A country house in rural Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Ridleys is a beautifully presented modern country house in a wonderful rural position at the heart of the Ashdown Forest. Built in the classic Sussex vernacular and carefully designed using local materials and craftsmen, Ridleys offers over 10,000sq ft of accommodation.
A light entrance hall leads into the reception hall, from which large doors open to the principal reception rooms, giving the accommodation an excellent flow, and 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 all have oak flooring, and there is an impressive stone fireplace in the drawing room.
The hub of the house is the kitchen/breakfast room which features a Mark Wilkinson designed kitchen with granite surfaces, painted wood cabinets, an LPG fired range cooker and integrated Miele appliances. The lower ground floor is an exceptional space for entertaining on a grand scale, with the 71ft recreation room opening to the grassed terrace at each end. Further accommodation includes a sitting room, billiard room, study/office, gym with shower room, and a catering kitchen/utility room with a spiral staircase connecting to the main kitchen.
Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite’s bay window draws the eye to the garden views, and there is a dressing room and 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.
Notable features throughout include beautiful wooden window frames, underfloor heating, a built-in vacuum system and an internal telephone system. The floors are a mix of luxury finishes including porcelain tiles, oak and carpeting.
Ridleys is positioned at the head of about three acres of fully enclosed landscaped gardens and grounds, bordered by established trees and shrubs providing a natural screen. The gardens are to the south west of the property and have been beautifully landscaped to create park-like yet manageable grounds. There is a small stream to the south, with rain and spring water harvested into a 10,000lt tank to provide water for the garden. An additional paddock to the west and land to the north, about six acres, is available by separate negotiation.
The house is approached via a private track across the Ashdown Forest, leading to a pair of wrought iron electronically operated gates, opening to the graveled parking area ahead of the house. There are also three bay garages with a studio above.
Rohan Vines, head of Savills Haywards Heath, said: “Ridleys is a beautifully presented modern country house in the tranquil, yet not remote, setting of the Ashdown Forest in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The potential additional land would be ideal for equestrian enthusiasts, as riding is available on the Forest, by permit.”
Ridleys is being marketed by Savills for a guide price of £2,950,000.
For more information, contact Savills on 01444 446000 or visit www.savills.co.uk
