Isfield Place

East Sussex A private country estate

Isfield Place, East Sussex

Lewes 9 miles, Haywards Heath 12 miles (London Victoria 45 minutes), Gatwick and M23 (J10) 25 miles, Central London 55 miles (Distances approximate)

Features:

Grade II* listed Manor House - 4 Reception Rooms, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Billiard Room, Gun and Rod Room, Cellars, 8 Bedrooms, 5 Bath/Shower Rooms

Lovely formal gardens, Kitchen gardens, Croquet lawn, Ornamental ponds, Tennis court, Swimming pool

Stables, Game larder, Garages

Gate Lodge, Butler’s Cottage, Chapel Flat

Modern and traditional buildings - Stable yard, Sussex barn converted for entertaining, Granary, Workshop, Stock buildings, Stores, Heli-pad and helicopter hangar

Land and River - About 128 acres of arable and pasture land, About 31 acres of woodland

Double frontage onto River Ouse Renewable Energy - Weir with potential to generate hydropower

The land has been part of a wider established shoot, and there is sea and brown trout fishing on the river

In all about 187 acres (75 hectares) The Estate History Isfield Place lies in beautiful Isfield Place has great historical unspoilt rolling countryside about provenance. A roman road runs 55 miles south of London and only through the land and there are the 16 miles north of the south coast. remains of a roman bloomery in The 8 bedroom manor house is one of the fields. There is the site set in the heart of its own land of a motte and bailey adjacent and dates back to the early to the point where the roman 16th century. road forded the River Ouse. It is thought that King Harold spent the night before the Battle of Hastings Isfield Place has been refurbished at Isfield Place. Isfield Place was and improved, is surrounded subsequently owned by the De La by outstanding formal gardens Warr family until 1507 when it and supported by modern was sold to John Shurley, Cofferer and traditional farm buildings, to King Henry VII and King Henry 2 cottages and a staff flat. VIII. John Shurley built a mansion It benefits from complete to accommodate his household and privacy and security in an idyllic guests, who would have included rural setting. members of the Royal Household.

Accessed via a long gated drive and Isfield Place ranks highly amongst protected by its own land with no other local mansions and is public rights of way, it commands particularly similar to Langton magnificent unspoilt views south Place. This connection can be towards the Downs. attributed to the marriage of Thomas Shurley and Anne (the daughter of Sir Nicholas Pelham of Langton) in the mid 16th century. The high walls and watch towers of the South Wall reflect a desire to impress from all aspects.

Isfield Place was down-sized during the early 18th century but still maintained its grandeur as a comfortable gentry residence. The Estate was tenanted during the middle years of the 18th century. In the middle of the 19th century Henry King converted Isfield Place for his own occupation. King made a number of changes including the construction and restoration of the outbuildings, garden walls and substantial internal alterations. Isfield Place today represents about half of the original Tudor Mansion constructed by the Shurley family; a size and layout far more suitable for modern day living.

Sporting, Recreation and Schooling Sailing: Exceptional sailing can be found along the south coast, with marinas at Brighton, Chichester Harbour and Eastbourne.

Racing: Horse racing is at nearby Plumpton, Goodwood, Brighton, Lingfield and Fontwell.

Theatres: There are highly regarded theatres at Brighton and Chichester. The internationally renowned Glyndebourne Opera House is only about 7 miles distant.

Golf: Excellent golf courses include Piltdown, Lewes, Royal Ashdown and the East Sussex National at Little Horsted.

