Detached house for sale in Ockham House, Silverhill, Etchingham TN19

Description

Ockham house

Silver hill, hurst green, robertsbridge, east sussex

A fine grade II listed edwardian house with views across the rother valley

east sussex

Robertsbridge 1.5 miles (London Charing Cross 70 minutes)

Royal Tunbridge Wells 18 Miles, A21 (M25) 24 Mile, Battle 6 miles.

Ockham House

Galleried Hall, Drawing Room, Sitting Room, Library, Study, Play Room, Cloakroom, Kitchen, Utility Room.

First Floor: Two Main Bedroom Suites comprising, Bedroom, Dressing Room, Bathroom, 6 further Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Second Floor: One Main Bedroom Suite comprising, Bedroom, Dressing Room, Bathroom and 7 further Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Detached Twin Roundel Oast, Range of Outbuildings, ' Italian' Water and Landscaped Gardens, Four Paddocks, Woodland 28.48 Acres

Ockham Bungalow

A five-bedroom cedar bungalow set within its own land and an area of pasture. 1.80 Acres

Ockham Cottage

A three-bedroom bungalow attractively situated in its own land with a south-easterly aspect, a range of extensive modern outbuildings, pasture and woodland. 63.71 Acres

Land adjoining River Rother

Pasture and water meadows with lake and river 79 Acres

in all about 173 acres

For sale as A whole or in four lots

situation

Ockham House stands in the High Weald, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with views over the Rother Valley. The property lies between the East Sussex Villages of Hurst Green and Robertsbridge, each 1.5 miles away. Both provide a good range of shopping facilities for everyday needs and the main line railway stations at Robertsbridge and Etchingham offer a fast and frequent service to London Charing Cross/Cannon Street (70-80 minutes respectively). Other nearby towns include Royal Tunbridge Wells (14 miles) and Battle (6 miles). The property adjoins the A21 which leads to the M25 London orbital and national motorway network.

The property

Ockham House, as well as occupying an outstanding position, also has considerable period quality. It is Grade II Listed as being of Special Architectural Interest and its origins are described in the historical note. The house is constructed of local brick with stone mullioned windows under a clay tiled roof. The main reception rooms and bedrooms all have a superb outlook over the garden and land. Internally, the house has a number of interesting features including polished oak floors, oak panelling, fine open fireplaces, heavily moulded ceilings, stone mullioned windows and leaded lights. According to Historic England, the property is Listed Grade II as being of architectural importance and was constructed in the 1920s by a wealthy family named Boyle.

Ockham house, Hurst Green - 1238540 | Historic England

The house is approached from the A21 via a long tree-lined private tarmacadamed drive (approx three quarters of a mile )which leads to the cobbled causeway giving access to the front door.

Historical note

In 1207 Adam de Ocham and Robert de Ocham gave the Cistercian Monastery of Robertsbridge a watercourse leading to Ockham Mill. The mediaeval charter recording this pious gift by Norman owners of the manor of Ockham is in the Huntingdon Library, California, and is one of many that record the early history of Ockham. The watercourse in question was a navigation canal, maybe one of the earliest canals built in this country - and belonged to the monks until the dissolution.

The post-Conquest Ockham was much larger than at present, and retained its own manorial court until at least 1400.

The Rother Valley now provides grazing, and a recently formed wetland wildfowl reserve with ducks, swans and geese, all of them happily breeding in 1990, their first season. The present house standing on its hill over the valley has grown from an Elizabethan Farmhouse, itself replacing an earlier fortified stone manor house. The comfortable but small country villa of 1900 was enlarged in 1904,1915,1935 by successive generations of the Boyle family, whose most famous member, Sir Edward (later Lord) Boyle, was Minister of Education in the 1950's.

Sporting

Fishing is available on the River Rother and south coast.

Hunting with the South Downs and Eridge and Surrey and Old Burstow.

Racing at Plumpton, Brighton, Lingfield, Fontwell and Goodwood.

Golf at Nevill, Tunbridge Wells, Lambeerhust, East Sussex National at Uckfield, Hawhurst, Bexhill, Ticehurst and Crowborough and Rye.

Sailing at Bewl Water and Brighton and Eastbourne Marinas. Shooting: There are a good number of sporting syndicates in the area.

Riding and walking in the superb surrounding countryside.

Tenure and possession

Ockham House is Freehold and Vacant Possession will be given upon completion.

