A comfortable and impressive country house with the great outdoors' on its doorstep.
Ridleys is a superb modern Country House, built in the classic Sussex vernacular with stone, brick and clay tile hung elevations under a gabled tile-hung roof. It offers the ideal combination of a tranquil, rural setting with the practical conveniences and comfort of a contemporary layout and finish.
This stunning 10,168 sq ft property has been carefully designed using local materials and craftsmen, with thought given to its situation and position within its grounds. Designed on generous yet elegant lines, with natural materials and a neutral palette, the interior of Ridleys cleverly uses continuity of design counterpointed by subtle differences, providing interest from room to room and floor to floor. Notable features throughout include beautiful wooden window frames, underfloor heating throughout, a built-in vacuum system servicing the house and garaging and an internal telephone system. Floors are a mix of luxury finishes including porcelain tiles, oak and carpeting.
The light entrance hall leads seamlessly into the reception hall, from which large doors open to the principal reception rooms, giving the accommodation an excellent flow. The grand wooden staircase creates a stunning focal point.
The reception hall and principal reception rooms have full height glazed windows framing the lovely views across the landscaped gardens and doors opening to the impressive Indian sandstone elevated terrace, which spans the breadth of the southern elevation. The drawing room, dining room and music room have oak flooring; there is an impressive stone fireplace in the drawing room. The kitchen/breakfast room is the hub of day to day life in Ridleys; the Mark Wilkinson designed kitchen is both practical and beautiful with granite surfaces, painted wood cabinets, an LPG fired range cooker, Miele integrated appliances including fridge freezer, dishwasher and microwave.
The lower ground floor is an exceptional space for entertaining on a grand scale. The 71 foot recreation room is ideal for parties and has double doors opening to the grassed terrace at each end; further accommodation includes a sitting room, a billiard room, a study/office (which could be converted to a cinema), a gym with shower room and a catering kitchen/utility room with a spiral staircase connecting to the main kitchen.
On the first floor, the principal bedroom suite's bay window draws the eye to the garden views; there is a dressing room and a substantial bathroom with freestanding bath and walk-in shower.
There are five further double bedroom suites, three more on the first floor and two on the second floor; each has an individually styled en suite shower or bathroom with Villeroy & Boch fittings and four have dressing areas. A second floor playroom and ground floor shower room complete the accommodation.
The floorplans give an excellent overview of the full extent and layout of the property. The spaces are flexible affording great opportunity for those requiring sufficient room and privacy to work from home alongside family life.
A video tour and 3D floorplan are available via this link
Gardens & Grounds
Ridleys is positioned at the head of almost three and a half acres of fully enclosed landscaped gardens and grounds, bordered by established trees and shrubs providing a natural screen.
The property is approached via a private track across Ashdown Forest, leading to a pair of wrought iron electronically operated gates set in tall brick gateposts and opening to the gravelled parking area ahead of the house and the three bay garaging. The garaging has secure electronically operated up and over doors and a studio over; a covered walkway connects to the front door, passing the gardener's WC and boiler room.
The gardens are situated to the south-west of the property and have been beautifully landscaped to create park-like yet manageable grounds; the formal planting close to the house blends with the informal nature of the setting, sloping gently away from the terrace. There is a small stream to the south; rain and spring water are harvested into a 10,000 litre tank providing water for the WCs and the garden.
In all, about 3.4 acres.
Agent's Note
Ridleys has the benefit of Commoners Rights over Ashdown Forest.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
A fine modern country house offering fantastic scope for entertaining and practical day-to-day living, in the tranquil setting of Ashdown Forest. With nature on the doorstep this is the ideal country retreat.
Rohan Vines