Location
Substantial and stylishly presented family home in the heart of Poynings
Downmere is a stylish and substantial home, ideally located in the heart of the downland village of Poynings. It is understood that there was a property on site as early as the late 1300s, though the current building dates from the 1800s and was substantially extended in the inter-war years. More recently the house has been the subject of further extension and comprehensive refurbishment, resulting in a spacious and beautifully presented home with points of note including anthracite grey double-glazed windows, neutral decor throughout, several open fireplaces and wood burning stoves, tiled and luxury laminate tiled flooring on the ground floor, newly-laid carpet through the first floor, and stylish contemporary bathroom suites. Many of the rooms are dual-aspect which flood the house with natural light and frame the views over the grounds.
The full extent and layout of the generously proportioned and versatile accommodation can be seen on the floor plan. The formal front door opens to a vaulted entrance hall featuring an exposed brick chimney set with a wood burner. Lying off the hall, and forming the northern wing of the house, is a large triple-aspect gym (also with a central wood burner) with adjoining shower and a study; there is provision in the entrance hall for kitchen utilities allowing the potential for this part of the house to be converted into a self-contained annexe.
There are three further reception rooms: a versatile formal dining room overlooking the terrace and with steps descending to the wine cellar; an elegant, yet comfortable drawing room with an open fireplace and French doors opening to the south terrace; a part-vaulted sitting room/central hall which has bi-fold doors opening to the terrace and a handsome brick open fireplace with original oak timbers.
The kitchen is fitted with an extensive range of muted green shaker-style cabinetry with solid oak worktops, a quartz-topped central island and range of integrated appliances, it is open to a dining area with space for a large table and chairs and is served by a utility room with cloakroom.
There are five bedrooms on the first floor, lying off a spacious galleried landing. The principal suite is particularly impressive, comprising a bedroom with cast iron fireplace and French doors opening to a Juliet balcony, a large dressing room and luxurious en suite bathroom including a bath with waterfall tap and a wet-room style shower. The four remaining bedrooms are of a generous size and all have en suite bath or shower rooms.
Gardens and Grounds
Downmere is accessed from Poynings Road via electronically operated timber gates, opening to a bonded gravel parking area adjacent to the timber-framed car barn; there is separate gated pedestrian access from the road.
The stunning gardens and grounds are a particular feature of Downmere. Several stylish Mediterranean-style terraces and formal lawns, ideal for al fresco entertaining, contrast beautifully with undulating parkland, dotted with mature trees complete with a wide stream running centrally through the grounds, creating a series of ponds and water features. The garden is a haven for wildlife including kingfishers, moorhens, ducks, geese and pheasants.
In all, about 6.8 acres.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property