Services

Electricity: Main 3 Phase electricity to some of the dwell and outbuildings

Heating: Oil-fired heating in the main house and other residential buildings

Water: Mains water via metre to the main house, cottages and some of the farm buildings.

Drain: Private drainage to all dwellings

Local authorities

County - East Sussex County Council, County Hall, St Anne's Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN17 1UE

Tel: Local: (Including Planning), Rother District Council, Town Hall, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3JX

Tel: Electricity: Edf Tel: Water: South East Water Tel: Outgoings

Council Tax Band: Ockham House is in Council Tax Band 'H' payment for 2024/2025 (tbc)

Planning

The property, including the Oast House, had planning consent for use as a Hotel with Conference and Banqueting facilities under reference RR88.2445 dated 20 December, 1989. We believe from our informal discussions with the local planning authority, that they will look favourably on a change of use to a residential/nursing home, conversion into flats, offices, or conference facilities. Planning permission was given by Rother District Council for an 18 hole golf course (inc part on adjoining land) Clubhouse. Pro Shop etc under reference RR90.2654/P subject to entering into a Section 106 Agreement. This was subsequently withdrawn. The new entrance on the A21 was approved under reference rr/89/1570/P.

Viewing

Strictly by prior appointment with the sole agents, D&M London, via Tel: On or email:

Directions

(See Location Plan). The entrance drive to Ockham House is to be found on the west side of the A21; if proceeding from Hurst Green towards Robertsbridge, it is 200 yards south of the White Horse Inn, which is opposite the turning to Bodiam.

Agents notes

While we endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, if there is any point which is of particular importance to you, please contact the agent's D&M office and we will be pleased to check the information for you, particularly if you are travelling some distance to view the property.

Please note, that the agent and the vendor take no responsibility for any error, misstatement, or omission in these details. Measurements are approximate and for guidance only. The particulars do not constitute an offer or contract, and members of the agent's firms have no authority to make any representation or warranty in relation to the property.

Lot 1

Ockham house

accommodation

ground floor

From the tarmacadamed driveway to the most north of the house, there is a cobbled causeway over ornamental most leading to a solid oak front door (north) flanked by two brass lanterns leading to:

Entrance Lobby (north and east) with two flights of stone steps and balustrade, door to cellar, radiator and double doors to:

Fine Staircase Hall (north) with opening and passage to main staircase, radiator, understairs cupboards, door to:

Playroom/Office (north) 12' x 11'9" with corner fireplace, steel surrounded with tiled slips, wooden mantelpiece, radiator, picture rail.

Sitting Room (south and east) 24 '9 x 20' 9 " with a marble fireplace having painted mantel shelf over, moulded cornice, window seat, radiator.

Dining Room (south and east) 22 ' 6" (into bay) by 18'3" with an open fireplace, marble slips and hearth with reeded insert, carved door surrounds, panelling to dado rail, window seat with concealed radiator, door to:

Sitting/Garden Hall (south) 23' x 10'9" with radiator, fireplace with carved, moulded oak surround, oak panelling to walls, opening to staircase hall, garden lobby walk-in hanging cupboard, four wall lights and door to:

Magnificent Galleried Great Hall (south) 49' x 23' (into bay) with fireplace of stone and oak carved surround with mantelshelf over, extensive range of fitted adjustable bookshelves to one wall, oak panelling to picture rail height, exposed oak timbers above, gallery door to inner passageway and double doors to:

Study (south) 18 '6 x 15' 9 " with an open fireplace having stone surround, radiator, range of adjustable bookshelves, moulded cornice, built-in glazed and shelved cupboard, door to inner passageway.

From the Staircase Hall there is an opening to an Inner Hall with secondary staircase to first floor and doors to:

Cloakroom (north) with tiled floor, handbasin, radiator leading to:

Separate WC (north)

Butler's Pantry (north) 11 '6 " x 11' 6" (max.) with deep teak sink and double drainer, range of fitted cupboards with glazed doors, further range of shelved cupboards below with drawers.

Fitted Kitchen (north and seat) 28' x 15' with range of quality oak matching cupboard units with recessed sink, brick peninsular unit with tiled work surfaces, 4 ring Neff gas hob unit with extractor canopy over. Neff double oven and Neff Dishwasher, oil fired Aga having brick arch with oak bresumer, part tiled wall, tiled floors, breakfast area, recessed spot lighting etc. Door to walk-in larder and to:

Flower Room (south) having a sink with teak drainers, shelved storage cupboards, glazed double doors to the garden.

Dry Storeroom (south) with shelves and quarry tiled floor.

