10 Bedrooms Farmhouse for sale in Cornwells Bank, North Chailey, Lewes BN8 | £ 2,200,000

Property Description

We are pleased to offer to the market 'Rock House'. Steeped in history dating back to the 1820's it became know as 'The Colonel' when extended in the 1860's; a beerhouse rumoured to be a smugglers den. Rock House is mentioned in several books of the area and the current owners engaged a local historian named Tony Turk to draw up and document its history.

The current owner, being a builder, bought the property 37 years ago and has taken great care in maintaining, improving and extending the property; retaining many charming period features. They also embarked on building holiday lets which have now grown into four separate dwellings which are successful and currently in operation.

Situated on the western boundary of Newick parish, most of the associated grounds lie within Chailey parish. It's proximity to both the A272 and A275 provides access to Haywards Heath to the West for commuting to London and the highly popular traditional market town of Lewes to the South.

Driving along Cornwells Bank you reach the electronic gates of Rock House. The main house can be seen ahead in a slightly elevated position at the end of a long gravelled driveway which splits the grounds with gardens to your right and a substantial paddock currently occupied with sheep to your left. The drive opens up to a substantial parking area in front of the double garage and with the house just to the right.

Rock House is situated in a very desirable area of Cornwells Bank with the boundary lines running along Tilehouse Lane and Chailey Lane where the main entrance is. Once through the electronic gates the main house can be seen ahead in a slightly elevated position at the end of a long gravel drive which then splits the grounds with gardens to your right and a substantial paddock which is currently being used for the grazing of sheep to the left. The drive opens up to a large parking area which can accommodate approximately ten cars.

Upon entering Rock House through the front door you are immediately struck by the oak staircase in the hall. To the left the kitchen/dining area houses an oil fired aga surrounded by shaker style kitchen units, stone tiled flooring and beyond the dining area double glazed French doors lead out onto the garden. The other end of the kitchen takes you through to the utility room; where you will find a gas range cooker, a variety of shaker style units and worktops and a rear door which leads to a walled courtyard. This area is ideal for al fresco dining enjoying the evening sun. Within the courtyard is the original well which is 54ft deep and secured by an iron grating. Continuing through the walled garden you find another relaxing area - the covered pagoda which is a real sun trap and an ideal place to host summer Barbeques.

Back through the main kitchen is the triple aspect formal drawing room; a peaceful and relaxing space perfect for watching the sun set or retiring in to after dinner with friends. A gas coal effect fire is surrounded by a welsh stone fire surround.

The eastern side of the property was part of the original build prior to the western extensions; back beyond the entrance hallway you will find the original pub lounge which is now described as the snug. A wonderful place to retire to of an evening with a gorgeous inglenook fireplace and large wood burning stove plus a prominent bay window overlooking the front lawn.

Continuing through the snug you will find the conservatory which due to the success of the holiday business has been mostly used as an office by the current owners.

Situated behind the snug is what could be called a self-contained bedroom suite. A rear hallway leads from the entrance hall and offers access to a shower room and small bedroom beyond. It is from here that you can step down into the large cellar, where it is believed a tunnel led to the garage in Tile House Lane before being blocked off several years ago, this tunnel was used for the delivery of beer barrels in the 1800's.

The first floor offers five bedrooms and three bathrooms, two of which are en-suites. All but the smallest bedroom face south and benefit from far reaching views across the landscape to the south downs. The former master bedroom is now a fantastic guest suite with en-suite bathroom comprising of his and hers sinks, bath with shower over and WC. The current master suite is at the west of Rock House passing by two further doubles to your left and the smaller bedroom and family bathroom to your right. The current master bedroom enjoys a vaulted ceiling, en-suite and separate walk in dressing room whilst the double aspect bay window offers stunning views to the south downs and beyond.
As you will have seen from the images no expense has been spared throughout the property with its fixtures and fittings. The workmanship ensured this property will not require any form of updating for years to come.

An expansive suite occupying the space above the formal lounge with a pretty bay window to the front and a small window to the side. To the rear you will find a large dressing room/walk in wardrobe and beside that a lovely en-suite shower room with large walk in shower cubicle.
As you will have seen from the images no expense has been spared throughout the property with its fixtures and fittings and the workmanship ensures this property will not require any form of updating from many years to come.

This property also offer the holiday let accommodation built up by the current owners: 'The Mews' is a collection of two apartments, both benefiting from separate kitchens and lounges, double bedrooms and shower rooms. 'The Barn is a lovely open plan one bedroom detached property. 'The Lodge' is situated within its own grounds and is adjacent to the entrance gate. A further entrance leads from Tile House Lane and so 'The Lodge' has been rated 5-star accommodation and is registered with the British Tourist Board.

There is planning permission to build three stables with a tack room adjacent to the barn. Various other alarmed outbuildings can be found and cctv covers all areas of the property.

N.B. There may be a reduced stamp duty allowance which can be implemented depending on the usage of the paddock and outbuildings.

Property Location

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