MaresfieldUckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3AX

Believed to date from the late 15th or early 16th Century, The Gate House is a superb example of a timber-framed former hall house and is listed Grade II, of ‘special historic or architectural importance.' Since acquiring the property over 32 years ago, the current owners have undertaken a programme of extension and careful refurbishment, taking every care to enhance and retain the original structure and historic character of the building. A stylish recently re-fitted kitchen and a vaulted breakfast room added in 2018 sit alongside a wealth of original timbers and doors, two handsome inglenook fireplaces and timber-framed casement windows, some with leaded panes, to create a beautifully presented, comfortable and clearly much-loved family home.

The floor plan gives an excellent overview of the full extent and layout of the accommodation, which is arranged over three floors including the cellar. There are four reception rooms, all with their own character and good ceiling heights, including an elegant drawing room, an impressive dining room (both with inglenook fireplaces), a cosy study or sitting room with bookshelving, woodburner and lovely views over the lake, and a vaulted breakfast room open to the kitchen.

The kitchen is fitted with pale blue shaker-style cabinetry, with quartz worktops, a reconditioned electric Aga, double Butler sink and a range of integrated appliances. To one end is a utility area with space for laundry appliances. A rear hall / boot room and a cloakroom with WC complete the ground floor.

There are five bedrooms and a family bathroom lying off the spacious first floor landing, all with delightful views over the gardens and three featuring charming cast iron fireplaces. Bedroom one is a particularly lovely room, benefitting from an en suite bathroom; bedroom two has an en suite shower room.

A door under the main staircase opens to steps descending to a useful cellar store room. Outside The Gate House is beautifully situated in a wonderful rural location, nestled into a hollow and with a lovely outlook over its own landscaped grounds. A timber gate opens from the lane to a large gravel parking area; a rose-lined pathway leads around to the main entrance at the rear of the house. The two outbuildings lie adjacent to the house and comprise a vaulted office and various useful store rooms.

The house is surrounded by attractively landscaped gardens, enclosed by deer fencing and being private and not overlooked. Well-tended, gently undulating lawns are dotted with flower and shrub beds, and both young and mature trees including an ancient yew. The tree-lined lake lies to the west of the house and is teeming with an array of wildlife and birds; a paved terrace overlooking the lake offers an ideal spot for dining al fresco.

A small and productive vineyard with 130 vines of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties is planted on a south-facing bank to the northern end of the grounds, yielding over 200kg of grapes a year.

In all, about 2 acres.

View payable Stamp Duty for this property