A exceptional period house with an annexe, outbuildings and land, enjoying a fine view within a secluded setting.
Thought to date from the sixteenth century and listed Grade II, Great Bainden has a wonderful location, tucked away at the end of a long approach drive, but not isolated, being part of a small farm community of character buildings, just outside of Mayfield village. The house benefits from both good seclusion and a spectacular view to the rear, seen straight from the principal rooms and terracing, facing south towards Heathfield in the distance, on the other side of the valley.
The property itself is a fine character home with an abundance of period features throughout and complete with extensive outbuildings and generous grounds, including a secluded swimming pool, set into a beautiful landscaped planted and part walled surround, complete with a covered entertaining area.
The interior has generous rooms of varied character and formality, but all very much on the lines of a gentrified, period farmhouse, featuring some exposed brickwork and impressive timbers everywhere, as well as fine fireplaces, two fitted with woodburning stoves and one being used for open fires. The receptions include a drawing room and a large later addition garden room. This has direct access to a large brick block entertaining terrace, straight onto the garden and enjoying the views.
The kitchen/dining room has bespoke fitted oak units, finished with granite work surfaces and a stone flag floor and incorporates a five oven Aga with a side induction hob, set into a brick fireplace recess. This double aspect room also has a walk-in larder, a plumbed-in Samsung fridge/freezer and a Miele dishwasher. An opening from here leads straight to the family room and then on through to the garden room, which links to the study and drawing room, ideal for entertaining.
The bedrooms are good sizes and equally characterful, including the top floor suite with its pitched beamed ceiling, and there are a good ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms and shower rooms. The principal suite is of particular note, enjoying the fine southerly view through a wide, eighteenth century style sash window, very much as the drawing room directly below.
Outside, the immediate surrounds are beautifully planted all around the house, with a variety of mature flowers, plants, shrubs and trees, with a separate flower garden behind the Cattle barn and a fruit cage tucked away behind the garage building.
The formal garden benefits from a large brick-block entertainment terrace outside the family room, as well as a dining terrace outside the kitchen, both with the lovely views. The formal garden gives way to lawned parklike grounds and a large field to the side, with a gated access from the drive.
The one-bedroom detached annexe, Loudon's House, is a recently converted farm building, completed to a high standard of presentation and positioned away from the house in the parking area at the drive entry point, ideal for staff, older children or long term guests.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
I feel the position is very special here, just outside this beautiful East Sussex village and at the end of a long private drive, accessed from a quiet country lane. The view south is amazing and generally, over time I think a lot of effort has been made to bring out the best in this property, both inside and out.
Robert JacobsProperty agent