Heathfield, TN21 9DB, United Kingdom

This unique four-bedroom luxury equestrian home combines historic original details with eight acres of land and superb equestrian facilities. Nestled within a friendly community that pays homage to its rural roots in the High Weald, Area Of Natural Beauty.

 

The property originally belonged to Sky Farm before being converted in 1992 to a bright, airy residential home under Wealden Save Sussex Barns. Due to its association with Sky Farm, a local riding establishment until 1990, the building is ingrained in the memory of many local residents.

 

The current owners felt that the house should remain true to its rural heritage and have kept it well-maintained, updating the bathrooms in 2019/2020. Inside, neutral wall tones and high-quality tiling backdrop a treasure trove of beamed ceilings, feature cast-iron radiators, and solid oak internal doors – all waiting to be explored.

 

Double electric wooden gates framed by brick walls reveal a sweeping driveway with ample parking space ending in the detached, two-storey garage, workshop, or annexe. Constructed with black barn cladding, red brick, leaded windows, and terracotta roof tiles, the house blends harmoniously into the rural landscape.

 

Enter through the solid wood latched front door into a slate-tiled hallway. This has direct access to a conveniently placed laundry/boot room with storage cupboards and work surfaces, space for hanging coats, a washing machine, and a tumble dryer.

 

Return to the hallway, following the slate flooring into the kitchen and breakfast area. A fabulous range of oak cabinetry complements the Impala granite worktops and ceramic and sandstone wall tiling, echoing the home’s country theme. Integrated appliances include a Samsung American-style fridge-freezer, a Rayburn 400 Aga, a discrete wine fridge, and a Smeg dishwasher.

 

Oak beams and trims bring yet more warmth into the space, which is heated by a modern log burner and an ornate cast-iron radiator and brightened by latticed windows to the front, side, and rear. Extra storage that cleverly utilises the pitched roofline and an entry phone system for the front gates with a video screen add a practical touch.

 

Meanwhile, French doors open onto the sunny front garden, allowing the easy transfer of food and drinks for al fresco dining and parties. You’ll also find a WC with contemporary tiling and wallpaper, a countertop basin with storage beneath, and a wall-hung toilet (Villeroy & Boch).

 

To the left of the kitchen, steps lead down into a large hallway with an adjoining boiler room and cleaning cupboard tucked out of the way. The high, beamed ceiling holds the natural light streaming in through the west-facing window, creating a lovely book nook or study area.

 

Wall lights, a chandelier pendant fitting, and a cast-iron radiator enhance the cosy and characterful atmosphere that continues into the formal dining room. In here, a latticed side window and matching French doors bring the garden in for mealtimes, while the sloped ceiling acts as a blank canvas for a wealth of exposed timbers.

 

Beyond, there’s a spacious living room that once again boasts gorgeous beams, wall timbers, and latticed French doors and windows. On quiet winter evenings, fire up the Clearview log burner on the stone hearth in the corner to draw the household together. Opposite, a bespoke open oak staircase rises to a landing crowned by a dramatic vaulted beamed ceiling with a hanging chandelier and a skylight.

 

Before you head upstairs, return to the central hall to find access to the ground-floor master suite. Pale yellow floral wallpaper and neutral walls soften the exposed woodwork, which flows into a fantastic dressing room perfectly lit by big side and rear windows and a Velux on the sloping ceiling. Notice the exposed stonework, designer radiator, fitted mirror and walk-in wardrobe beside the dressing area.

 

There’s also a fully tiled en suite bathroom, which contains a sizeable walk-in Grohe rainfall shower with a smart control thermostat, Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware, Grohe taps to the vanity unit, a back-lit mirror, and a traditional cast-iron heated towel rail.

 

Upstairs, a massive latticed window floods the double-height landing with natural light. To the front, you’ll find a double bedroom and a single bedroom with typical pitched barn ceilings featuring beams and pretty latticed windows. The smaller bedroom also has in-built storage.

 

To the rear, another vaulted beamed ceiling and exposed wall timbers adorn bedroom two, where a deep-set window frames a leafy garden view. Two double in-built wardrobes with solid wood latched doors and sandstone tiling provide plenty of storage, while the neutral carpet underfoot complements the understated décor.

 

All three bedrooms on the top floor share a tiled bathroom lit by a Velux window and spots to the sloping ceiling. With a freestanding bathtub with Grohe taps and shower attachment, Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware, a chrome heated towel rail, and a backlit Bluetooth mirror above the vanity basin unit, it offers a slice of modern luxury you can’t resist.

 

Beginning at the front, the south-facing garden is screened by tall fencing and mature shrubs, creating a private sun trap for meals on a large sandstone terrace with outdoor lighting that forms a path wrapping around the house.

 

To one side, you’ll find a covered barbeque area. Beyond, a gate opens to a log store and a well-established rear garden with a terrace, varied planting to the raised wood-chipped brick borders framing the lawn, fruit trees, a magnolia, wisteria, and a stunning red Acer on the lawn. The grounds are also home to numerous nesting birds, wild garlic and strawberries.

 

The double garage is divided into two separate work areas with consumer units, water supply, sensor lighting, and a built-in workbench, it could easily be repurposed as an annexe, subject to approval.

 

A hidden staircase then rises to an office lit by two large front windows with blinds and spotlights and warmed by electric heating. White walls and laminate flooring backdrop the space, which features eaves storage, a high-speed internet connection, and an intercom so you can allow deliveries to enter through the electric gates without disrupting your workflow.