First floor

The principal oak staircase rises in two flights with a half-landing to:

Landing (north) with radiator, stairs to second floor, walk-in storage cupboard, access to Minstrel Gallery overlooking the Great Hall and doors to:

Gallery/Tower (south and west) Linen-fold panel wainscot, tapestry hung walls and heavily decorated plastered ceiling.

Master Suite:

Bedroom (east and south) 23' x 17'6" with an open fireplace, radiator, hanging and shelved cupboards

Bathroom (north) with panelled, pedestal basin, WC and radiator, door to

Dressing Room (south) 12' x 11'9" with a basin, corner fireplace, steps to Landing.

Guest Suite:

Bedroom 2 (south and east 18' x 16'3" (into bay) with fireplace, concealed radiator, oak panelling.

Bathroom 2 (east) with panelled bath, pedestal basin, WC.

Dressing Room (south) 16'9" x 11'9" with fireplace, basin, radiator.

Bedroom 3 (north) 12' x 11'6" with basin, radiator.

From the First-Floor landing, a half-glazed door leads to an inner first floor landing (north) with secondary stairs to ground floor and second floor and doors to:

Bedroom 4 (south) 19 '6 " x 14' 3" with a fireplace, radiator.

Bedroom 5 (south) 13'6 x 12'3 (max.) with radiator.

Bedroom 6 (south and west) 16' x 16' with fireplace and radiator.

Bathroom 3 (west) with bath, pedestal basin, WC deep sink.

Bedroom 7 (north) 11'6 x 9'9" with radiator, basin.

Bedroom 8 (north and east) 14'6" x 11 with a fireplace, radiator, pedestal basin.

Bedroom 4 (north) with panelled bath with mixer taps and integral shower unit, pedestal basin with mixer taps, bidet, WC, shower cubicle with tray.

Second floor

Approached by the main Oak staircase to landing and also approached by secondary stairs with roof lights.

Guest Suite:

Bedroom (north, south and east) 20'9" (max.) x 23' with three radiators, large walk-in wardrobe closet, double doors to large Sun Balcony with fine views over garden and estate, steps down to:

Bathroom (north) with bath, pedestal basin, separate WC bidet, shower cubicle with Mira Excel thermostat control radiator.

Dressing Room(south) 13'9" x 11'9" with fireplace, radiator, door to walk-in dressing area with basin, wardrobe cupboards.

Sitting Room (south) 18 '9 " x 12' 3" (eaves height) with fireplace, half-panelled walls, seat on dais, mahogany wainscot, concealed radiator.

Bedroom 2 (south) 17'9 x 12;3 with fireplace, radiator, basin, cupboard.

Bedroom 3 (west) 11'3" x 11' Eaves storage cupboard, with shelf.

Bathroom 2 (west) with bath, basin, WC and radiator.

Inner landing with secondary stairs descending the first floor, storage cupboards, roof light and doors to:

Bedroom 4 (west) 11' x 9'3 with radiator, hand basin.

Bedroom 5 (east and north) 14'9" x 11 with radiator, fireplace, hand basin cupboard with shelves.

Bedroom 6 (north) 11'9" x 9'9" with radiator, basin.

Bedroom 7 (north) 11'6" x 9'9" with radiator, basin.

Bathroom 3 (north) with bath, brass mixer taps with cradle shower unit, bidet, basin, WC, radiator.

Bedroom 8 (north) 15' x 11.3 with hand basin and radiator, cupboard.

Access to Large Loft Storage Area

Cellars

Approached by an outside staircase, the steps descend to the cellar with 2 oil fired Potterton and Trianco boulders, lagged hot water cylinder with electric and oil-fired thermostat.

Oast house

This is an attractive brick twin roundel former oast houses having brick elevations, part tile hanging under a tiled roof. The accommodation is currently arranged as follows converted from two cottages and comprises.

Ground floor

Double doors to:

Entrance Hall in the rounded (15' in diameter) with beech bifacial staircase to galleried first floor landing.

Games Room & Bar 37' x 50' 6 with quarry tiled floor, double doors to terrace.

Kitchen Area 25' x 10' Fully tiled with opening to storeroom with boiler.

From the roundel (15' diameter) stairs rise to:

First floor

First Floor Apartment 37' x 16'6" total area incorporating 2 double bedrooms plus lounge area with door to balcony plus steps to first floor roundel (20' diameter) incorporating kitchen area with fire escape access.