Schools: There are a number of sought after private schools locally including Cumnor House, Location Ashdown House, Brambletye, Isfield Place stands on a natural Haywards Heath provides regular Lewes-Uckfield road (A26) a Hurstpierpoint, Lancing, Ardingly, prominence, surrounded by the services to London (Victoria, couple of miles to the east. Roedean and Eastbourne and low-lying ancient demesne land of London Bridge and Thameslink The entrance is through imposing Brighton colleges. the Manor of Isfield, to the services) with journey times from brick gate piers with original north-west of the village of Isfield 45 minutes. Gatwick Airport lies 18th century wrought iron gates Shooting: The Estate has been and north-east of Lewes. The approximately 25 miles to the (now electronic) flanked to the part of a larger established shoot. Estate is bordered to the west by north east, as does junction 10 of north by a Gothic revival gate There is stalking for fallow, roe the River Ouse, by Lodge Wood to the M23 which links to the M25 lodge, constructed in brick and muntjac. the north and the Piltdown Road and the wider motorway network. with a tiled roof and stone to the east. Isfield has the benefit mullioned windows. Fishing: The River Ouse runs along of a community farm shop within The house is surrounded by its the western boundary, where there the village, a public house and own garden and grounds, screened Immediately past the Gate Lodge, is both single and double bank primary school. by woodland, ornamental trees the gravelled drive divides, the fishing for wild brown and sea and hedged fields. It presents present-day approach leading trout, together with coarse fishing For a wider variety of shops an imposing sight with turreted to the north of the house, as including large pike. and recreational amenities the walling and bastions. Views from established by Henry King through cosmopolitan county town of the house are south towards the an arboretum, skirting the outside Polo: Nearby polo clubs include Lewes lies about 9 miles to the South Downs. There are no public of the remaining parts of a moat, Sussex Polo Club, Hurtwood, south with the vibrant city of rights of way on the estate. now a series of ponds. The drive Knepp Castle and Cowdray Park. Brighton and Hove on the south continues through the grounds and coast beyond. Uckfield, Haywards Isfield Place is approached from under an arch in the stable block, Heath and Royal Tunbridge Wells the road leading north from culminating in a circular, gravelled are also within easy reach. Isfield village towards Piltdown turning area with a central grass and Fletching, with the main island and ancient clipped yew tree.

The dining room is also dual aspect The lobby off the reception hall with an open fireplace with ornately gives access to the gun and rod room carved timber mantel and over and the garden lobby,with a door mantel. In the full height panelled to the garden and a cloakroom. The walls there is a door and stairs billiard room is also accessed from down to the cellar which has wine the lobby and has a glazed atrium, bins, some of which are original, panelled walls with Delft tiles and a and houses the oil fired boiler. stove set within an ornately carved panelled alcove. A drinks cupboard The kitchen and open plan is set into the panelling. Next door breakfast area have spectacular there is a cloakroom with timber views across the formal gardens. double doors which are the original A glazed door leads from the front door. breakfast area out to a terrace overlooking the formal garden, From the reception hall the staircase ideal for eating and entertaining with elegant turned spindles and in warmer months. hardwood banisters rises to the spacious first floor landing. The kitchen is bespoke with built-in fitted kitchen units designed and On the first floor there is a master constructed by Silver Lining and bedroom suite with dual aspect includes Gaggenau steaming and and an open fireplace, en-suite electric oven, warming drawer, bathroom and dressing room, and 5 gas hobs, integrated microwave a second en-suite shower room. and dishwasher, 5-door electrical A study / second dressing room is AGA including 2 hobs and off the shower room (also accessed warming plate, large stainless steel from the landing). sink, granite worktop. An Island with stainless steel sink, granite There is a second guest bedroom side tables and 2 x Liebherr drawer with en suite bathroom on this fridges. The breakfast area has as floor, and a separate cloakroom. open fire and an integrated sub-zero Isfield Place wine fridge, compartmentalised for The rest of the first floor was Isfield Place is a large three-storey south-east of the present house with an open fireplace. Doors red and white wine and Liebherr originally laid out as three house, incorporating part of the (and possibly the two shorter from the hall lead to the main fridge. Beyond there is a Walk-in bedrooms and two bathrooms. 16th-century mansion of the rectangular stretches of water ten reception rooms and kitchen and larder with Daikin cooler unit. This sizeable space now has Shurley family. The main portion metres to the north and north-east the principal staircase rises to the planning permission to convert it is early-17th-century with a of the house, adjacent to the stable) first floor. There is an open passage leading into a large third suite with bedroom 19th-century wing on the north indicate that the 16th-century from the back door to the and bathroom. The space has been east. It is built of red brick with house was at least partly moated. The drawing room is dual aspect reception hall with doors off to the cleared in preparation for works. a tiled roof, stone eaves, cornices with oak panelled walls, shuttered scullery (with door to the garden), and casement windows with A magnificent brick porch with windows and an open fireplace with and utility room with drying Two staircases with elegant turned stone mullions and small square flagstone floor, stone arch and an unusual ornate carved timber cupboards, washing machine and spindles and hardwood banisters panes. Ground floor windows heavy timber double door is the mantelpiece and surround. French dryer, fridge freezer, and integrated rise to the second floor where have obtusely pointed heads. Its main entrance to the house. windows open onto paved terraces Gaggenau dishwasher and there are five bedrooms and two principal elevation now faces north and formal gardens beyond. There Liebherr fridge. bathrooms, as well as two useful over the forecourt but it is likely On the ground floor there is an is a door to the study which has full store rooms. There are a total of that the mansion originally faced entrance hall with a flagstone floor height panelled walls. eight bedrooms and five bathrooms west. The relic moat arm to the leading into a large reception hall in the house. Floorplans for Isfield Place, Isfield

