a separate greenhouse and adjoining storage room.
To the rear of the Cottage is a fully enclosed and deer-fenced formal garden, a shingled garden on the site of the former swimming pool, and a croquet lawn. The swimming pool has the potential to be reinstated as the machinery and pipe work are still connected.
The landscaped gardens back onto open fields and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
This is truly an exceptional property, with a rich history and all the grandeur of a fine country house and I particularly like the outside space it offers.
Rohan VinesProperty agent