Kingswood Manor Stubbs Lane | Lower Kingswood | KT20 7AJ Seller Insight

The much sought after village of Lower Kingswood is a place where one can truly enjoy the very best of both worlds. To the north and west lies Banstead Common, to the east is mile upon mile of rolling green fields and to the south lie Reigate Hill and Colley Hill, both of which enjoy breathtaking views over the North Downs. However being located just twenty miles south of London, the village also benefits from excellent transport links that provide direct access into the city centre.

Situated on the edge of the village is Kingswood Manor, a magnificent estate that is enveloped by around nine acres of stunning grounds. It was purchased by the current owners in 1996 and has been a much loved family home ever since. “It wasn’t only the sheer grandeur of the manor that initially attracted us, but also the wonderful amount of space that could comfortably accommodate our large family,” says the owner. “On the first floor we have seven very generously proportioned bedrooms, but there are another ten at the top of the house. We love to entertain, and here we’ve had all the space to do that and to accommodate any visiting family or friends. It’s been wonderful.”

“The house was built in 1895 and retains a wealth of gorgeous original features and has a very traditional look throughout. Over the years we’ve made a few cosmetic changes here and there and we enlarged to kitchen to make it more conducive to modern family life, but apart from that the layout is very much it would have been when it was originally designed and it’s hugely characterful.”

The main house is set well back from the road and the nine acres of beautiful grounds are bordered by an array of mature trees, giving the whole property a superb degree of privacy. “The grounds are really beautiful,” says the owner, “and have provided a stunning backdrop to the many social events that we have hosted over the years. There are formal areas and open spaces that have a more natural feel, and throughout there is a wonderful feeling of peaceful seclusion.”

“I love the morning room,” says the owner. “It’s very large but it has a real warmth to it, both atmospheric and physical, and the lovely big windows not only allow the sunlight to stream in, but they also provide the most beautiful view of the garden.”

“Kingswood is a lovely village and we’re surrounded by all of this greenery,” says the owner, “and yet we benefit from such easy access into the city centre. For us as a family the location has been absolutely ideal. Within the grounds we also have a cottage, a bungalow and a two-bedroom apartment above the garage,” says the owner. “All are set away from the main house and both the cottage and the bungalow have their own gardens. We’ve generally rented them out over the years, but they could be excellent accommodation for elderly relatives, teens or even a nanny.”

“Furthermore we have been approached on numerous occasions by movie producers looking for film locations – Mel Smiths’ movie High Heels and Low Life was actually filmed here.”

“It’s the size and the flexibility of the accommodation within the house that I think I’ll miss most when we leave,” says the owner. “It’s been a wonderful home for the past twenty-one years and we’ve enjoyed being able to share it with family and friends.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Step inside Kingswood Manor

Driving through the gates of Kingswood Manor you immediately sense something special, you’d be in good company if you found yourself wondering who has gone before you – what house guests or former owners have visited or resided in such a grand estate. The house is believed to have been built towards the end of the 19th century and is set in approximately nine acres of private grounds, together with a number of out-buildings/cottages. The striking architecture of Kingswood Manor forms the centrepiece to this private estate accessed by a sweeping driveway through picturesque grounds whilst elsewhere there are two further entrances situated on Stubbs Lane.

Kingswood Manor was built by Edward Penfold circa 1895, and has reputedly been owned by the Sultan of Brunei. Like so many period estates the main house is in need of some restoration yet the potential is clear to see as the house retains its elegant charm with superb features such as; open fireplaces, a grand oak staircase, beautiful oak floors, wood panelling, high ceilings and ornate architraves. As well as approximately nine acres of private grounds there is also a detached three bedroom cottage originally the chauffeurs and maids living accommodation; a detached bungalow and a triple garage originally for the horse and carriage. There is a separate apartment over the garages and a beautiful Victorian pavilion overlooking the currently disused tennis court. The apartment and cottage are currently let out on assured shorthold tenancies but vacant possession can be arranged should it be required.

The grounds are plentiful and again pose the question of additional use for this wonderful estate. The property is expected to attract a range of buyers, some looking for a family home with fantastic potential, others looking for that elusive country estate closer to London or of course developers looking to create something different s.t.p.p, a fabulous hotel or spa perhaps?

Viewings strictly via the vendors agents Fine & Country on 01737 361014.

Kingswood coat of arms Property at a Glance

• Circa 9 Acres • Manor House – 11656 Sq Ft • Garages – 845 Sq Ft • Bungalow – 1756 Sq Ft • Cottage – 1237 Sq Ft • Sheds – 154 Sq Ft • Pavilion – 269 Sq Ft • Flat – 597 Sq Ft • Total – 16514 Sq Ft

Main House Seven Bedrooms Seven Reception Rooms Six Bath/Shower Rooms Study Cellar Thirteen Loft Rooms Impressive Oak Staircase Oak Wood Panelling Oak Wood Floor High Ceilings Fabulous Fireplaces

Bungalow Three Bedrooms Open-Plan Lounge/Dining Room Two Bath/Shower Rooms Cellar

Cottage Three Bedrooms Two Reception Rooms One Bath/Shower Room Private Garden Triple Garage

Apartment Two Bedrooms One Reception Room One Bath/Shower Room

Three Gated Entrances Tennis Court with Pavilion

Setting

Kingswood Manor is located within a short drive of Reigate town centre and railway station, also nearby are Kingswood, Banstead and Tadworth villages. Locally there is a good choice of state and independent schools including Reigate Grammar, Dunottar, Royal Alexandra and Albert, St Bede’s, Chinthurst, Aberdour, Kingswood and Tadworth primaries. The M25 is accessed via Junction 8 1.7 miles to the south providing connections to the wider motorway network, whilst for the frequent flyer both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are within reach.

For the golf enthusiasts, there are four world-renowned golf clubs, Walton Heath, Kingswood Golf and Country club, Surrey Downs and the RAC golf club all close by. Horse Riding schools and stabling can be found in Kingswood, Chipstead, Tadworth and Walton on the Hill. For those who prefer rackets, there is Kingswood Tennis Club.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright © 2017 Fine & Country Ltd. Steven Brown trading as Fine & Country Kingswood. Printed Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1737 361014 [email protected] The Estate Office, Woodland Way, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6HS