Approx gross internal area*: House: 925 sq m = 9,956 sq ft Lodge: 87.7 sq m = 944 sq ft Chapel Flat: 99.7 sq m = 1,073 sq ft The Cottage: 113.3 sq m = 1,219 sq ft

Illustration for identification purposes only. Not to scale.

* As defined by RICS – Code of Measuring Practice.

First Floor

Ground Floor

Lower Ground Floor Second Floor Gardens & Grounds Gardens laid in a diamond pattern. These Isfield Place has a formal formal gardens are surrounded compartmentalised garden, laid by informal lawns studded with out from the late 19th century mature trees on the west, north- to the west and south of the west and north-east and by the house, although there are several kitchen garden on the east. surviving elements of garden and landscape features from the 16th The drawing room windows on century onwards. Henry King was the south side of the house open responsible for restoring outhouses onto a wide crazy paving stone and garden walls and laid out a path bordered by plants and formal walled garden. shrubs, leading to a seating area enclosed by the ivy-clad ruins of In the early 20th century the the mansion walls to the west, enclosed gardens to the west and into the topiary garden in the and south of the house were east. An assortment of mature transformed into an Arts and clipped yew trees border York Crafts style “garden of rooms”. stone paths in the Topiary Garden which is enclosed by low yew At the front of the house is a hedges clipped into round shapes. circular gravelled drive surrounding A rectangular stone lily pond with an impressive yew tree on a circular fountains at each end is the central lawn. A series of interlinking ponds feature, and a grass path to the are evidence of the old moat and south gives access to viewing points now provide a habitat for the in the bastion wall. resident ducks and geese. To the west of the house is a To the west of the house is an sunken rose garden with wide, expanse of lawn with a pretty crazy paving stone paths, a stone octagonal brick Summerhouse plinth and armillary sphere. A door under a thatched roof. Beyond leads into the Drawing Room, are lawns studded with lime and above which is an ornately carved oak trees which dominate these Shurley family coat of arms and informal gardens and lead to the architrave dating from 1600. ‘Orchard Garden’ with a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees. To the south of the rose garden is the blue garden planted with a The gardens to the south and west camomile lawn. This has a recently of the house comprise a series of restored central pond with water formal compartments divided by features designed by David Harber. mellow red brick wisteria clad walls or clipped yew hedges, all The Kitchen Gardens are beyond contained by the bastioned and the walls of the formal gardens turreted walls of the demolished where there are various beds, a 16th-century mansion. The greenhouse and espalier fruit trees. brickwork of the walls is in English bond (alternate rows of Below the formal garden to the headers and stretchers) with some south, a further expanse of lawn, Cottages and Outbuildings known as the Archery Lawn, and lighting. Where the garden To the east are further traditional runs down to a ha-ha, forming wall abuts the west watchtower, buildings including a Byre which the garden boundary. The ha-ha an arch cut in a high yew hedge, is now a workshop, garden rooms is bordered on the north by three which joins the croquet and archery and apple store. Further portions spaced yews planted on mounds lawns, gives onto rough grass with of the building include another with fields beyond. daffodils and an ancient beech tree. store and a room housing the swimming pool plant equipment. Watchtowers Swimming Pool, Croquet lawn A two storey, octagonal, castellated and Tennis Court An Oast House to the east of watchtower, sits at the south end Between the Topiary Garden and the main house now forms of the garden wall, incorporated the Oast, there is an outdoor covered parking for two cars, into the garden design in the 19th heated swimming pool with diving an area for fuel storage and an century. There is a second turret board, electrically operated cover oil tank. A further storage area dated 1880 with a flag pole at and flagstone surround. The pool and three rooms on the first floor the western end of the wall. Both is screened from the garden are accessed via a timber open watchtowers have wooden doors by further clipped yew hedges. tread stair. Planning permission and circular stone steps to the A lavender and rose bordered path (WD/2006/3151/F) was granted informal gardens, and have internal leads from the pool to the house. in 2006 (now lapsed) for access to the roofs providing “Rehabilitation of two-storey magnificent views over the house To the west side of the rose garden former Oast house to form and formal gardens. The western steps lead down to a croquet lawn 3 bedroomed guest accommodation watch tower has an upper wood and an all-weather tennis court, and ancillary facilities.” panelled room with power points screened by a high clipped yew hedge. Chapel Chapel On the ground floor are some magnificent Victorian Stables (currently used for storage) in immaculate condition including original partitions, tiling, mangers and a feed shoot. On the first floor is a self-contained flat with a Sitting Room, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen/Breakfast Room (fitted units, larder and Belfast sink, oven), and Bathroom (WC, basin, panelled bath).

