A well-presented & deceptively spacious bungalow found on this idyllic country estate on the edge of Groombridge, enjoying beautiful private gardens & offering considerable further potential
Description
Dating back to the late 18th century, Leyswood Estate was originally purchased by James W. Temple, director of the Shaw Savill shipping company, who worked closely with his cousin, architect Norman Shaw, to build an imposing country house, known as Leyswood House. The property had a succession of owners following the death of James Temple and his widow in 1919, and was later occupied by the Canadian Army. Following the Second World War, a large area of Leyswood House went into disrepair and was later demolished. It is rumoured that the bricks were used to build further ancillary properties around the estate, including Little Leyswood, around the 1950s.
Little Leyswood is a much-loved, light and spacious four-bedroom bungalow in good order, whilst offering a wonderful opportunity for a new owner to put their stamp on the property moving forward.
The generous and charming open-plan sitting/dining room is of particular note, benefitting from a wood burning stove with a decorative stone surround, a large bay window overlooking the mature gardens, and French doors opening to the rear terrace and level lawn beyond. Fitted with solid pine cabinetry, the kitchen offers a good-level of storage and preparation space, together with a charming outlook to the rear. The sizeable utility room is fitted with a useful sink basin and provides space for both a washing machine and dryer.
There are four bedrooms in total, all benefitting from fitted cabinetry, offering flexible rooms that can be arranged to suit. The principal bedroom is of particular note, enjoying large proportions, an outlook to the mature gardens, and a door opening directly onto the terrace and garden beyond. The bedrooms are served by a modernised and well-appointed family bathroom, fitted with both a walk-in shower and sink basin. There is a separate WC.
The property enjoys an abundance of storage throughout, including a useful ‘pantry’ store, situated off of the hallway, together with plentiful fitted cabinetry in the hallway. There is a sizeable double garage, with a separate gardeners’ store to the rear.
Outside - The private gardens extend to approximately 1.22 acres with mature trees and shrubbery, including rhododendrons, lobelias, azaleas and redwood trees, forming an established boundary and offering a sense of seclusion. The gravelled carriage driveway provides parking for several vehicles in tandem.
Location
Little Leyswood is situated in a semi-rural position in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, accessed from long private tree-lined drive from Corseley Road, about 2 miles from the centre of Groombridge village. The drive also gives access to an enclave of properties some of which formed part of the original Victorian estate at Leyswood.
Groombridge enjoys a thriving community and local amenities include a well-regarded primary school, GP’s surgery, general store, bakery, post office, two churches and two public houses. Leisure facilities include a cricket ground, tennis club, bowls club and recreation ground with children’s play area, as well as Groombridge Place.
Further amenities are available in Tunbridge Wells (about 6.3 miles to the north) or Crowborough with a choice of supermarkets including Waitrose (about 5 miles to the south). State and private schools Groombridge (St Thomas C of E - Outstanding Ofsted), and Withyham primaries.
Preparatory schools include Holmewood House (Langton Green), Rose Hill (Tunbridge Wells), Brambletye and Michael Hall Steiner Waldorf (Forest Row). Kent grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, entry by academic performance in the 11-plus exam.
Mainline rail: Eridge (1.5 miles), London Bridge in about 60 minutes. Tunbridge Wells (5.4 miles), Charing Cross (via London Bridge and Waterloo East) and Cannon Street in under 1 hour.
Communications: M25 (junction 5) via the A21 just north of Tunbridge Wells about 17.5 miles. Gatwick airport about 21 miles via the A264. Eurotunnel at Folkestone about 50 miles.
Square Footage: 1,757 sq ft
Directions
TN3 9PH - From Eridge Railway Station, turn right on to Forge Road and continue until you reach Corseley Road. Turn left, and the entrance to Leyswood Estate will be on your left. Continue past the Gate House, and follow the driveway until the road forks into two. Keep right, and Little Leyswood will be on your left.
Additional Info
Services: Mains Water and Electricity. Oil Fired Central Heating. Private Drainage (We do not believe that the current shared system meets current regulations, buyers will need to make their own investigations).
Note: The property enjoys a right of way across the driveway leading from Corseley Road, subject to a contribution of £120.00 per annum per vehicle for maintenance.
Outgoings: Wealden District Council