Outbuildings

Substantial Brick Building 66' x 35'6 having brick elevations under a flat felt roof.

Range Of Garden Stores.

Garaging, Workshops and General Storage Buildings 65' x 19'3 overall. Having a concrete floor with power and light connected. There are doors to one elevation.

Cart Lodge Outbuilding 34' x 15'3" with brick elevations under a tiled roof. All the outbuildings have power and light connected.

Gardens and grounds

The Ockham House gardens have a south facing terrace overlooking an 'Italian' water garden lakes, fountains, wide lawns, rose and herbaceous borders. To the west of the lawns there is an attractive enclosed Elizabethan style rose garden, enclosed with yew hedges and York stone paving. These pathways are flanked by miniature Box hedges.

To the east of the house and sunken, is a rose garden with pergola which forms an attractive feature. There is a Japanese garden and Arboretum created with many fine specimen flowering shrubs, herbaceous flowering plants and roses. This dell is undersown with a magnificent collection of spring bulbs, with waterfall and water garden pumped via the Moat. These arears now require attention to bring back to their former glory.

The land

Slopes gently towards the south with four grass paddocks and woodland copse. The whole area extends to about 28.48 acres (11.53 hectares).

Lot 2

Ockham bungalow

To the north-east of Ockham House, and totally shielded, is a well-situated bungalow. It is of Colt construction with cedar shiplap elevations under a cedar shingle roof. Again, it is set in an elevated position with a south-south-easterly aspect over the Rother Valley.

The accommodation is arranged on a single floor and is currently vacant and comprises:

Entrance Hall (north) with moulded cornice night storage heater, hanging cupboards, doors to:

Sitting Room (north and south) 19'9" x 15'9" with a brick fireplace, moulded cornice, glazed door to terrace and further door to:

Kitchen/Diner(south) 23'7" x 19'"8 with sliding doors leading to decked terrace with stunning views over the garden. With a single bowl, single drainer stainless steel sink unit with range of fitted kitchen cupboards below and above, double over, integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

Family Room (east and south) 15'1" x 12'9".

Bathroom 1 with pedestal basin and shower over, panelled bath, separate WC with radiator.

Bedroom 1 11'8" x 11'8" with a range of shelved cupboards.

Bedroom 2 13'8" x 11'8".

Bedroom 3 11'8" x 7'9".

Bedroom 4 11'4" x 10'11"

Master Bedroom ( Bedroom 5) 15'2" x 12'10" with door leading to terrace and ensuite bathroom with panelled bath, WC and pedestal wash hand basin plus walk in wardrobe. Access to loft area providing additional room/storage area.

Lot 3

Ockham cottage and farm

Ockham Cottage is situated to the north-east of Ockham Bungalow and has excellent views over its surrounding farmland. It has brick elevations under a tiled roof with night storage heating throughout. The accommodation is arranged on one floor as follows:

Entrance Lodge (north-west) with doors to:

Living Room (south-east and south-west) 17' x 16'. Door to:

Kitchen (north-east) 13'6 x 8' Double bowl stainless steel sink unit, worktops with cupboards and drawers below, walk-in cupboards and door to rear lobby with door to:

Bathroom 1 (south-east) with panelled bath, basin, WC, airing cupboard housing but water cylinder with immersion heater, connected power point and plumbing for washing machine.

Bedroom 1 (north-west) 13'3" x 11

Bedroom 2 (north-west) 13' x 11'

Bedroom 3 (north-west) 14' x 9' 9' ' with hanging and shelved cupboards.

Outside

There is a small area of garden surrounding Ockham Cottage. This is laid on the lawn.

The farm building

To the north and east of Ockham Cottage and comprises a substantial range of farm buildings.

A concrete and asbestos-clad building 90' x 80' with open fronted yard measuring

45' x 30' Part of this, 35' x 15' has been clad as a storage area.

There is a detached concrete framed Covered Yard with corrugated asbestos cladding measuring 120' x 50'

These could be used for lambing or other livestock areas

The land

The adjoining land lies to the north and east of the cottage and buildings and comprises a very attractive block of pasture with woodland belts.

The area of Lot 3 extends in all to about 63.71 Acres. ( 25.78 Hectares).

Lot 4

Land adjoining river rother

Adjoining Lot 1 comprises a block of water meadows with lake and has a long frontage to the River Rother which is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Lake. In all about 79 acres. (32.13 Hectares). (This Lot has a separate right of way access from the main road via Robertsbridge Mill).

Tenure: Freehold