Butler’s Cottage A two storey cottage including a Kitchen/Breakfast Room, (wood burning stove, built-in fridge/ freezer, oven, Belfast sink), Shower Room (WC, basin, shower), Sitting Room, 3 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom (WC, panelled bath, basin) and an enclosed terraced garden.

Coach House Butler’s Cottage Large open plan coach house with 3 large doors. There is an adjacent store room and Tack Room with original display cabinet.

Game Larder Stainless steel sink, drainage board, large walk-in chiller. Lobby with freezer and door to external and WC with basin.

Kennels x 2 with runs.

Well House Brick outhouse with well (potable water). The Lodge Located at the main entrance to Isfield Lodge The Cottage Isfield Place is an attractive single storey lodge cottage constructed of brick under a tiled roof. Accommodation briefly comprises: Entrance Hall, Kitchen with built- in appliances, Hallway, Sitting Room, Conservatory, 2 Bedrooms First Floor and a Shower Room. Outside a gravel driveway leads from the main drive to a single timber garage and garden shed to the rear. The conservatory leads to a pretty patio area beyond which is a lawned garden with Beech and Yew Ground Floor hedging and Apple and Pear trees.

Chapel Flat

Ground Floor

First Floor Isfield Place Farm Modern Farm Buildings Farm Buildings - Located to the The modern farm buildings include: Immediately to the west of the north of Isfield Place are a range • A fully enclosed 5-bay steel farm buildings grass paddocks of modern and traditional farm frame helicopter hangar with are enclosed by wooden post and buildings which are accessed via a remotely operated roller rail fences. Further west and to separate farm drive from the public shutter doors. the north and south of the house highway. In reference to the block • A concrete framed 5-bay barn the hedged field boundaries can plan, the farm buildings comprise: for hay and grain storage. be seen, interspersed with trees as • A steel framed 5-bay livestock denoted on 18th century maps, Granary - A two storey detached shed with central feed passage. still largely used for pasture and building of brick under a tiled roof, • Concrete framed livestock shed agricultural land. previously having planning consent with lean-to timber store. (now lapsed) for a 2 bedroom • Pole barn. From the house the land drops away estate worker’s cottage. • There is an ample concrete to the south and west. There are yard area and hard standing superb views to Firle Beacon on the Stables - An L-shaped brick and for machinery. South Downs. The attractive parish timber stable building under a tiled church of St Margaret’s (not owned) roof with 5 loose boxes, a farm Land and Woodland lies towards the south, to the west office/kitchen and ladies and gents Isfield Place is surrounded by of which is a Motte and Bailey site wc to serve the adjacent Sussex its own land, which undulates giving evidence of early settlement. Party Barn. There is also an open over the northern half of the fronted pole barn which provides estate providing an exceptionally The River Ouse forms the western 2 further loose boxes and attractive environment for sporting boundary, and provides excellent Granary feed area. and recreational activities, double and single bank fishing, with areas of mixed deciduous including sea trout. The land Sussex/Party Barn - A substantial woodland and an impressive Lime is certified organic by the Soil detached timber framed barn with Avenue running north from the Association. The current owners thatched roof and catslide to the main house. carry out a mixed farming enterprise rear. Inside, the barn has been with some arable crops, a herd of converted into a large open plan pedigree Sussex Cattle, a small flock area with a wealth of exposed of sheep and Large Black pigs. original timbers and a separate area with further potential to develop.

There are 2 sets of double glazed doors leading to 2 paved terraces and a wishing well, overlooking a paddock and the Lime Avenue.

Workshop - Within the stable yard area there is a fully enclosed steel framed building with dual doors, mezzanine storage and a secure tool shed.

Sussex / Party Barn Easements, Wayleaves and Rights Postcode: TN22 5XR of Way: The Estate will be sold subject to and with the benefit of EPC’s: all existing rights, both public and Isfield Place – Band F private, including rights of way, Chapel Flat – Band E supply, drainage, water, electricity Gate Lodge – Band F supplies and other rights, covenants, Butler’s Cottage – Band E restrictions and obligations, quasi-easements and all wayleaves, Copies of the Energy Performance whether referred to or not. There Certificates are available are no public Rights of Way on upon request. the Estate. Directions VAT: Any guide prices quoted or From the M25, junction 7, take discussed are exclusive of VAT. In the M23 south. Leave the M23 the event of a sale of the Estate or at junction 10 and take the A264 any part of it, or any right attached east, signposted East Grinstead. to it becoming a chargeable supply At East Grinstead take the A22 Hydropower for the purposes of VAT, such tax south towards Uckfield. Join the There is an impressive Victorian Basic Payment: The Basic Payment Employees: Where appropriate, will be paid for in addition to the A26 at Uckfield and continue weir due west of Isfield Place, for the current year will be retained the Purchaser(s) will be responsible purchase price. south. Pass through Little Horsted on the River Ouse, which has by the Vendors. The Vendors will for complying with the statutory and after approximately ½ mile potential to harness the natural use their reasonable endeavours provisions of the Transfer of A small area including the Farm turn right into Horsted Lane. After energy produced by the flow of to support the transfer any Basic Undertakings (Protection of Buildings was opted to tax another ½ mile turn right onto the river. A feasibility study has Payment entitlements to the Employees) Regulations (TUPE) in for VAT. Therefore a relevant Station Road, past the former been carried out on the potential to Purchaser with effect from the date relation to employees on the Estate. apportioned element of the sale railway station. The entrance to generate hydropower via the weir. of completion. The Purchaser will Further details are available from price will be subject to VAT at the Isfield Place can be found after Two options are proposed, both indemnify the seller in respects of all the vendors’ agents. standard rate. approximately 1 mile on the left of which would generate ample action, costs, claims and demands in hand side. electricity to power Isfield Place and respect of any failure on the part of Services: Mains electricity and a surplus of power to export to the the Purchaser to comply with cross water, private drainage system and Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the national grid. Further details are compliance requirements in respect oil fired central heating. permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright (ES763454). NOT TO SCALE available from the vendors’ agents. of the current year. Main water – Single meter. Spring water – Used for livestock. General Remarks and Stipulations Tenure and Possession: 3 phase electricity – To farm Planning: The following buildings The freehold of the Estate is being buildings. are Listed: offered for sale, with vacant Gas – LPG tank (house). Isfield Place - Grade II* possession on completion. Drainage – Private septic tank. The Oast House to the east of Gate Lodge has a separate system. Isfield Place - Grade II Sporting, Timber and Minerals: Heating – Oil fired central heating. Isfield Place Stable and Gateway to the north All sporting rights, standing timber of Isfield Place Butler’s Cottage, and minerals are included so far as Fixtures and Fittings: All carpets, archway and Chapel Flat - Grade II they are owned. curtains, blinds, light fittings, Sussex Barn - Grade II garden furniture, garden statutory Plans, area and schedules: and electrical appliances are The plans and associated acreages specifically excluded from the sale. have been prepared for illustrative These items are available subject to purposes and their accuracy cannot separate negotiation. be guaranteed.

Strutt & Parker London 13 Hill Street, London W1J 5LQ

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IMPORTANT NOTICE Strutt & Parker LLP gives notice that: 1. These particulars do not constitute an offer or contract or part thereof. 2. All descriptions, photographs and plans are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. All measurements are approximate and not necessarily to scale. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves of the correctness of the information within the particulars by inspection or otherwise. 3. Strutt & Parker LLP does not have any authority to give any representations or warranties whatsoever in relation to this property (including but not limited to planning/building regulations), nor can it enter into any contract on behalf of the Vendor. 4. Strutt & Parker LLP does not accept responsibility for any expenses incurred by prospective purchasers in inspecting properties which have been sold, let or withdrawn. 5. If there is anything of particular importance to you, please contact this office and Strutt & Parker will try to have the information checked for you. Photographs taken May 2014. Particulars prepared August 2015.