Property description
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION This is a dwelling in a sylvan setting and part of a complex of residences. It is part of a building that was once not only a convent, but a girls boarding and day school, and an orphanage. A remarkable set of buildings, designed by George Edmund Street, in the Victorian Gothic style. It is deemed to be his second most important contribution to architecture. It is now Grade I listed. Street's most recognisable building is probably the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand in London.
Originally occupied by The Sisters of St Margaret and funded by Dr. John Mason Neale. The buildings date from 1864 with extensions through to 1904. They were converted in 1978, and gradually improved by successive owners.
Just one of 31 dwellings. Every one is a unique conversion of this sand stone set of buildings that repeat this medium inside. The whole is set within 11 acres, comprised of natural gardens, tennis courts, play areas and a heated swimming pool as well as natural woodland. The property is built over three floors and a mezzanine. Every room is large, mostly with high ceilings. A mezzanine gallery over the living room is used as a study and library. The living room, of more than ample proportions, has a large open fireplace and a view of the gardens.
The kitchen is modern. It features a galleried storage area; oak framed furniture, with all appliances integrated behind colour matching facings. There is a pew. A double oven with combination microwave is complemented by separate electric hob and gas rings. Worktops of granite embellish the overall effect; they are colour matched to the Victorian tiled floor.
On the first floor, approached via a landing at which to rest, is the master bedroom with lighting illuminating the wood beam structure. Two lighted double wardrobes avoid any challenges to storing clothing. Adjacent is the main bathroom that reflects again the character of the overall architecture. The second bedroom has an elevated floor to the bed area to enable those spending the extra few minutes in bed to gaze at the wonderfully tended gardens. Beneath the raised floor is a voluminous storage area. A large walk in cupboard and wardrobe gives occupants every ability to remain tidy.
On the second floor is an en-suite bedroom, with shower. Also a double door fitted wardrobe. Most visitors gasp when reaching this level since the ambience is so unexpected.
Viewings are essential to appreciate the accommodation on offer.
ACCOMMODATION The property is accessed via communal hall with feature wooden door opening to:
ENTRANCE PORCH Tiled flooring, exposed stonework, wall light, wooden glazed window to front and rear, glazed panel door opening to:
ENTRANCE HALL Feature tiled flooring, radiator with decorative cover, stairs to first floor, glazed doors to living/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and:
CLOAKROOM Low level wc, inset wash hand basin with storage cupboard under, extractor fan, wall light.
KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM Comprehensive range of wall and base units with contrasting marble and solid wooden work surfaces incorporating butler sink with mixer tap, 4 ring NEFF electric hob with adjoining 2 ring NEFF gas hob with extractor fan over, built in oven, built in combi microwave, integrated dishwasher, integrated fridge, integrated freezer, integrated washing machine, integrated tumble dryer, telephone point, part tiled walls, under and over cupboard lighting, concealed boiler, wall lights, tiled flooring, stone mullion windows to side with leaded light panels, raised mezzanine level with cupboards accessed via wooden ladder.
LIVING/DINING ROOM Feature stone mullion window with leaded light panels, secondary glazing, open fireplace with exposed stonework, wall lights, television point, two radiators, exposed beams, wooden stairs leading to:
MEZZANINE LEVEL STUDY/LIBRARY Solid wooden flooring, wall light, exposed beams, telephone point, fitted bookcases, wooden balustrade overlooking living/dining room.
First Floor LANDING Exposed beams, wall lights, radiator, fitted storage cupboard with shelving, stairs to second floor, doors to bedroom one, bedroom two and bathroom.
BEDROOM ONE Stone mullion window to side with secondary glazing, leaded light window to side with secondary glazing, exposed beams and timbers, two radiators, two fitted wardrobes with hanging rails, shelving and automatic lighting, open fireplace with tile surround, linen cupboard housing the hot water tank and shelving area, television point, fitted cupboard with shelving.
BEDROOM TWO Raised sleeping area with surrounding wooden balustrade and storage under, stone mullion window with leaded light panels, two radiators, television point, wall lights, exposed beams, built in wardrobe with sliding door, shelving and hanging rail.
BATHROOM Fitted suite comprising panel bath with Victorian style mixer tap and shower attachment over, pedestal wash hand basin with mixer tap, low level wc, radiator, part tiled walls, exposed stonework, exposed beams, wall light, extractor fan, Velux wooden double glazed window to side
Second Floor LANDING Stone mullion window to side with secondary glazing, door to:
BEDROOM THREE Double aspect with stone mullion windows on both sides with secondary glazing, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and timbers, radiator, door to:
ENSUITE SHOWER ROOM Fitted suite comprising corner shower cubicle with electric power shower, low level wc, pedestal wash hand basin, heated ladder towel rail, exposed beam, part tiled walls.
Outside PARKING Allocated parking space with additional residential parking and visitor parking.
COMMUNAL GROUNDS Eleven acres of grounds that include a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and multi use court, children's play area, multi purpose play area, fruit orchards, lawn areas and wooded area. In addition there is a Snooker Room with full sized snooker table situated within the Chapel. There is also ample visitor parking.
VIEWINGS By appointment with Cole's Estate Agents East Grinstead - 01342 324616 www.colesestateagents.com
Property Info: