5 bedroom detached house for sale

Dating back nearly 500 years, The Gatehouse is a remarkable Tudor-era tower rich in Elizabethan heritage. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this unique Grade II* listed home lies at the end of a gated driveway, offering both privacy and charm amidst ancient woodland and landscaped gardens.

Its noble past is reflected in its long association with prestigious families such as the Sackvilles of Knole and the De La Warre. Today, only this extraordinary building remains, a romantic, standalone residence with history etched into every wall and beam.

Under the current owners, The Gatehouse has undergone a sympathetic and beautifully detailed renovation, with full listed building consent. Handmade bricks have replaced damaged masonry, lime repointing has been completed throughout, and the parapet wall atop the tower has been carefully restored. Inside, breathable lime plaster and natural paints including 'Earthborn' have been used throughout to preserve the building's integrity and allow the ancient walls to breathe. Original timber lintels and sills have been retained or restored, while modern comforts such as underfloor heating, new bathrooms, and a contemporary kitchen have been seamlessly integrated.

Entry is through a solid oak front door that opens into a light-filled entrance hall laid with limestone flooring, where underfloor heating provides a gentle warmth beneath your feet. Arched openings guide the eye toward different parts of the home, mirroring the structure's original Tudor proportions. To the right, the impressive double-height drawing room unfolds a later yet harmonious addition designed in the Sussex barn style, with exposed oak beams, vaulted ceilings, and a large bespoke fireplace. Skylights pour light into the space, while French doors lead out to a vine-draped terrace, a favourite summer retreat, offering shade and tranquillity.

The home office is cleverly arranged across two levels, with a mezzanine desk area overlooking the garden and drawing room below. Nearby, a versatile ground-floor playroom could easily serve as a guest bedroom or additional study. Two comfortable double bedrooms on this level enjoy views of the wisteria-framed exterior, and are served by a skylit bathroom and a larger family bathroom with twin basins, deep bathtub, and separate shower.

The bespoke kitchen is crafted for both form and function, with maple cabinetry, granite worktops and quality appliances including a Smeg hob, Neff oven and American-style fridge-freezer. A stable door opens directly onto the garden, encouraging the daily rhythm of indoor-outdoor living. From here, step into the charming tower dining room, an endearing and atmospheric space with thick stone walls, deep alcoves, and original leaded windows that flood the space with natural light.

Climb the largely original oak spiral staircase, where each turn offers glimpses of leaded windows and ancient beams. The principal suite occupies the first floor of the tower, offering built-in storage, garden views, roof terrace access and a contemporary ensuite bathroom finished with premium fixtures. Above, a second vaulted bedroom features an ornate fireplace dating to 1629 and retains its original ceiling beams, complemented by an ensuite WC.

The landscaped gardens extend to between a quarter and half an acre and have been thoughtfully planted with mature trees including Katsura, walnut, silver birch, and a flowering Mexican bean tree. Yew and box hedging frame the lawns, while cordoned apple trees and grapevines add to the charm. The home's private borehole water supply is filtered through a modern system discreetly housed in an English Heritage-approved garden shed.

The Gatehouse is a truly rare opportunity to own a piece of Tudor history, sensitively restored, luxuriously appointed, and set in one of Sussex's most enchanting locations.

OWNER QUOTE: "The Gatehouse is a home set in a landscape that seeps into your soul."

Book your viewing today or for a brochure of this home call the Bees Homes country office.

Viewing by appointment with Bees Homes.

If there is any point which is of particular importance to you, we invite you to discuss this with us, especially before you travel to view the property.

Please Note:

Money Laundering Regulations 2007: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce identification documentation upon acceptance of any offer. We would ask for your cooperation in producing such in order that there will not be a delay in agreeing the sale.

Bees Homes use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary Planning, Building Regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested.

Floor plan measurements: These approximate room sizes are only intended as general guidance. You must verify the dimensions carefully before ordering carpets or any built in furniture.

For a brochure of this unique home please call the Bees Homes country office.

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Buyer Identification:
In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, Bees Homes are required to obtain proof of identification for all buyers. Bees Homes employs the services of Credas to verify the identity and residence of purchasers.

Council Tax Band: G
Tenure: Freehold
Parking options: Driveway
Garden details: Enclosed Garden, Private Garden, Terrace